Sun 1/10/06 - The Belgian Foreign Minister, Karel De Gucht (Flemish liberal), is flying to the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Monday. Mr De Gucht, the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe), hopes to mediate in the conflict between Russia and Georgia.
On Sunday Mr De Gucht confirmed that he was in close contact with the Georgian President, Mikheil Saakashvili, the Georgian Foreign Minister, Gela Bezhuashvili, and the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

"I appeal to all concerned parties to abide by the principles of international law, to abstain from provocations, to establish direct dialogue and to find a quick solution. I will remain in contact with all the relevant parties and work towards this end," Mr De Gucht added.