The 51st 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 28 November 2017.
The meeting was conducted in a constructive atmosphere. All participants concurred that the security situation on the ground was relatively stable with no serious incidents during the previous month. 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 EUMM underlined that justice had not been properly served, and urged participants to consider ways of furthering cooperation. Other cases of long term detainees were addressed, and relevant information provided.
Cases of detentions of alleged illegal migrants crossing the Administrative Boundary Line were discussed. Participants agreed to exchange information via the Hotline.
Ongoing borderisation at the Administrative Boundary Line was discussed, with EUMM highlighting the negative impact on the population living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line – including their access to land and freedom of movement.
Participants provided updated information on documents required for crossing the Administrative Boundary Line. The EUMM stressed the importance of providing advance notice for local residents in relation to any change to the crossing regime.
EUMM encouraged all participants to make full use of the Hotline and to take all possible measures to exchange information on matters pertaining to criminality and stability across the Administrative Boundary Line.
Under a standing agenda item regarding the exchange of advance notice on sensitive activities, the EUMM stressed the importance of transparency and early warning on actions by military and security forces in order to build confidence across the Administrative Boundary Line.
The next IPRM meeting will take place in Gali on 17 January 2018.
