Occupied Abkhazia reopens crossing-point after over 3 months closure
As of today, Enguri Bridge is the only crossing-point connecting the occupied Abkhazia with the rest of Georgia. Photo: Erik Hoeg/Twitter
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The de facto leadership of Georgia’s Russian occupied region of Abkhazia announced today that the closure of the so-called border between the region and the rest of the country has been abolished.
The temporary restrictions on crossing the state border between Abkhazia and Georgia (entry of foreigners from the territory of Georgia, departure of citizens of the republic of Abkhazia to the territory of Georgia), which entered into force in June 2019, have been abolished”, the de-facto security service said.
Abkhazia announced a temporary closure of the crossing-point in late June, amid anti-occupation protest rallies throughout Georgia.
Photo: Erik Hoeg/Twitter
Russia recognised the two Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) as independent states after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
Only Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria have taken the same step of recognition so far, while the rest of the international community urges Russia to withdraw its troops from Georgia.
Co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) said the closure of the crossing points between Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region and the rest of Georgia “is creating additional hardship for the local people and is further raising tensions”.
"It is of our deepest concern that the so-called crossing points along the occupation line with the Tskhinvali region have been closed, which results in the total isolation of the population residing in the occupied territories and creates a threat of a humanitarian crisis on the ground,” Georgian Foreign Ministry stated.
The de facto Tskhinvali government has announced the closure of two crossing points with the rest of Georgia, saying the reason is an ‘escalation of tension at certain sections of the border with Georgia.’The so-called security committee of Tskhinvali has accused Tbilisi of sparking the tension, stating that the crossing points will reopen when the tension fades.
The Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) Erik Hoeg said the recent decision of de facto Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) officials to close the so-called border with the rest of Georgia is “negatively affecting local communities” on both sides of the occupation line.
The Russian controlled occupation forces are conducting a census in the occupied Akhalgori district, the Democracy Research Institute NGO says.
President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili announced today that she is paying close attention to the developments in the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia. State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili spoke of the situation in Sokhumi as well.
De facto authorities of the Russian occupied Georgian region of Abkhazia have imposed restrictions on the Enguri Bridge, which is the only crossing point connecting the region with the rest of Georgia. The “acting president” of Abkhazia Valeri Bganba advised the locals not to travel out of the region amid the threat of the new coronavirus. Moreover, only Russian citizens will be allowed to enter the region until April 7 inclusive.