EU condemns Russia’s "provocative" actions at Georgia-Tskhinvali administrative border

The European Union says Russia's actions at the administrative boundary line (ABL) in Georgia's breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region are unlawful and "provocative".

"The installation of new demarcation signposts along the administrative boundary line of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia has led to tension in the area, with potentially negative effects on the local population, their livelihood and freedom of movement,” said an EU spokesperson.

The EU noted any steps that could be perceived as provocative must be avoided, as must any action that was detrimental to ongoing efforts to stabilise the situation, in an atmosphere conducive to longer-term conflict resolution and regional stability.

"The EU and its monitoring mission (EUMM) are closely following the situation. We call for restraint and for the use of existing mechanisms such as the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) to defuse tensions,” said the EU statement.

The EU also reaffirmed its full support for Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The statement followed Russia’s illegal actions six days ago when it erected new so-called border signs along the ABL between Georgia’s breakaway Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) and the rest of the country.

On July 10, Russian forces in occupied Tskhinvali installed banners marking the so-called "state border” on the territory adjacent to Tsitelubani village in Gori municipality and Orchosani village in occupied Akhalgori district, in close vicinity to the Tbilisi-Gori central highway.

These actions saw Russia’s occupational forces advance 2km into Georgian territory.