United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the acceptance by Georgia and by the Russian Federation of the peace plan proposed by President Sarkozy of France.

UN Associate Spokesman Farhan Haq says the Secretary-General calls for immediate follow-through in implementing the agreed principles, including the full end to hostilities and the withdrawal of forces to previous positions.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his support for a solution based on the full respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. He is prepared to use his good offices toward the restoration of peace and security in the region."

The Secretary-General appreciates the role played by the EU Presidency and the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in search of a lasting peaceful solution. He strongly believes that the resolution of the conflicts in Georgia requires a comprehensive approach through a concerted effort by the international community.

He says the UN stands ready to facilitate international discussions as well as to contribute to possible peacekeeping or other arrangements for Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The Secretary-General remains concerned about the humanitarian situation in the region. He mourns the victims of the hostilities and urges all parties to provide full and safe access for humanitarian organizations to the regions affected by the conflicts.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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