Foreign Ministers of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, and of Romania, Bogdan Aurescu, visited today parts of the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with South Ossetia, with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM).

According to the website of the EU Monitoring Mission, the visit was organised as part of a broader visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia mandated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell.

During the visit, which took place in the Odzisi area, the Head of EUMM, Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, shared his insights on the most recent security and humanitarian developments on the ground.

He also stressed the negative impact that ‘borderisation’ features, such as wire fences or observation posts, have on the freedom of movement and other human rights of the conflict-affected communities. The discussions further highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the challenges that they face on a daily basis.

The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the visit, which allowed them to receive a first-hand impression of the situation, and praised the Mission’s role in enhancing security and stability on the ground.