Steinmeier: German observers in South Ossetia possible

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said Berlin might have to send observers to help keep the peace in South Ossetia as part of a European mission to the conflict-plagued region.

Published: 14 August 2008 08:22 CEST

Steinmeier: German observers in South Ossetia possible

A refugee camp in the town of Alagir for South Ossetians. Photo: DPA

Steienmeier told German public broadcaster ZDF on Wednesday night that Europe cannot shirk playing a role in stabilizing the breakaway territory that sparked hostilities between Georgia and Russia this week.

“That’s why I believe if it should come to the point where we need to send observers then Germany will also not be able to avoid doing so,” Steienmeier said.

Speaking after an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers earlier on Wednesday, Steinmeier urged those interested in a lasting ceasefire from placing blame on either Russia or Georgia for starting the conflict. He said stabilizing the region could not take place without Russia’s participation.

dpa/ddp