The 53rd meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, (IPRM), chaired by the UN, with participation of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), was held in Gali on 27 February 2018.
The meeting was conducted in a direct and frank manner. All the participants concurred that, since the last IPRM meeting on 17 January, the security situation on the ground had been relatively stable without new major incidents. There was recognition of the essential role of the EUMM managed Hotline in ensuring the exchange of information between participants, and thereby in maintaining stability.
The case of the murder of Mr. Otkhozoria was once again on the agenda. The Mission underlined that justice had not been appropriately served, and urged participants to consider ways of furthering cooperation and joint efforts. The recent release of a long term detainee was acknowledged as positive. All parties were encouraged to continue the constructive collaboration on the outstanding issues.
Stability at the Administrative Boundary Line was addressed with participants exchanging information on developments that had prompted hotline activations. Freedom of movement of the local population and challenges were extensively discussed. The EUMM drew attention to the negative impact of the restricted freedom of movement on the local population.
Participants took note of declining numbers of school children crossing the Administrative Boundary Line and related barriers in receiving education in their mother tongue.
Under a standing agenda item regarding the exchange of advance notice on sensitive activities, all participants were encouraged to make full use of the Hotline and to take all possible measures to exchange information on matters pertaining to stability across the Administrative Boundary Line.
The next IPRM meeting will take place in Gali on 21 March 2018.