Decision of the Council of the Heads of States of CIS of 19 January, 1996

Unofficial translation

The Council of the Heads of States of CIS, declaring its full support to the efforts of the UN and the Russian Federation to achieve all-encompassing political settlement of the conflict,

Noting that the sides mainly comply with the Agreement on ceasefire and separation of forces of 14 May 1994, with assistance of the Collective Peacekeeping Forces in the zone of conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia and the UN military observers,

Expressing, simultaneously, deep concern by inability to regulate the political and humanitarian problems borne by the conflict,

Noting the provisions of the Memorandum on keeping peace and stability in CIS of 10 February 1995 (Almaty) and a Statement of the Heads of States of 26 May 1995 (Minsk)

Affirming their obligations deriving from these documents, not to support the separatist regimes, not to establish political, economic and other links, not to support them in economic, financial, military and other terms,

Noting in this connection the need to accept a complex of measures to exert influence on Abkhaz side,

Acting in accordance with the UN Charter,

DECIDES,

1. To condemn destructive position of the Abkhaz side setting obstacles to achieving mutually acceptable agreements on political settlement of the conflict, secure dignified return of the refugees and IDPs to places of their permanent residence.

2. Council of the Heads of States expects from the Sides to achieve, as soon as possible, considerable results in talks with mediation of the Russian Federation, especially in political matters and in finding solution to the problem of refugees and IDPs.

3. States-members of CIS will prevent sale or supply in the zone of conflict by their citizens or from their territories or through use of vessels or airplanes flying their flag, of the arms, relevant technical devices of all types and spare parts, ammunition, military transports and equipment.

4. States-members will prohibit:

a) Offering to Abkhaz side by the legal and physical persons resident on their territories of any technical consultations, assistance or services in preparing the military cadre and on other matters covered by article 3.

b) Involving or employing persons permanently residing on the territory controlled by the Abkhaz side into military service of the states-members of the CIS.

5. States members will take measures to:

a) Prevent recruitment of their citizens and their sending to the zone of conflict for participation in any military entities existing there;

b) Ensure return [home] of the citizens of the states-members of CIS, currently serving in the military entities of Abkhazia.

c) Recall all their officials, representatives or citizens currently on the territory controlled by the Abkhaz authorities, who assist these authorities in military matters.

6. Affirming that Abkhazia is an inalienable part of Georgia, states-members to CIS without the agreement of  the government of Georgia will not:

a) Implement trade-economic, financial, transport or other operations with authorities of the Abkhaz side;

b) Enter into official contacts with the representatives or officials of the official structures existing on the territory of Abkhazia, or the military units created therein.

7. States-members of CIS will not allow functioning on their territories of the representations of the authorities of the Abkhaz side, as well as persons officially representing these authorities.

8. Being driven by the desire to achieve full-scale regulation of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia and, first of all, immediate, unconditional and dignified return of all refugees and IDPs to places of their permanent residence, the states-members of the CIS call upon the UN Security Council to support the measures taken by the states-members of the CIS to exert influence on authorities of the Abkhaz side and to recommend all states-members of the UN to accede to these measures.

This Decision enters into force upon the day of signing.

Done in Moscow on 19 January, 1996 in one Russian-language original. The original is deposited at the Executive Secretariat of the CIS, verified copy sent to signatories.

Signed:
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Russian Federation
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
Ukraine