"Whatever understandings are bilateral-Russian-Georgian, and all working arrangements are fruit of those understandings. If South Ossetia is reluctant to join them, we shall talk the matter over with Russia," he said.
South Osset delegates disapprove the final protocol of the commission session, underway in Moscow. "Each Party is to provide firm ceasefire guarantees-we cannot leave Moscow otherwise," stressed Mr. Khaindrava.
The worst differences at the negotiation table concern tentative establishment of joint checkpoints at the Rok tunnel, and pullout of forces Georgia qualifies as mercenary from South Ossetia.
The Rok tunnel connects North and South Ossetias. Georgia regards it as part of the area peacekeepers are to monitor. Georgia will consent to whatever form and scope of monitoring within the security belt and its vicinity, reassured the minister.
As for armed presence in Georgia's Javi District, which borders on South Ossetia, he described it as "dangerous to Georgia and Russia alike".
Reporters asked Mr. Khaindrava about a Georgian Interior force of 600 introduced into the peacekeeping zone, as South Osset leaders are alleging. He said he had talked the matter over on the telephone with Zurab Zhvania, Georgia's Prime Minister. "A blatant lie!" the Premier said to that.
The incident comes as another proof that monitoring is a must. "We are willing to have any monitoring-we are not suggesting it. We insistently demand monitoring," Khaindrava said hotly.
