United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia

The United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) was established by the United Nations Security Council in August 1993UN document |docid=S-RES-858(1993) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1993 |resolution_number=858 |accessdate=2008-08-17|date=24 August 1993] to verify compliance with a 27 July 1993 ceasefire agreement between the Republic of Georgia and forces in Abkhazia with special attention given to the situation in the city of Sukhumi, Georgia.UN document |docid=S-26250 |type=Document |body=Security Council |year=-1 |document_number=26250 |page=6 |accessdate=2008-08-17|title=Agreement on a cease-fire in Abkhazia and arrangements to monitor its observance|date=27 July 1993] It was also to investigate reports of ceasefire violations, attempt to resolve such incidents with the parties involved, and to report to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the implementation of its mandate. 88 military advisors were authorized to be deployed to the region.

The mission's original mandate was invalidated after renewed fighting broke out in the area in September, 1993.UN document |docid=S-RES-881(1993) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1993 |resolution_number=881 |highlight=rect_89,709_902,763 |page=1 |accessdate=2008-08-17|date=4 November 1993] UN document |docid=S-26551 |type=Document |body=Security Council |year=-1 |document_number=26551 |accessdate=2008-08-17|title=Report of the Secretary-General concerning the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia|date=7 October 1993]

UNOMIG was subsequently given an interim mandate by Security Council in November 1993 to maintain contacts with the parties involved and to monitor and report on the situation.UN document |docid=S-RES-881(1993) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1993 |resolution_number=881 |accessdate=2008-08-17|date=4 November 1993] It aimed to work towards achieving a comprehensive political settlement.

In May, 1994, both sides signed the Agreement on a Cease-fire and Separation of Forces. in July 1994 the Security Council authorized an increase in observers (to a total of 136) and an expanded mission.UN document |docid=S-RES-937(1994) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1994 |resolution_number=937 |accessdate=2008-08-17|date=21 July 1994]

The new mission was considerably more broad than the original. UNOMIG's original responsibilities in verifying the implementation of the ceasefire were retained. However, UNOMIG was now responsible for observing the operation of the new peacekeeping force that had been deployed by the Commonwealth of Independent States. They were also to verify, through observation and patrolling, that troops from either side did not remain in or re-enter the security zone, and that heavy military equipment did not remain or be re-introduced.

UNOMIG was to oversee the withdrawal of Georgian troops from the Kodori Valley and thus, out of Abkhaz territory. Their patrols replaced those of Georgia in the valley. They were responsible for investigating, at the request of either party or the peacekeeping force, or on their own initiative, violations of the ceasefire agreement, and for attempting to resolve resulting disputes. Finally, they were to work towards making conditions safe for the orderly return of refugees and displaced persons.

On 10 December, 1996, a United Nations office for the protection of human rights in Abkhazia was established in Tbilisi, Georgia, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1077UN document |docid=S-RES-1077(1996) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1996 |resolution_number=1077 |highlight=rect_88,702_890,820 |page=1 |accessdate=2008-08-15] of 22 October. It is jointly staffed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The office forms part of UNOMIG and reports to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, through the Head of the UNOMIG Mission. Though they maintain a political office in Tbilisi, their military headquarters are in Sukhumi, Abkhazia.

On 8 October 2001 a UNOMIG helicopter was shot down in Abkhazia [cite web |last = United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia |title = Background: 11. Current Situation - Shooting Down of UN Helicopter |url = http://www.unomig.org/background/background/?id=223 |accessdate = 2008-08-15] . The perpetrators have never been found, despite repeated demands from the Security Council.Fact|date=August 2008 In 2002, UNOMIG vigorously opposed the resumption of rail services between Sukhumi, Abkhazia and the city of Sochi in Russia.Fact|date=August 2008

The Security Council passed another resolution on 30 July, 2003, on the recommendation of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, authorizing for a civilian police component of 20 officers be added to UNOMIG, in order to strengthen its capacity to carry out its mandate and assist in the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

On 30 January, 2004, again at the request of Secretary-General Annan, Security Council Resolution 1524 was passed, which extended UNOMIG's mandate until 31 July, 2004.

Today, UNOMIG is concerned with security, assisting the return of the displaced and repairs of key infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. As of January 2003, 21 projects were at an advanced or intermediate stage and 10 others were awaiting the release of funds by donors. They have also continued to push for a political settlement to the conflict, though Secretary-General Annan has complained about the slow rate of progress. In late 2003, UNOMIG became concerned about an increase in kidnappings, murders and robberies, particularly in the Gori region. They also expressed concern about potential instability around the tenth anniversary of the end of the war.

The current chief military observer is Major General Niaz Muhammad Khan Khattak from Pakistan. UNOMIG’s strength, as of 1 October 2007, stands at 133 military observers and 19 police officers. [ [http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9142.doc.htm UN Security Council Resolution 1781] (October 15, 2007). United Nations News Center.]

References

External links

* [http://www.unomig.org/ Official web site of UNOMIG]