BAN CONDEMNS BOMBINGS IN ABKHAZ AND GEORGIAN TERRITORY

BAN CONDEMNS BOMBINGS IN ABKHAZ AND GEORGIAN TERRITORY New York, Jul 7 2008 2:00PM United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned a series of bombings that have left four dead and 16 wounded in Abkhaz-controlled territory as well as in the immediate vicinity of the ceasefire line on Georgian-controlled territory.

The bombings in Abkhaz-controlled territory took place in the cities of Gagra, Sukhumi and Gali.

According to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3280">statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said that the victims of the bombings were mostly civilians, and added that among the dead was a national staff member of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unomig/index.html">UNOMIG), while another UNOMIG staffer had been wounded.

The Secretary-General called for an immediate and thorough investigation of the incidents and for those responsible to be brought to justice, and noted that the bombings had taken place against a background of a sharp increase in tension in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict.

Mr. Ban also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to refrain from violence and to work together in search of a peaceful and lasting settlement.

Since 1993 UNOMIG has been verifying compliance with a cessation of hostilities and separation of forces accord following the armed conflict between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides.
2008-07-07 00:00:00.000

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