EU confirms receipt of Georgia war report, makes no comment

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union said Wednesday that it had received the report of a fact-finding mission investigating the causes of Russia's war with Georgia last year, but made no comment on its findings.

"The EU welcomes the presentation of this report and takes note of its content," a statement said.

"Underlining the independent nature of the report, the EU hopes that its findings can contribute towards a better understanding of the origins and the course of last year's conflict and, in a broader perspective, serve as an input to future international efforts in the field of preventive diplomacy."

According to a source close to the investigating team, the inquiry confirmed that Georgia had started the five-day war in August 2008 by attacking the rebel region of South Ossetia after Russia had escalated regional tensions.

The mission -- with a budget of 1.6 million euros (2.34 million dollars) -- was launched in December "to investigate the origins and the course of the conflict", including its under international law and possible war crimes.

"The EU also recalls that a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflicts in Georgia must be based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement said.