EU Comments on Closure of Crossing Points at ABL of Georgia's Breakaway Abkhazia

Maja Kocijancic, a Spokesperson of European Union (EU) External Action Service released a statement on Friday, saying 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, adding 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 normalize the situation by creating an atmosphere that is not conducive to longer-term conflict resolution and overall stability in the region,” the statement reads.

The statement also reads that the EU calls for the maintenance of the opening of the crossing points to ensure the freedom of movement, including humanitarian crossings.

Furthermore, the statement says 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-recognized borders,” the statement reads.

By Thea Morrison