MOSCOW. Nov 9 (Interfax-AVN) - All illegal armed units have to be withdrawn from the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone by November 20, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported citing agreements that were reached between Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity in Sochi on November 5.
The meeting was attended by Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Loshchinin.
"Serious work and constructive positions of the participants in the meeting have resulted in signing an important document. It imposes a cease-fire in the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone and bans any military actions. This is backed by the parties' demilitarization obligations. Only peacekeepers will stay there. All illegal armed units have to be withdrawn. The deadline is November 20," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Thus, "all essential conditions for resuming negotiations on a comprehensive political settlement of the conflict have been set up," it said.
"The document also stipulates the need to carry out joint economic projects. Fundamentally important is also the fact that the statement has been signed by the Georgian prime minister and the president of South Ossetia, which means the top level. The leaders of the two sides, displaying wisdom and great responsibility, have undertaken practical commitments to reach a settlement only by peaceful means. Russia is confident that these commitments will be honored," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.