WIREDGOV

Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments along the Administrative Boundary Line of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

The announced closure of two crossing points along the Administrative Boundary Line of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia - Nabakevi-Khurcha and Meore Otobaia-Orsantia - which are used daily by hundreds of commuters, will be detrimental to the freedom of movement of the population, including school children, on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line. It will likely increase the risk of incidents, especially detentions.

Such a unilateral decision would go against commitments to work towards enhanced security and improved living conditions for the conflict-affected population. Furthermore, it would be contrary to efforts to normalise the situation by creating an atmosphere that is not conducive to longer-term conflict resolution and overall stability in the region.

The European Union, therefore, calls for the maintenance of the opening of the crossing points to ensure the freedom of movement, including humanitarian crossings. Furthermore, the participants in the Geneva International Discussions should engage constructively in enhancing security and improving living conditions for the conflict-affected population.

The European Union continues to closely follow the situation along the Administrative Boundary Line, including through the enhanced presence of its monitoring mission (EUMM). The European Union reaffirms its full support to Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders.