The EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia voices concern about the on-going construction of physical obstacles, the placement of fences and the creation of earth berms and ditches along the Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This has a growing impact on the freedom of movement and livelihood of the local communities.
EUMM also observes that detention cases continue to take place along the Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Mission records a trend towards more restrictive crossing procedures which impede local residents’ freedom of movement.
“This ever increasing number of obstacles affects livelihood issues, as it disrupts patterns of life of the local population and divides communities,” said Interim Head of Mission Gerard A. Fischer
. “Furthermore, these obstacles increasingly limit any possible people-to people contact, which is an essential ingredient to build confidence amongst communities.”
EUMM will carry on patrolling these contentious areas in order to maintain an accurate and factual record of activities. The Mission will continue to utilise the Hotline and all other available communication fora to encourage all parties to identify and discuss local solutions that have a positive impact on people’s everyday lives.