Yesterday, EUMM hosted the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen on a patrol to the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) near Khurvaleti. The Foreign Minister was accompanied by the Danish Ambassador to Georgia, Ms. Anne Toft Sørensen, and a delegation from the Danish Foreign Ministry and Parliament.
During the visit, EUMM monitors informed the delegation about the most recent security developments along the ABL. In Khurvaleti, Foreign Minister Rasmussen was able to witness first-hand how ‘borderisation’ features such as fences and watch towers have a negative effect on the freedom of movement of the local communities. EUMM monitors explained that this situation is worsened by the closure of crossing points for regular cross-ABL traffic the first twenty days of the month. They stressed that the Mission continues to advocate for the full re-opening of the crossing points along the South Ossetian ABL as this would allow local communities to live more safely and better secure their livelihoods.
Foreign Minister Rasmussen expressed his gratitude for the informative field visit while reiterating Denmark’s unwavering support and appreciation for the Mission’s work.
Denmark is one of the major contributors to the Mission, with fifteen Danish nationals currently serving in the Mission, including as monitors in our field offices.
