OSCE Sec-Gen at IPRM meeting: engaging with all stakeholders is important for security
The next IPRM meeting, which involves de facto Tskhinvali authorities and central government of Georgia, and is co-facilitated by the EUMM and the OSCE, will be held in July. Photo: EUMM/Facebook
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OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, who is visiting Georgia for the first time, has attended the 100th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting in the village of Ergneti close to the Russian-occupied Georgian region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
Helga Maria Schmid has tweeted:
Special moment for me today in Ergneti, addressing participants of the 100th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM). Engaging with all stakeholders is important for security and solving humanitarian issues. pic.twitter.com/29xnFtQGCr
— Helga Maria Schmid (@HelgaSchmid_SG) June 15, 2021
In her introductory remarks Schmid praised the commitment of the participants.
It is a special moment for me to be here today, having been closely involved in setting up this mechanism. It remains crucial for defusing tensions and solving concrete security and humanitarian issues, and also to alleviate the burden of the conflict-affected people”, she said.
Director of Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, Joanneke Balfoort, who was another special guest at today's IPRM meting, has noted that 'the EU contributes to peace and stability and promotes confidence-building' through the EUMM.
In her remarks, @eu_eeas Director @joannekeatwork, reiterates EU’s strong commitment to peace and stability. She highlights the importance of #IPRM and of the EUMM-managed Hotline to help build confidence and maintain stability, in the interest of the local population. pic.twitter.com/ZVRCgDuc5P
— EUMM Georgia (@EUMMGeorgia) June 15, 2021
Since its first meeting in 2009, the Ergneti IPRM has contributed to confidence-building, addressed various threats to the security situation at the occupation line and resolved several challenges faced by the conflict-affected population.
The hotline managed by the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), which has been functioning alongside the IPRM, has been instrumental in facilitating quick exchanges of information and de-escalation of tensions.
EUMM in Georgia has tweeted:
The #IPRM meeting has now ended. Discussions covered issues essential for maintaining stability and promoting security. Over the years, the mechanism has proven its vital role in de-escalating local tensions and building confidence. Read more: https://t.co/nFt0wnwKbI
— EUMM Georgia (@EUMMGeorgia) June 15, 2021
Head of EUMM Georgia Marek Szczygiel has thanked the guests and all participants 'for their commitment to the format and the constructive atmosphere of today's discussions'.
The discussions were held 'in a constructive atmosphere' and covered all the main issues participants regarded as essential for maintaining stability and promoting security on the ground.
The next IPRM meeting, which involves de facto Tskhinvali authorities and central government of Georgia, and is co-facilitated by the EUMM and the OSCE, will be held in July.