22/08/2008 (Agence Europe) - Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, was on a fact-finding visit on Friday 22 August in the areas affected by the South Ossetia conflict in order to assess the human rights situation and access to humanitarian assistance there. Before leaving, Mr Hammarberg said he would focus on the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees with a view to their “safe and voluntary return”. The Commissioner will meet local authorities and those victimised by the conflict, as well as representatives of international organisations, diplomatic missions and civil society. He will then put his recommendations to the authorities in Tbilissi and Moscow. (B.C./transl.jl)