Ban condemns bombings in Abkhaz and Georgian territory

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned a series of bombings that have left four dead and 16 wounded in Abkhaz-controlled territory as well as in the immediate vicinity of the ceasefire line on Georgian-controlled territory.

The bombings in Abkhaz-controlled territory took place in the cities of Gagra, Sukhumi and Gali.

According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said that the victims of the bombings were mostly civilians, and added that among the dead was a national staff member of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), while another UNOMIG staffer had been wounded.

The Secretary-General called for an immediate and thorough investigation of the incidents and for those responsible to be brought to justice, and noted that the bombings had taken place against a background of a sharp increase in tension in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict.

Mr. Ban also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to refrain from violence and to work together in search of a peaceful and lasting settlement.

Since 1993 UNOMIG has been verifying compliance with a cessation of hostilities and separation of forces accord following the armed conflict between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides.