EUMM reports new fencing installed by occupation forces in Atotsi village

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) has reported that they have observed “new fencing being installed” in the Village of Atotsi, Kareli municipality, by occupation forces, “creating additional barriers to the freedom of movement for the conflict affected population”. 

The EUMM has not observed any notable difference in posture or patrolling patterns of security actors from [Russian-controlled] Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) on the ground compared to the recent past. We  assess the security situation on that particular stretch of the administrative boundary line to be relatively stable presently,” the EUMM said. 

The Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned the continued erection of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers in the village of Atotsi, near the occupied Tskhinvali region, on October 19. 

• EUMM speaks about significant borderisation activities by occupants in Atotsi village

The actions of the occupation forces represent a deliberate provocation that aims at destabilising the situation on the ground,” the ministry said. 

Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia stated on October 20 that the actions of the occupying forces are “unacceptable.”