On 29 August 2019, the 95th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting was held in Ergneti, co-facilitated by Mr. Erik Høeg, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Ambassador Rudolf Michalka, Special Representative for the South Caucasus of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
Mr. Høeg provided an overview of events since the last IPRM meeting on 18 July 2019. He noted that recent developments along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) had negatively impacted the overall security situation, in particular relating to the recent, highly-concerning occurrences in the Gugutiantkari and Tsnelisi areas.
The co-facilitators emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue in lowering of tensions and reminded participants to focus on the challenges of the conflict-affected population.
While recalling a number of instances where the EUMM managed hotline was used effectively, they stressed the need to keep exchanging information through all available communication channels, especially providing early warning of activities with a view to reducing tensions.
The meeting was marked by a series of intense exchanges on the topic of Tsnelisi between participants. Regrettably it was impossible to complete discussions on all agenda points as the meeting was disrupted.
The next meeting is scheduled for 2 October 2019.