Russia, OSCE Won't Jointly Investigate Bombings of Georgia - 30 August, 2002

According to the press service of the UN Association in Georgia, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) opposes Russia's participation in the investigation of the August 23 bombing attacks on Georgian territory. In turn, Russia is against the OSCE's participation in it. While speaking on air in a Rustavi-2 TV program, Giga Barduli, the representative of Georgia at the OSCE, said Russia had harshly criticised the OSCE's monitoring group working at the Russian-Georgian border and opposed the participation of the organisation in the investigation. Mr. Burduli said consultation concerning the matter continued. At the OSCE session on August 28, Georgia was the one to suggest the creation of the tri-lateral OSCE-Georgian-Russian commission.

According to the latest reports, one civilian died and seven were wounded during the bombing attack on Georgian territory that occurred early on August 23. The Ministry of Defence of Russia categorically denies any Russian involvement in it. In the meantime, Nugzar Gabrichidze, the Attorney General of Georgia, has asked Vladimir Ustinov, his Russian colleague, to investigate the origin of the bombers and on whose authority the bombs were dropped.