Brussels, 12 August 2008: The ITUC and ETUC welcome the announcement by Russia that it is now ceasing military operations in Georgia. It is imperative that all the parties involved stop armed hostilities immediately. Russia should withdraw its forces to the positions prior to 7 August, and the authorities on all sides must ensure that the urgent medical and humanitarian needs can be met without impediment. The UN’s High Commission on Refugees estimates that more than 100,000 persons are refugees, with some 42,000 South Ossetians having been displaced into Russia or within South Ossetia and around 56,000 inhabitants of the city of Gori having been displaced to elsewhere in Georgia.

A complete cessation of fighting opens the possibility for dialogue to bring an end to the dispute, and the international community must do all it can to help create the conditions for this dialogue.

The ITUC’s Russian and Georgian affiliates are in the process of assessing humanitarian needs, and the ITUC remains in close contact with them. Further to requests from these affiliates, the ITUC and ETUC are launching a humanitarian solidarity appeal to help meet the massive needs of those affected by the conflict.

The ITUC and ETUC also recognize the tremendous damage to vital infrastructure, including homes, factories and other facilities which has been done during this conflict, and calls upon the international community to be ready to fully assist in the necessary rebuilding and reconstruction.

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 0210.