ERGNETI, 14 May 2026 – The 132nd Incident Prevention and
Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting took place on 14 May 2026 in Ergneti. The
meeting was co-facilitated by Bettina Patricia Boughani, Head of the EU
Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Christoph Späti, Special
Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus.
The EUMM and OSCE co-facilitators welcomed the consistent
engagement of all participants in the IPRM format and reiterated the importance
of maintaining regular dialogue to address security and humanitarian concerns
affecting conflict-affected communities.
The co-facilitators commended the temporary opening of
crossing points along the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Line (ABL)
during the Orthodox Easter period in April which took place without any
incidents. This enabled local communities to visit relatives, attend religious
services and access cemeteries on both sides of the ABL. The co-facilitators
also encouraged a similar practice for the upcoming Lomisoba festivities on 3
June. At the same time, the EUMM and OSCE reiterated their calls for the full
reopening of crossing points, stressing that regular cross-ABL movement would
contribute to improving the daily lives, safety and livelihoods of women, men
and children affected by conflict.
With the irrigation season approaching, participants also
exchanged views on how to optimize water availability throughout the irrigation
season. In this context, the co-facilitators shared their readiness to organise
a dedicated technical meeting at any time if the need arises. EUMM further confirmed
its commitment to facilitating the exchange of information regarding irrigation
through the Hotline and to measuring water levels, recognising the crucial role
of timely and accurate information in resolving related issues.
During the meeting, participants discussed recent security
developments along the ABL and the challenges faced by conflict-affected
populations, including restrictions on freedom of movement and issues affecting
everyday life. Participants continued to discuss several individual freedom of
movement cases as well as cases of detentions of individuals residing along the
ABL. The EUMM and OSCE called on participants to discontinue the practice of
detentions and urged a humanitarian approach towards the resolution of all existing
detention cases.
All participants highlighted the importance of the
EUMM-managed Hotline as the key mechanism for sharing information, addressing
incidents and reducing tensions.
The participants agreed to hold the next regular IPRM
meeting on 23 July 2026, followed by another IPRM meeting on 8 September 2026.
