The participants of the seminar "Regional Security and Cooperation" which was held under aegis of the North-Atlantic Assembly in Istanbul on September 16-18, express their deep concern by the aggravation of the situation in Georgia that resulted from the attack on Sukhumi. The actions of the separatist forces are nothing but an open violation of the Sochi Agreement and the undermining of all efforts taken earlier to resolve the conflict in Abkhazia.

The situation that has taken shape is not only a threat for the security of Georgia itself but for the stability in the Caucasus as a whole and in the region of the Black Sea region.

We express a hope that taking into account the principle of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia and the rights of the Abkhazian population the comprehensive solution for the conflict will be found within the shortest possible time.

The participants of the seminar call upon the parties concerned to act on the basis of the UN Charter and strictly observe all taken obligation to secure and maintain peace in the region.

On behalf of the participants of the seminar the letter is signed by the President of the North-Atlantic Association Mr. Louis Vuvar.