Tbilisi, 30 January 2023 — Today, EUMM Acting Head of Mission, Dr. Tibor Kozma, hosted an Austrian delegation, led by the Austrian Federal Chancellor, Mr. Karl Nehammer, on a visit to the Odzisi crossing point.
During the visit, EUMM Acting Head of Mission informed the Chancellor of Austria and his delegation of the recent security and humanitarian developments along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL). Specifically, he briefed the visitors on the protracted closure of the Odzisi crossing point for regular cross-ABL traffic. He explained that this, together with ongoing “borderisation” activities, has led to restricted freedom of movement for the local populations along the ABL. As a result of these restrictions, conflict-affected populations have also limited or no access to healthcare, education, property and water.
Dr. Kozma highlighted that EUMM, together with the OSCE, have long advocated for a full re-opening of crossing points along the South Ossetian ABL at the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), the last meeting of which took place on 17 January in Ergneti.
Following the visit, the Austrian Chancellor and his delegation expressed their appreciation of the briefings and analysis, thanking EUMM staff for their dedication and contribution to the stability in Georgia and the wider region.
Of note, seven Austrian staff currently work in EUMM.
