“The co-facilitators reiterated their strong support for establishing full freedom of movement and proposed concrete steps in this direction. Populations living on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) continue to face obstacles that restrict their livelihoods and economic opportunities and hinder their social relations. The co-facilitators underlined how these restrictions particularly affect women, children, the elderly, and isolated communities. The EUMM and OSCE marked yesterday’s 23rd anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Resolution, highlighting the opportunity to reflect on distinct experiences of women in the context of conflict and the important role they play in finding solutions to them.

Participants welcomed the constructive discussions on various topics of concern. For example, they particularly praised the co-operation between experts at a technical meeting on irrigation held on 27 October, during which a common approach to sharing water for the upcoming 2024 irrigation season was agreed upon. Participants also underscored the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline to defuse tensions and facilitate the exchange of information,” reads the statement.