Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli presented at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on October 27 a plan of action – objectives and steps – the Georgian authorities intend to undertake to foster South Ossetian conflict resolution in the coming months and in 2006.

The Georgian government’s major objectives and steps for 2005 are:

• Introduction of a new negotiating format for South Ossetia with participation of OSCE, EU, U.S. and Russia;
• Ensure support for a settlement plan at Ljubljana OSCE Ministerial Council in December;
• Adoption of a law on restitution;
• Encourage direct contacts with Ossetian NGO’s;
• Ensure direct Georgian-South Ossetian dialogue through regular meetings with South Ossetian leaders;
• Promote a political settlement based on the Baden Package – a document agreed in July 2000 - on the basic principles of political and legal relations between the parties to the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, which respect to the territorial integrity of Georgia.

The plan of action for the next year is as follows, according to the presentation delivered by the Georgian PM at the OSCE Permanent Council:

• To start talks in frames of a new negotiating format;
• Begin talks over border control, including the Roki Tunnel;
• Ensure the demilitarization process in the region;
• Ensure the implementation of restitution law;
• Create a joint rehabilitation fund with the participation of OSCE, EU, U.S. Russia etc.
• Begin talks to create a free-trade zone the region;
• Distribute pensions in the region;
• Establish a joint commission to begin investigation of crimes committed during the 1991-92 conflict;
• Reinforce Ossetian culture through various celebrations and public holidays;
• Conclude an agreement on South Ossetia’s status;
• Create a joint body to secure the implementation of the agreement.

Zurab Nogaideli arrived in Vienna after visiting the United States on October 21-26. According to the Georgian PM’s press office, the U.S. has expressed its full support for Georgia’s peace initiative in respect to South Ossetia.