EUMM says its ‘unarmed civilian monitors’ detained by ‘South Ossetian security personnel’
EUMM has “significantly increased its patrolling to support stability in the Chorchana-Tsnelisi area” following the recent security developments on the ground. Photo: EUMM Georgia's Facebook page
Tweet 
Share
The European Union Monitoring MIssion (EUMM) reported that earlier today its patrol “was briefly held by armed South Ossetian security actors”, while conducting a patrol in the Chorchana-Tsnelisi area, close to the occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.
The Mission further informed that the hotline was activated from Tskhinvali shortly after these developments.
It said the case will be raised at tomorrow’s sixth Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) technical meeting in Ergneti as well.
EUMM also announced that “following recent security developments”, it has “significantly increased its patrolling to support stability in the Chorchana-Tsnelisi area”.
In particular, EUMM has a total of 340 staff now, its Head Erik Hoeg stated.
Today EU member states gave final approval to increase number of #EUMM monitors by 20 - bringing our total strength to 340 staff. Reinforcement will allow #EUMM to increase our monitoring at South Ossetian ABL, including in the Chorchana-Tsnelisi area where we are present 24/7. pic.twitter.com/mmAy8fgng6
— Erik Hoeg (@erik_hoeg) October 24, 2019
The Mission also underscored that it is “deeply concerned about cases in which armed security actors prevent EUMM Monitors from conducting their daily activities in accordance with the mandate”.
The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), which is the only mission deployed in Georgia after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, has provided details regarding the current tension at Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region ‘‘due to the level of press interest and to dispel inaccurate reports.”
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia spoke of the recent developments along the occupation line between Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region and the rest of Georgia with the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar yesterday.
The de facto government of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region is clearing a road to a new ‘police checkpoint’ in the village of Tsnelisi, Kareli municipality of Georgia, at an altitude of 944 meters.
Politicians from the European Union have responded to the tense situation that arose yesterday in the village of Chorchana, near the Russia-occupied region of Tskhinvali, Georgia.
Member of the European Parliament and Polish politician Anna Fotyga said in her Twitter post yesterday that the threat of provocation and escalation is observed as Russian occupation and Ossetian forces have concentrated along the occupation line.
De facto authorities of Georgia’s Russian-controlled Tskhinvali region say that the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) monitors were held yesterday as they “illegally crossed the border in the village of Tsnelisi (Kareli Municipality, under the Russian control),” adding that the action by the EUMM was “provocative.”
De facto authorities of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region say that the tension at the villages of Chorchana and Tsnelisi will be eased only if and after Tbilisi removes a police post in Chocrhana, located on the territory which is under the control of the central Georgian government.
Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Jean-Christophe Belliard has joined the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) patrols in the Chorchana-Tsnelisi area today
The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) offers its “sincere condolences” for the “unfortunate death” of Margo Martiashvili, who suffered a stroke in the Russian-controlled Akhalgori district yesterday.
Russian-controlled occupation forces have erected “illegal installations” at the village of Chorchana, Khashuri municipality, on Tbilisi-administered territory, the Georgian State Security Service has reported earlier today.
The EU Council has prolonged the mandate of the European Union monitoring mission in Georgia (EUMM) until December 14, 2022. EUMM announced on Friday that the decision follows a strategic review of the mission by the Political and Security Committee.