UNCLAS USNATO 000274
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL, MARR, NATO, MOPS, GG, RU
SUBJECT: NATO PRESS STATEMENT ON EVENTS IN SOUTH OSSETIA

1. NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer released a
statement on developments in South Ossetia early August 8.
Text of the statement follows: "The NATO Secretary General,
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, is seriously concerned about the events
that are taking place in the Georgian region of South Ossetia
and said that the Alliance is closely following the situation.
The Secretary General calls on all sides for an immediate end
of the armed clashes and direct talks between the parties."
End text of statement.

2. The SYG also approved contingency guidance for NATO staff
to use when fielding calls from the press: -- If asked: Is the
NATO Secretary General in contact with the Georgian side?
Yesterday the SecGen spoke to the Georgian President and both
discussed the tensions in the area. They called on all parties
to exert restraint and engage in direct talks between the
parties. The SecGen will be in touch again with the Georgia
President again today and they will call for all parties to
end the violence. -- If asked: Will the NAC visit to Georgia
take place? The NAC had previously decided to visit Georgia in
September. The dates have not been set. At the moment our
focus is on the current situation. -- If asked: Russian air
strikes? Does NATO have information on the Russian incursion?
We have heard these reports, but have no further or final
information beyond that. We urge all sides to refrain from
military action.

WEINROD