This is Russian military base, located in the heart of Georgia, just nine kilometers away from the country’s main highway. The international community considers this area a part of Georgia, while Russia continues to erect a so-called border within the neighbouring independent country. In Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) alone, Russia has built 19 border bases like this.
EU’s eyes and ears on Russia’s creeping occupation of Georgia
Interview with the head of European Union Monitoring Mission
Erik Høeg
Here the line follows the river Ksani. To get to their relatives’ homes on the other bank of the river, locals have to go through the only checkpoint connecting Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) with the rest of Georgia and make the extra 10-kilometre trek.
The villages Odzisi and Akhmaji are connected by this bridge over the river, but are divided by what Russia calls the border, what Georgia calls the occupation line and what international organizations call the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL).
They can cross the checkpoint only if they have the proper pass issued by Ossetian authorities.
Even the only international monitoring mission on the ground, established by the European Union after the Russia-Georgia war in October 2008 cannot cross the river despite its mandate that includes both occupied regions – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
Kanzlerin #Merkel informiert sich an der Verwaltungslinie zu den abtrünnigen Gebieten Georgiens über die Arbeit der EU-Beobachtermission #EUMM. pic.twitter.com/Inj0PzAR0W
— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) 24 August 2018
Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel was not allowed to get close to the Akhmaji checkpoint.
This hill, from where here from a Russia’s n military base is clearly seen, is probably the most visited place by foreign politicians in Georgia. Do visits like this affect the situation?
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
Despite the international attention and the dozens of resolutions received by the international and EU organizations on Georgia’s ongoing occupation nothing stops Russia from grabbing land meter by meter.
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
The head of the only international mission with 320 members from the EU states which is patrolling 24/7 says that the situation concerning borderization is getting more severe for the locals year to year.
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
No flexibility means more detentions for movement across the occupation line. 128 Georgian citizens were arrested, charged for “illegally crossing the border” and fined 2,000 rubles (around USD 30) in 2018 in both occupied regions.
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
The murder of Giga Otkhozoria, captured by CCTV cameras at the Khurcha – Nabakevi checkpoint in Abkhazia and the torture and murder of Archil Tatunashvili were the most dramatic episodes in Georgian history since the Russia Georgia war in 2008.
Tatunashvili’s body was transferred to his family on March 20, 2018 only after about a month after his death with his internal organs removed and more than 100 injuries on his body. In both cases, the perpetrators still walk free.
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
On a daily basis the European Union Monitoring Mission reports violations of basic human rights of the locals on both sides of the occupation line.
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
Where does the information on the conflict go and who reads the EUMM’s reports?
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
Originally authorised for one year, the mandate has since been extended seven times. In December 2018, the European Council extended it until 14 December 2020. What will be next? Is there any chance to replace EUMM with the European police or peacekeepers?
Erik Høeg Head of European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia
11 years since the 2008 Russia Georgia war, Russia has still not fulfilled one of the key points of the ceasefire six point agreement signed on August 12, 2008.
From the website of EUMM: