EU PSC delegation visits occupation line in central Georgia
The newly appointed Head of the EUMM in Georgia, Bettina Patricia Boughani noted that the “important visit” of the PSC delegation highlighted the EU’s “strong commitment” to stability and security in Georgia and emphasised “it is crucial” for the delegation to witness the security situation in Georgia firsthand, “as it provides them with direct insights on the challenges and complexities faced on the ground”. Photo via EUMM
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The delegation of the European Union’s Political and Security Committee, who are on an official visit to Georgia, on Thursday visited the central Georgian village of Khurvaleti to observe the administrative line separating the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region from the rest of the country, the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia said.
The EUMM representatives briefed the ambassadors from the EU member states, based in Brussels, on the current security and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied region and explained the “negative effect” of ‘borderisation’ - a process in place since 2009 that prevented people from freely crossing ABL - on the conflict-affected populations on both sides.
The newly appointed Head of the EUMM in Georgia, Bettina Patricia Boughani noted that the “important visit” of the PSC delegation highlighted the EU’s “strong commitment” to stability and security in Georgia and emphasised “it is crucial” for the delegation to witness the security situation in Georgia firsthand, “as it provides them with direct insights on the challenges and complexities faced on the ground”.
Together, we strive to ensure there is no return to hostilities and foster confidence-building among the divided communities”, Boughani added
Yesterday, the EU delegation held meetings with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, as well as the parliamentary majority and opposition.
Members of the European Union’s Political and Security Committee, who are on an official visit to Georgia, on Wednesday highlighted the importance for Georgia to “seize the moment” on its path of EU integration into the bloc.
Georgia’s integration into the European Union and the progress achieved by the country in this regard were discussed on Wednesday by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze with the delegation of the Political and Security Committee of the Council of the EU.
The security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions were reviewed at an introductory meeting between Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and the newly appointed Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia Bettina Patricia Boughani.
The ongoing political processes in Georgia, the security challenges in the country and the integration into the European Union were discussed on Wednesday by Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s EU Integration Committee, Givi Mikanadze, the Chair of the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee and the ambassadors of the Political and Security Committee of the Council of the EU.