Following a reduction in fencing activities since late September the EU Monitoring Mission notes with concern the recent resumption of the installation of fences along the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia. This comes amidst the acceleration of the installation of sign posts warning people not to pass. The Mission has activated the Incident Prevention and Response Hotline, calling on all sides to exchange information about these latest developments.
A patrol was sent to the Dirbi-Ghogheti area and observed the installation of red metal poles along an estimated 160-metre stretch of land, including barbed wire over a 35-metre stretch. Besides the resumption of the installation of fences, the Mission has also noted a recent intensification of the installation of sign posts in the area, some of them in the middle of cultivated land.
“As winter is approaching, we call on all parties to take into account the potential impact on people’s livelihood and resources and on their ability to sustain themselves during this difficult time of the year,” says Head of EUMM Toivo Klaar.
“The EUMM will continue patrolling the area and facilitating the exchange of information among parties through the Hotline, in order to prevent and reduce potential tensions in the area.”
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