European observers in South Ossetia: “exceptionally”

11th January 201011th May 2018 Nicolas Gros Verheyde

(BRUSSELS2) For the first time, last Tuesday, European observers deployed in Georgia (EUMM) were invited by the South Ossetian authorities to travel to their territory to investigate an incident.

This visit follows the arrest on Monday, January 4, by Georgian police of a South Ossetian resident, Genady Pliev. An incident - which is not the first - between Georgian and South Ossetian authorities. This is a "kidnapped Ossetian border guard"by Georgian forces, claim the South Ossetians. It is a"illegal gang member in possession of a firearm"say the Georgians who do not recognize the independence of the breakaway province. The situation is complex, we admit to EUMM. "We try to know all the details of this particular file and see how to solve it. But so far the situation is unclear with conflicting reports on what exactly happened. » (1)

European observers from the EUMM were thus able to go to the scene, were able to discuss with the local authoritiess and visit Pliev's parents. A visit, exceptionally, which should not be repeated, believe the South Ossetian authorities.

The head of the European observation mission, Ambassador Haber, however called for a meeting of the Incident Resolution Mechanism (IPRM) this week, for discuss freedom of movement along the "South Ossetian administrative line" as well as
search for solutions on detainees. MPI - Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism - been set up by the EU observation mission - to try to resolve incidents locally and find solutions. It brings together tAll the parties concerned: Georgian women from Tbilisi, South Ossetians from Tskhinvali (or Abkhazians if applicable), Russians, Europeans, OSCE). But the South Ossetian authorities have, for the moment, shown their refusal to participate in this meeting, considering that the only discussion forum was the meetings in Geneva (between all the parties concerned).

On the European side, we have a different opinion. "The right forum for resolving these issues is the IPRM process - recalls Haber. “This dossier, like others, shows more broadly that solutions must be sought concerning freedom of movement, security and detainees. With a little good will, the detainees on both sides could eventually return home. » (2)

NB: this "hot and cold" South Ossetian is part of the climate of relaxation between Russia and Georgia. Moscow has thus authorized the visa-free entry of Georgian citizens and air traffic between the two countries. A charter plane from Georgian airways - the national company - from Tbilisi, was able to land last Friday at Moscow airport, a first direct connection since the suspension of flights in August 2008.

(1) "We are trying hard to find out the details of this particular case and see what can be done to resolve the situation in the interests of all concerned. So far, the picture is unclear with conflicting reports of what exactly happened. We will continue to look into this in the coming days."(2) "Meanwhile, this case, following recent cases of detentions on both sides of the administrative boundary line, raises wider issues concerning freedom of movement, security, and detainees. Ultimately, with goodwill, detainees on both sides should be able to return to their homes. The right forum to address these issues is the IPRM process. I therefore call on all sides to meet early next week to discuss these issues."