23:52, 30 December 2004

No meeting between Zhvania and Kokoity

The informal meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and leader of the breakaway republic of South Osetia Eduard Kokoity that was much expected has not taken place. Mr Zhvania told journalists that "Mr Kokoity has a habit of changing plans at the last moment". Zhvania and Kokoity were expected to discuss implementation of the Sochi agreements on demilitarization of the conflict zone and the problem of free transportation of goods in South Osetia. The Osetian side has already issued serious statements during a session in Tbilisi that the Georgian side violates the agreements on demilitarization, which is displayed in the creation of new unauthorized posts and opening of camps for reservists in the conflict zone. These issues were to be considered during the supposed meeting between President Kokoity and Prime Minister Zhvania.

Meanwhile, a Caucasian Knot correspondent has been told at the South Osetian Ministry for Special Affairs that the date of the meeting in Tskhinvali was announced arbitrarily, without preliminary agreement.