"Memorial" calls on to stop war in South Ossetia

Being an OSCE member, Georgia shall settle conflicts peacefully, and recovery of its territorial integrity cannot be a pretext for repudiating these obligations, therefore, combat operations in South Ossetia should be immediately stopped, runs a special statement of the International Society "Memorial" issued in the context of recently aggravated situation in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone.

"The road through negotiations is long and difficult, but this is the only way to durable peace. The history of conflicts in the Caucasus in recent years is a long chain of blunders and crimes. We call not to forget this history," runs the statement.

The "Memorial" reminds of the words about war to victorious end and refusal in Russia to negotiate in 1994, when the supposed "flash-like operation" to restore the constitutional rule in Chechnya had grown into lengthy Chechen War I. Same was in 1999, in the beginning of Chechen War II.

"The doubtful military victory meant refusal from democracy in our country," the document affirms.

The statement also marks that Georgia itself can become the first victim of the war started at night from August 7 to August 8 - as a democratic state and responsible member of the world community.