Kofi Annan: Resolving Abkhaz Conflict Remains ?Painfully Slow?

In a report released on January 19 UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says that progress in resolving the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict remains “painfully slow,” the UN news centre reported.

Kofi Annan appealed to the Abkhaz side to abandon its ?uncompromising position? and negotiate a settlement with the Georgia?s new government.

“I once again appeal to the Abkhaz side to abandon its uncompromising position and take advantage of the change of leadership in Tbilisi [the Georgian capital] to negotiate a mutually acceptable and lasting settlement,” he adds.

UN Secretary-General says that the presence of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) continues ?to be critical to maintaining stability along the ceasefire lines between Georgian and Abkhaz separatist forces in north western Georgia,? Kofi Annan calls for a further a six-month extension of the 10-year-old mission until 31 July.

Kofi Annan also notes that 10 members of a projected 20-strong UNOMIG civil police component have already taken up their assignment in the Zugdidi sector, but the deployment of the rest has been delayed after the de facto Abkhaz parliament objected. 

But the deployment of the rest has been delayed after the de facto Abkhaz parliament objected.

Secretary-General?s Special Representative for Georgia, Heidi Tagliavini, traveled to Gali on January 19 to chair the second meeting between the sides on security in the Gali district. The meeting involved discussion of ways to improve the effectiveness of security mechanisms in the zone of conflict.