ERGNETI, 3 July 2023 – The 113th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held today in Ergneti, 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 commended the sustained commitment of the participants to the IPRM format. The co-facilitators welcomed the temporary opening of crossing points along the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) during the Lomisoba religious celebrations in June, allowing local communities on both sides to visit religious sites. At the same time, they reiterated their call for the full re-opening of crossing points, which would be crucial for women, men, children, and elderly people locally. The co-facilitators welcomed the constructive co-operation on irrigation water sharing and encouraged to further advance related efforts.
IPRM participants engaged in active discussions, among others focusing on the challenges faced by the conflict-affected populations, including restrictions to their freedom of movement, as well as recent security incidents. EUMM and OSCE voiced their concern about the continued practice of detentions and advocated for the release of all detainees.
IPRM participants also discussed additional issues that continue to negatively affect the lives and livelihoods of the populations on both sides of the ABL, in particular ‘borderisation’ activities, as well as access to drinking water. They also stressed the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline to facilitate the exchange of information on the topic.
The participants agreed to convene the next regular IPRM meeting on 12 September 2023.
