Austrian Chancellor observes crossing point to occupied Tskhinvali during Georgia visit

An Austrian delegation led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Monday visited the Odzisi crossing point in central Georgia, adjacent to the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region, to hear from the European Union Monitoring mission about developments in the area.

Tibor Kozma, the Acting Head of mission, introduced the head of state to the latest security and humanitarian developments along the Administrative Border Line.

Today, @EUMMGeorgia_HoM Tibor Kozma hosted Austrian Federal Chancellor, Mr. Karl Nehammer, on a visit to Odzisi crossing point at the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia. #Georgia @AustriaInGe @karlnehammer ????https://t.co/HiwhNIPgA3 pic.twitter.com/engzIl2LEH

— EU Monitoring mission in Georgia (@EUMMGeorgia) January 30, 2023

He told the visiting officials about the extended closures of the crossing point for regular traffic by the de facto authorities of the occupied region, explaining the moves and the regular “borderisation” activities on shifting the occupation line had led to restrictions on the freedom of movement of the conflict-affected population.

He also told the delegation the locals had little to no access to healthcare, education, property, and water due to the decisions by the occupation forces.

Photo via EUMM

Kozma emphasised the mission and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe had backed a full restoration of the functioning of the crossing points during the most recent meeting with the de facto authorities in the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism platform earlier this month.

Nehammer thanked the mission - which includes seven Austrian nationals - for its service and the information, and noted its contribution to stability in Georgia and the wider region.