Statement by the Chairman-in-Office on the situation in Dagestan

OSLO, 13 August 1999 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek of Norway, expresses his deep concern about the latest developments on the Chechen-Dagestani border in the Russian Federation. The plight of the civilian population is extremely worrying. Large numbers of people have been forced to flee from their homes. Bringing an end to the conflict and ensuring their safe return is a matter of utmost importance.

"The deteriorating security situation also has serious regional ramifications. There is a danger of destabilization, not only of areas immediately affected by the unrest, but of the wider Caucasus region. The OSCE will be following the situation closely," says Chairman-in-Office Knut Vollebaek.