ERGNETI, 27 April 2023 – The 112th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in Ergneti today under the co-facilitation of the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), Dimitrios Karabalis, and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Viorel Moşanu.
The EUMM and OSCE representatives commended the sustained commitment of the participants to the IPRM format. The co-facilitators welcomed the opening of two crossing points along the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) earlier in April for the Orthodox Easter festivities, allowing local communities on both sides of the ABL to celebrate the holiday. At the same time the co-facilitators reiterated their calls for the full re-opening of crossing points. Regular cross-ABL traffic would allow men and women affected by conflict to live more safely, and better secure their livelihoods through agricultural activities.
IPRM participants discussed challenges of conflict-affected communities, including freedom of movement, as well as recent security incidents.
Regarding the recent attempted detention incident near the village of Chvrinisi, the co-facilitators strongly emphasised that any use of violence is unacceptable and can lead to an unpredictable escalation of the conflict. They facilitated the exchange of information concerning the incident. The EUMM will continue to patrol in the area. The co-facilitators also re-emphasised the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline to address security concerns and defuse tensions, to which the participants agreed. The situation in Chorchana-Tsnelisi was discussed extensively.
The EUMM and OSCE co-facilitators also voiced their concern about the practice of detention. They advocated for the release of the detainees, particularly those whose health is at stake.
Both co-facilitators welcomed today’s earlier engagement of experts during the technical meeting on irrigation – to better prepare for the upcoming agricultural season. The participants concurred to continue technical discussions on access to water and other environmental security issues.
The next IPRM is scheduled tentatively for 3 July 2023.