Tbilisi, October 1st, 2008
As of 9 a.m. this morning, the first EUMM patrols have begun their operations in Georgia. Patrols started from all four field offices – Poti, Zugdidi, Gori, Tbilisi. On their patrols today, EUMM observers started monitoring and made first contact with the concerned parties: Georgian authorities, Russian military staff and the local population.
On its first day, EUMM has effectuated 14 patrols – each one being composed of two cars and eight observers. 6 started from the Tbilissi regional head office, 4 from Gori, 2 from Zugdidi and 2 from Poti. As I’m talking to you, one patrol is still out in the field in the Gori area.
EUMM patrols could enter the so-called adjacent areas to South Ossetia at three Russian checkpoints or observation posts.
In the area adjacent to Abkhazia, EUMM observers were able to proceed up to a Russian checkpoint where they talked to the Russian military staff. They did not enter Abkhazia as this was not foreseen.
No major incidents were reported by our patrols. On the contrary, EUMM observers were well received by the local population.
An EUMM Liaison officer is now in place within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. His task is to inform the Ministry about the Mission's activities and about possible incidents reported by the mission or local authorities.
Technical contacts have as well been taken place over the last few days with Russian forces for an orderly withdrawal, allowing for the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs to deploy appropriate law enforcement units.
The EUMM recalls that the date for the withdrawal of Russian forces expires on 10 October, according to the agreements of 12 August and 8 September.
