97th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meeting takes place in Ergneti

On 24 September 2020, the 97th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place in Ergneti, co-facilitated by Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and Ambassador Rudolf Michalka, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus. The meeting of the Ergneti IPRM was accompanied by all the necessary precautionary health measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants stressed the value of the IPRM format, emphasized the importance of direct dialogue, and engaged in constructive discussions on the most pressing issues influencing stability and security on the ground.

The participants discussed several issues pertaining to stabilization and normalization, ‘borderisation’ processes along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL), the security situation in the Chorchana-Tsnelisi area, as well as other locations, and important freedom of movement and livelihood topics. The impact of the prolonged closure of the controlled crossing points along the ABL and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were also discussed on the agenda. Significant attention was devoted to the recent detention cases.

The co-facilitators welcomed the participants’ commitment to engage in regular exchange in the IPRM format. The important role of the EUMM-managed hotline was underscored, with the co-facilitators emphasizing that timely information exchange through all available platforms for preventing incidents and reducing tensions along the ABL remains crucial.

The co-facilitators also highlighted the importance of safeguarding human security in local communities and addressing challenges of the conflict-affected population. The participants were called upon to make concerted efforts for maintaining general stability on the ground.

The participants agreed to plan for a subsequent meeting on 20 November 2020, situation permitting.