After EUMM patrols entered into Abkhazia for the first time on 4
November, Head of Mission, Ambassador Hansjörg Haber, underlined that
EUMM has a mandate for the whole of Georgia, including Abkhazia and
South Ossetia. Ambassador Haber thus rejected allegations by the Abkhaz
de facto-Foreign Minister Shamba that EUMM entering Gali district was
unacceptable.
Ambassador Haber stated:
“EUMM has a Georgia-wide mandate, thus including Abkhazia and South
Ossetia. We are here to observe compliance with the peace agreements of
12 August and 8 September by all sides, contribute to stabilisation and
normalisation of the situation on the ground and help confidence-building.
However, EUMM is a civilian and unarmed mission. We cannot and we do
not want to force our way. We can only go where there is cooperation.
It is the task of our monitors to knock on the doors and request access to
Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Therefore, our patrols approach the Russian,
Abkhaz and South Ossetian checkpoints along the administrative boundary
line. We approach the staff of the checkpoints in a friendly manner, try to
establish contacts and explain our mandate. We will continue this
confidence-building work.
In the end, I believe it is in the interest both of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
to cooperate with EUMM and grant us access. Only then, can EUMM paint
a complete and objective picture of the situation on the ground and help to
enhance security for the people living in these areas.”