OSCE condemns assassination attempt on Georgian President Shevardnadze

WARSAW, 10 February 1998 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek, condemned last night's assassination attempt on the President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze. "Such a ruthless attempt to bring down the leader of the Republic of Georgia is appalling and cannot be tolerated," he said. He expressed his condolendes for the families of the victims whose lives were taken in the attack.

Mr. Geremek, expressing relief that the President emerged unharmed, appealed for calm and stability in the country. He noted the crucial role Mr. Shevardnadze has been playing in building a democratic and stable Georgia.

The OSCE Mission to Georgia, which operates in throughout Georgia from Headquarters established in Tbilisi and a branch office in Tskhinvali, will closely monitor the situation.