(RFE/RL)
8 December 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Russia has called for an emergency meeting of the Joint Control Commission (JCC) that is responsible for monitoring the 1992 ceasefire agreement between Georgia and its separatist republic of South Ossetia.
A statement posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website says the talks will take place today in Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia.
The JCC comprises representatives of Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia, and North Ossetia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says the emergency meeting will examine the reasons for the recent escalation of tensions in the conflict zone and ways to maintain dialogue between the sides.
In the past two days, Georgia and South Ossetia have accused each other of arresting officials, policemen, and civilians. South Ossetia has released its captives, but tensions remain. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on 6 December expressed its concern.