OSCE wants bigger role after Caucasus war
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is trying to persuade Russia that its mandate in the zone of the Georgia-South Ossetia conflict should be extended.
OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut of France has met with the Georgian Foreign Minister in Tbilisi.
The original mandate, created to monitor and promote peaceful negotiations in Georgia and around its borders, expires in February 2009.
Tbilisi has indicated that it would like to see an OSCE mission not only in Tskhinvali, South Ossetia, but also in Abkhazia – the other former Georgian republic.
Russia opposes Tbilisi’s plans as it has recognised South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.
After meeting the Georgian Foreign Minister in Tbilisi, the OSCE Secretary General said he hoped agreement could be reached.
