Question: How would you comment on the report broadcast by the Dutch TV regarding Russian invasion of Georgia?

On 6 January 2009, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Nalbandov received the delegation of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses its concern over the escalation of tensions in the Gaza Strip and deteriorating humanitarian situation, which has been triggered by rocket attacks launched by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians.

On 4 January 2009, at 8:00 am Georgian police checkpoint situated in the village of Ganmukhuri, Zugdidi district went under fire from the territory controlled by the Russian occupying forces. Assault rifle and grenade launcher fire was opened from the direction of the village of Phichori. There are no injuries reported.

Ceremony for the signing of the Georgia-US Charter on Strategic Partnership will be held in the coming days based on the agreement between the sides. Owing to the existing situation, the US Secretary of State is planning a visit to the Middle East. Given this change in the work schedule of Secretary Rice, the Charter will be concluded in Washington in the days to come instead of 4 January 2009.

Question: On 31 December 2008 the Russian Foreign Ministry posted its vision of the further fate of the OSCE Mission in Georgia. What will be your comment on it?

Russia’s military aggression against Georgia and the occupation of Georgian territories in August 2008 caused the damage of the Agara-Tskhinvali gas pipeline. As a result, natural gas supply to the population of the Tskhinvali region was cut off. Reports of the OSCE Mission to Georgia dated 16 and 23 December 2008 also make mention of the gas pipeline damage near the village of Dirbi.

On 31 December 2008, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mr. Alexander Nalbandov received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Georgia Mr. Onno Elderenbosch and Political /Economic Officer of the Embassy of the United States of America in Georgia Ms. Nicole O’Brien.