Occupied Abkhazia reopens so-called border after 26 days, Tskhinvali still closed
The European Monitoring Mission confirmed the reopening of the so-called border between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia. Photo: EUMM.
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The Georgian occupied region of Abkhazia has re-opened the so-called border with the rest of Georgia yesterday, which was closed on 11 January by the de facto leadership of the region “to avoid the spread of swine flu.”
Erik Hoeg, the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) head to Georgia, tweeted the news yesterday.
#EUMM patrols confirm restrictions in place since 11/01 at Abkhaz Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) were lifted today. Good that commuters can finally cross again. Reopening accompanied by reduction of accepted crossing documents. #EUMM assessing impact. pic.twitter.com/HoniCZGH8h
— Erik Hoeg (@erik_hoeg) February 5, 2019
The occupied Tskhinvali region closed the so-called border on the same day for the same reason; the border remains closed
The central Georgian government has many times condemned the closure, which has created “severe humanitarian problems” for the locals of the regions.
Photo from #EUMM patrol today at Odzisi - main crossing point to South Ossetia. Situation unfortunately unchanged. No people, goods or vehicles crossing since 12/01 pic.twitter.com/B6SfxeODan
— Erik Hoeg (@erik_hoeg) February 5, 2019
Georgian Reconciliation Minister Ketevan Tsikhelashvili says that all steps are being taken by the central Georgian government in all formats available to achieve the reopening of the so-called border with Tskhinvali.
The closure is absolutely unacceptable, creating huge humanitarian problems for locals and particularly for those who have small businesses. The de facto leadership actually keeps locals in slavery,” Tsikhelashvili said.
She stated that those who make such “unlawful and inhuman” decisions in the de facto governments must know that they will have to answer for the violation of human rights.
Two Georgian occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali have been recognised as independent states by only Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria so far [since the Russia-Georgia 2008 war].
Venezuela may revoke its decision if the interim government manages to preserve power.
The rest of the international community says that the regions are now occupied by Russia.