EU forces need corresponding UN mandate to take part in peacemaking operation in Abkhazia

The forces of the European Union must have a corresponding mandate given by the UN in order that they can take part in the peacemaking operation in Abkhazia. The EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana, stated it at a press conference in Tbilisi on January 15.

"If the UN Security Council makes a corresponding decision, we will do our share in this direction," Mr. Solana said, answering journalists' questions on the European Union's possible participation in the resolution of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict.
The EU High Representative for CFSF told journalists he was satisfied with the meetings he had had with the new Georgian leadership.

Javier Solana arrived in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, late in the evening of January 14.
On January 15, he met with Georgian President elect Mikhail Saakashvili, Acting Georgian President Nino Burdjanadze, and State Minister Zurab Zhvania.

As reported by the European Commission's Delegation to Georgia, the aim of Javier Solana's visit is to consolidate contacts with the new leaders of Georgia and to confirm the EU's support to this country.