To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to ensure the continuation of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's mission to Georgia. (282163)

We lobbied Russia several times before the first suspension of negotiations over the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Georgia in December 2008. In response to the Greek Chairmanship's proposal to revive negotiations, the UK accepted in principle a compromise text that met many of Russia's key concerns. Despite the efforts of the Greek chairmanship, Russia decided to block the renewal of the mandate. Russia's counter-proposals were unacceptable to the other participating states in the OSCE.

The UK has begun discussions with our partners at the OSCE to ensure a continued OSCE presence in Georgia and the separatist regions, building on the work previously done by the monitoring mission. We remain keen for the OSCE's expertise in human rights and democratisation to be used towards peace and stability in Georgia. Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on 18 June 2009 that it did not want to see the OSCE leave the region definitively. We will urge Russia to stick to this assertion and participate constructively in talks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had in the Council of Ministers of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the continuation of the OSCE mission in Georgia after 30 June 2009; and if he will make a statement. (281963)

Despite the admirable efforts of the Greek chairmanship to reach a compromise, we deeply regret Russia’s decision to block the renewal of the mandate for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Georgia, which is now due to close on 30 June 2009.

Russia refused to agree to terms which were acceptable to all 55 of the other OSCE participating states, and insisted that OSCE monitors could not have full freedom of movement. This development, together with Russia’s decision on 16 June 2009 to veto a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia, undermines our continuing efforts to find a peaceful political resolution to the conflict in Georgia and to support the humanitarian needs of those affected by conflict.

We, together with our OSCE partners, will look for alternative ways for the OSCE to engage in Georgia and the separatist regions which continue to respect Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge Russia to respond constructively.