In thier speeches at the OSCE summit in Astana on December 1, British Deputy PM, German Chancellor and Swedish Foreign Minister called for restoration of OSCE mission in Georgia, which was closed down 18 months ago, after Russia vetoed extension of its mandate.

Similar call for restoration of the OSCE presence in Georgia was also voiced at the summit by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Reiterating Berlin's support to Georgia's territorial integrity, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was very much in favor of OSCE presence on the entire territory of Georgia.

British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told the summit that re-establishing of OSCE mission in Georgia "is a matter of urgency." 

He also said that Russia "must meet its ceasefire commitments and withdraw its troops from Abkhazia and South Ossetia."

"The UK, like the vast majority of states represented here, unequivocally recognises Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally-recognised borders," he said and added that President Saakashvili's non-use of pledge was welcomed.

"Let us hope this encourages all parties to commit to a resolution by peaceful means," the British Deputy PM said.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said at the summit that the international community should support efforts to reach peaceful settlement of conflict in Georgia, including through Geneva talks and restoration of "a meaningful OSCE presence on the ground. in all of Georgia." He also welcomed "public recommitment" by President Saakashvili that Georgia will not to use force to restore its territorial integrity.