Relatively stable security situation in the Abkhaz conflict zone in last few months can contribute to improving relations between the sides, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in his recent report on Abkhazia.

“The high tensions that characterized much of 2006 and 2007 have not served the interest of the peace process. Quite the contrary, they have contributed to further narrowing the opportunities for a dialogue already undercut by deep mutual suspicions,” he said in the report issued on April 4. He also noted that “a period of sustained stability along the ceasefire line and in the Kodori Valley would improve the prospect of repairing the much deteriorated relationship between the two sides.”

While reporting about a meeting of the UN Secretary General’s Group of Friends in Geneva on February 18-19, the UN Secretary General says that during the meeting the Georgian side proposed lifting of economic sanctions from Abkhazia “provided that agreement was reached with the Abkhaz side on a number of issues, including modalities for the freedom of movement of people and goods, and security guarantees, including in relation to the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees.”