European Union Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels on Monday 27th July 2009, have agreed to extend the mandate of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) for another twelve months until the 14th September 2010.
EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in the General Affairs and External Relations Committee of the European Council adopted the the following conclusions:
"1. The Council has decided to extend the mandate of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) for another 12 months until 14 September 2010.
2. The rapid deployment of the mission following the conflict between Georgia and Russia in August 2008 showed the EU’s willingness and ability to act resolutely to promote peace and stability. The deployment of EU monitors has contributed to creating the necessary conditions for the implementation of the agreements of 12 August and 8 September, 2008. In this context, the Council called again on all parties to fully comply with their commitments, including the withdrawal of all military forces to the positions held prior to the outbreak of hostilities. The Council further recalled that EUMM Georgia has a country-wide mandate and called for unhindered access of EUMM to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which has so far been denied. The Council deplored the attack on EUMM on 21 June and called on all parties to ensure a secure environment for the mission.
3. The Council welcomed the achievements of EUMM Georgia, in particular in the areas of stabilisation, normalisation, and confidence building. The mission’s presence on the ground remains a key stabilizing factor. EUMM Georgia has monitored the partial withdrawal of Russian troops and the return of Georgian police to areas adjacent to the administrative boundary lines. The mission has reported on several serious incidents, and on the situation of internally displaced persons, the respect of the rule of law, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The Council encouraged the mission to continue its efforts, including to take part in the implementation of different confidence building measures.
4. The Council noted with deep regret and concern that agreement has not been reached on the future of the UN and OSCE monitoring missions in Georgia. This development further underscores the crucial role of EUMM Georgia. The EU will continue its close cooperation with the UN and the OSCE in all matters pertaining to Georgia. The Council reaffirmed its full commitment to the Geneva talks and the continued co-chairmanship of this forum by the EU, UN and OSCE.
5. The Council recalled its conclusions from 13 October 2008 and those of the European Council from 1 September 2008 and reiterated its firm support for the security and stability of Georgia, based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity recognised by international law, including the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and United Nations Security Council resolutions."
2958th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting
