State Security Service Head, EU representative discuss situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories

The current situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories and near the occupation line, as well as security challenges in the country and the “borderisation” process in Georgian villages adjacent to the ABL, was discussed on Wednesday by Grigol Liluashvili, the Head of the Georgian State Security Service and Toivo Klaar, the European Union's Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in the country.

The most difficult challenges emerging in the Black Sea region and their impact, both on global and regional security, were reviewed by Liluashvili and Klaar, who is also the co-chair of the Geneva International Discussions - the only international format addressing security and humanitarian consequences of the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict.

The unconditional release of Georgian citizens illegally detained by Russian occupation forces was highlighted at the meeting, with the officials emphasising the efforts made by the co-chairs of the Geneva Discussions and their active involvement in the ongoing processes in the occupied regions.

The sides also pointed out the special role of the European Union Monitoring Mission in ensuring stability along the occupation line, stressing the “urgent need” for the EUMM’s “unrestricted access” to the occupied territories.

The effective use and strengthening of the existing formats of negotiations, including the Geneva International Discussions and Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings, were also emphasised at the meeting.