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
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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”.