Under the auspices of the UN, the Georgian Government, the Russian and de facto Abkhaz authorities as well as the EUMM attended the twenty first IPRM meeting in Gali on Friday 8 October.
In a constructive and respectful manner, participants exchanged information with regard to the freedom of movement of the local population, especially for school and university students. Crossing rules and practices have been clarified.
Participants also discussed in detail several incidents which have occurred since the last IPRM meeting, including those related to security issues as well as to the alleged abuse of the local population. While some of these incidents were explained through exchange of information during this meeting, the others remain open as more detailed information is expected to be provided during the next meeting. On a related note, the issue of missing persons was also addressed and a pending case will be reviewed should any new information become available.
The concerted efforts of all participants to avoid politicization of the various issues discussed allowed for work to take place in an atmosphere conductive to further progress.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Gali on 2 November 2010.