UN calls on both sides to respect human rights law
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HUMANITARIAN aid groups and UN monitors are unable to relieve suffering in large parts of Georgia due to the ongoing war and lawlessness which a French-brokered ceasefire has not stopped so far, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.
A statement issued by his office said Mr Ban welcomed Wednesday's cease-fire agreement between Russia and Georgia, "but that notwithstanding this agreement, violence continues, with civilians bearing the brunt".
Mr Ban urged all combatants "to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law".
The UN resident co-ordinator in Georgia, Robert Watkins, appealed to Russia and Georgia to open a corridor for delivery of relief aid, which was one of the key elements of the ceasefire agreement.
- PETER JAMES SPIELMANN
