On 12 July, the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) hosted its first meeting with representatives from 10 Georgian civil society organisations in Tbilisi. The purpose of the meeting, which will become a regular event at EUMM Headquarters, is to deepen collaboration with civil society experts and to exchange views and information on issues of common interest.
Head of Mission Erik Høeg welcomed participants and gave an update on the latest developments at the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings in Gali and Ergneti as well as on the last Geneva International Discussions. The conversation then moved on to a moderated discussion on challenges and opportunities for peace and confidence building between Tbilisi and the breakaway regions.
Some participants expressed their concern over fewer opportunities for peace building in the breakaway regions. This trend is evident in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia according to participants. On a more positive note, much good work is still ongoing in support of conflict transformation.
