94th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meeting takes place in Ergneti

ERGNETI, 18 July 2019 - The 94^th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting was held today in Ergneti. Erik Høeg, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Ambassador Rudolf Michalka, Special Representative for the South Caucasus of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, co-facilitated the meeting.

Høeg provided an overview of events since the last IPRM meeting on 16 May 2019. He noted that the overall security situation had remained relatively calm and stable but also highlighted developments related to detentions, explosions and ‘borderization’. While highlighting the good co-operation on the use of the EUMM managed Hotline, Høeg continued to stress the importance to all participants of continuing to use this mechanism when dealing with sensitive issues, thus increasing transparency.

Discussions ensued on the continuing erection of obstacles and barriers along the administrative boundary Lline (ABL). The co-facilitators stressed the negative impact of ‘borderization’ on the lives of people on both sides of the ABL, and concerning detentions called for a humanitarian approach. Participants furthermore discussed alleged airspace violations and other security-related issues.

The case of the tragic death of Archil Tatunashvili was once again addressed.

Høeg and Ambassador Michalka urged all participants to continue using the Hotline and to increase early and timely exchange of information on activities by security actors from both sides of the ABL.

The next meeting is scheduled for 29 August 2019.