Head of Mission delivers a public lecture at Tbilisi State University

On June 5, 2017, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) Kęstutis Jankauskas, visited the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), as an invited speaker within the class of “Analysis of Peace Politics”. 

The Head of Mission briefed students about the role of EUMM in wider peacekeeping and peace-making processes in Georgia, considering the current challenges and achievements of the Mission.

During his lecture, Head of Mission spoke about the importance of the international ceasefire monitoring presence in Georgia, and EUMM’s contribution to the managed stability on the ground. Particular attention was paid on the work undertaken within the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings in both Abkhaz and South Ossetian theatres, as well as operating the Mission-facilitated Hotline. Both, the Hotline and IPRM meetings are vital tools in facilitating communication between all parties and thus avoiding misunderstandings and helping to reduce tensions on the ground.

Kęstutis Jankauskas emphasized the importance of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) as the only international format of dialogue between the parties.

The Head of Mission also provided a short overview of the EUs Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), including the diverse nature of military and civilian missions operating under CSDP. Besides speaking about the EU Monitoring Mission and the activities carried out under the Mandate, he spoke about the 60-year anniversary of the Treaties of Rome and the formation of the EU, its history and its values.

The engaging lecture was followed by a Q&A session where students showed their huge interest in the EUMM’s mandate and activities, as well as Head of Mission’s opinion and perspective regarding the current state of play of the implementation of the Six-point ceasefire plan and conflict management and resolution process in Georgia in general. Students were also curious about the contacts and cooperation between the participants of the Geneva International Discussions and challenges of the EUMM in carrying out its Mandate related activities.

Head of Mission introducing the topic of the lecture to the students