Lithuanian FM visits administrative boundary line by Russian-occupied Georgian region of Tskhinvali
Gabrielius Landsbergis' first stop was the Odzisi controlled crossing point, which has now been closed for more than 600 days. Photo: EUMM Georgia.
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis has visited the administrative boundary line (ABL) by the Russia-occupied Georgian region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) today.
Landsbergis' first stop was the Odzisi controlled crossing point, which has now been closed for more than 600 days.
The ????????@LithuaniaMFA @GLandsbergis is currently on a field visit to the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with South Ossetia, hosted by @EUMMGeorgia_HoM. His first stop is the Odzisi controlled crossing point, which has now been closed for 600+ days. pic.twitter.com/Kq6kmrH9DT
— EUMM Georgia (@EUMMGeorgia) April 29, 2021
During the visit, the EUMM Head of Mission, Ambassador Marek Szczygiel offered his insights on the most recent security developments on the ground. In particular, he stressed the negative impact that ‘borderisation’ has on the freedom of movement and other human rights of the conflict affected communities, as well as on their humanitarian needs.
As the visit continues, EUMM Monitors explain the specific geographic features of the area divided by the ABL, and @EUMMGeorgia_HoM briefs him on the most recent security developments on the ground. pic.twitter.com/4HNClSQM7U
— EUMM Georgia (@EUMMGeorgia) April 29, 2021
When discussing the protracted closure of the Odzisi controlled crossing point Szczygiel also emphasised what it means for local populations in terms of lack of access to education or medical care.
The visit and exchanges with EUMM monitors allowed Landsbergis to gain a first-hand impression of the situation at the ABL and of the mission’s contribution to stability on the ground.
Landsbergis underlined the importance of the Mission's role in enhancing security and stability on the ground, and in the region.
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