Foreign Ministers of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, and of Romania, Bogdan Aurescu, visited the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with South Ossetia near Odzisi village with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM).

This visit was organised as part of a broader visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia mandated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell.

During the visit, the Head of EUMM, Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, shared his insights on the most recent security and humanitarian developments on the ground.

He also stressed the negative impact that ‘borderisation’ features, such as wire fences or observation posts, have on the freedom of movement and other human rights of the conflict-affected communities. The discussions further highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the challenges that they face on a daily basis.

The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the visit, which allowed them to receive a first-hand impression of the situation, and praised the Mission’s role in enhancing security and stability on the ground.

Foreign Ministers of Austria, Romania and Lithuania arrived in Georgia late last night. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, mandated EU three foreign ministers’ visit to the South Caucasus region on June 25-26.

Alexander Schallenberg, Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, Lithuanian FM Gabrielius Landsbergis and Romanian FM Bogdan Aurescu will focus on the regional security risks and territorial conflict-related threats during the Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia tour.