Reference :
V-P-CH-E-00218
Date :
20/08/2008
Caption :
Geneva, ICRC headquarters. Press conference on the conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
Extracts from 20-08-2008 Press briefing
Georgia/Russian Federation: ICRC arrives in South Ossetia as humanitarian operation expands
Upon his return from a visit to Georgia and the Russian Federation, the ICRC's president, Jakob Kellenberger, expressed relief that the organization had finally gained access to South Ossetia. He also announced that a new base of operations had been set up in Gori to provide urgent help to the most vulnerable, and to prepare to meet the needs of affected civilians in South Ossetia.
During his three-day visit, President Kellenberger visited a collective centre for the displaced in Tbilisi, as well as one on the Russian side, in Vladikavkaz. From there he went on to Moscow to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In addition to assessing the humanitarian situation, the key priority of the visit was to gain access to South Ossetia. "After some suspense, we achieved our goal," said the president.
"We will wait for the initial team's evaluation before deciding to what extent we will expand the operation," he added.
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
3872x2592
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
