Press release 25 August 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Sweden to send military observers and logistics support to Georgia

At an extra cabinet meeting today, the Government decided to make equipment available to the OSCE mission in Georgia via the Swedish Rescue Services Agency. In addition, last week the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to recruit military observers for the OSCE mission. The reason behind the two decisions is that the OSCE mission in Georgia is to be substantially expanded.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has contacted Sweden and other OSCE members requesting that military observers and resources be contributed to strengthen the OSCE mission in Georgia. Therefore, on 21 August, the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to recruit up to ten new military observers for deployment in Georgia.

According to the Government decision taken today, Sweden will also make equipment available to the OSCE. Lorries with 16 housing, office and sanitation containers are expected to leave Sweden on Thursday and arrive at the deployment area in Georgia in a few weeks time. SRV staff will deal with installation and construction.

A Swedish military observer will be part of the first group of 20 observers that is expected to leave for Georgia at the beginning of this week.

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On 19 August, the OSCE decided to increase the number of military observers in Georgia from 8 to 108.
The OSCE mission in Georgia is working to ensure that the ceasefire agreement is fully implemented. The mission is also to prompt opening of humanitarian corridors and to create conditions for refugees to be able to return home.