**Tensions and Concerns Emerge at Latest Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism Meeting**
On April 3, representatives from the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), and the de facto authorities in occupied Tskhinvali met in Ergneti for the 124th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting. The gathering focused on various issues affecting the local population living near the occupation line.
**Demand for Justice and Release of Detained Citizens**
The SSSG statement emphasized the need to punish those responsible for the murder of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi, who was shot dead by Russian occupying forces in November 2023. The Georgian government also reiterated its call for the release of all illegally detained Georgian citizens and condemned the “borderization practices” identified during the meetings.
**Humanitarian Concerns and Freedom of Movement**
According to the EUMM statement, co-facilitators Christoph Späti and Bettina Patricia Boughani advocated for the lifting of freedom of movement restrictions during the upcoming Orthodox Easter holiday period. They emphasized the importance of allowing local communities on both sides of the administrative boundary line (ABL) to participate in religious traditions and visit cemeteries.
The EUMM also called for the full reopening of crossing points, citing their positive impact on the lives of conflict-affected populations. Additionally, co-facilitators urged an end to detentions and a humanitarian approach to resolving existing cases.
**Constructive Discussion on Irrigation**
Participants commended the constructive technical meeting on irrigation that took place on March 31 in anticipation of the upcoming irrigation season. The EUMM reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the exchange of irrigation-related information through their hotline and measuring water levels, recognizing the importance of timely and accurate data.
**Tskhinvali Representative’s Statement**
Egor Kochiev, the de facto deputy presidential envoy for post-conflict settlement and head of the South Ossetian delegation to the IPRM, stated that discussions included issues related to the supply of irrigation water. He expressed hope that this year’s irrigation season would be successful, with improved water supply for agricultural producers.
**Next Meeting Scheduled**
The next meeting within the framework of the IPRM will be held on June 11.
This latest IPRM meeting highlighted ongoing tensions and concerns between Georgia and occupied Tskhinvali. The demand for justice, release of detained citizens, and humanitarian concerns demonstrate the complexities of resolving issues related to the occupation line. As we move forward, it is essential to continue monitoring these developments and seeking constructive solutions to address the challenges faced by local communities.
**Also Read:**
For a deeper understanding of previous IPRM meetings and related news articles, click on the links below:
* 123rd Ergneti IPRM Meeting
* 122 Ergneti IPRM Meeting
* President Zurabishvili in Ergneti: Europe Will be the Ultimate Unifier
* 120th Ergneti IPRM Meeting
* 118th Ergneti IPRM Meeting
* 116th Ergneti IPRM Meeting