Strasbourg - The Council of Europe on Monday called for free access by aid organizations to the conflict zones of Georgia, while offering its help in seeking a solution to the conflict between Georgia and Russia. "I urge once again all parties to immediately enter into a ceasefire," said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the 47-nation Council of Europe, prior to his departure to Georgia along with council Secretary General Terry Davis as part of diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
"It is of the utmost importance that humanitarian organizations are given total access to the conflict area," he added.
Bildt further said that Georgia and Russia had committed themselves to seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts by joining the Council of Europe, and both had to respect that commitment as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
Saying that "sustainable peace and stability are based on respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law," Bildt said the Council of Europe was able to "provide expertise and assistance to this end."
