David Miliband

Tagliavini report on the Georgia-Russia conflict

Last week’s publication of the Tagliavini report on the Georgia-Russia conflict is another reminder of the importance of conflict prevention. There are lessons to be learned. The international community should ensure international mechanisms (such as the Geneva process) contribute to solutions, that all parties meet their obligations and, crucially, that those who have committed human rights abuses are brought to justice.

But there are still many issues that need to be resolved. Russia needs to use its influence to allow access for humanitarian organisations and international observers to South Ossetia and Abkhazia – EU monitors are still being barred. And internally displaced persons must be allowed to return home – over 30,000 are still unable to.

To progress, we also need to build confidence between the parties. That is why I applaud the success of  a package of joint Russia-UK-Georgia over-flight missions that was completed last week under the auspices of the Open Skies Treaty (a military treaty unrelated to commercial Open Skies arrangements). These flights showed that progress can be made on arms control treaties even amidst the most trying circumstances. It is testament to the professionalism not just of British forces, but of their Georgian and Russian counterparts, that the missions went so smoothly.

Posted at 17:20 08 October 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[2]