UK concerned by imminent closure of crossing points along de-facto border with occupied Abkhazia

The United Kingdom (UK) condemns the imminent closure of several crossing points along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) between occupied Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia.

The UK’s representation to the South Caucasus issued a statement on Facebook regarding this issue.

The statement expressed the UK’s strong support for the positions of the United Nations and European Union on the matter, claiming that the local population will be negatively impacted by these changes, creating greater vulnerability and isolation of those living in the adjacent areas.

"Reducing the number of crossings will inevitably have a negative impact on the lives of the local population and is not conducive to longer-term conflict resolution”, the statement read.

De-facto Abkhazian officials announced their decision to keep only one entry point open through Enguri Bridge at the ABL earlier this month, which resulted in hundreds of residents of Gali in Abkhazia protesting against the decision.

A crowd of peaceful protesters last week blocked the central road of Nabakevi village where another crossing point had operated previously. The protesters said that it will be difficult to use only one point of entry and exit because it will be time consuming.