Statement by GUAM Member States regarding the referendum planned in the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia

The GUAM Member States express their concern over the “referendum” and “presidential elections” scheduled in the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia, on November 12, 2006.

Holding of the “referendum” and “presidential elections” will hamper the negotiation process aimed at comprehensive resolution of the conflict, runs contrary to the standards and values of democracy, rule of law and human rights and, thus, shall have no legal effect whatsoever and their results shall be considered as null and void. Any kind of voting in the conflict area shall be carried out in accordance with the legislation of Georgia and with direct participation of the entire population of the region.

The GUAM Member States underline that any support or calls for support to the so-called “referendum” and “presidential elections” contradict the universally recognized norms and principles of international law pertaining to the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, inviolability of borders and inadmissibility of interference in their internal affairs. Such acts of destructive character are directed against the peace process and designed to impose a fait accompli situation and to mislead the population of the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia.

The GUAM Member States strongly condemn the acts that contradict the spirit, provisions and principles of the documents signed by the parties involved in the conflict resolution process.

The GUAM Member States call on all the Member States of the Council of Europe and other international organizations to use their influence to resume the substantial negotiations of the de-facto leaders of the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia, with the Georgian Government to find a peaceful, internationally accepted solution, based on recognition of the territorial integrity of Georgia. In this regard, the GUAM Member States support the position of Mr. Terry Davis, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe expressed on this issue.