Germany urges probe into South Ossetia conflict

By Mark John

AVIGNON, France (Reuters) - Germany called on Friday for an international inquiry into who was to blame for last month's brief South Ossetia conflict, saying the outcome could shape the West's future ties with Russia and Georgia.

Separately, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told Reuters it would be wrong to punish Moscow by blocking its bid to join the World Trade Organisation, saying the West should look at ties with Russia from a long-term perspective.

The European Union and the United States have so far held back from tough sanctions against Russia after it sent troops and tanks to crush Georgia's bid to recapture the rebel region, while condemning Moscow's reaction as disproportionate.

The West has pledged support for the territorial integrity of former Soviet Georgia, but European and some U.S. officials have expressed dismay over President Mikheil Saakashvili's attempt to solve the long-frozen conflict with military force.

Speaking before EU foreign ministers met in the French city of Avignon, Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Moscow and Tbilisi to accept an inquiry into the outbreak of hostilities.

"Who bears responsibility for what part of the escalation to military confrontation will certainly play a role (in shaping ties)," Steinmeier told the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung.

"Perhaps it will never be fully cleared up. But I urge both sides to be open to an independent inquiry into the events of early August," he said, suggesting the United Nations or the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) could lead the probe.

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