01 October 2008
European Union Monitors Enter Security Buffer Zones in Georgia
Transition began smoothly, officials say
Washington — The 200-plus European Union civilian monitors have begun taking up positions in Russian-declared “security zones” in Georgia that had been held by Russian troops. The move is part of a cease-fire deal reached between the EU and the Russian government in August.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana launched the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) at a ceremony in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, October 1.
“We now look forward to all parties fulfilling their commitments as much as the EU did,” he told reporters. “The EU is here in Georgia to work for the stability of the country. Our engagement is serious.”
At a State Department briefing October 1, spokesman Sean McCormack said that the deployment of EU monitors leads to the next step in the Russian withdrawal of its forces from Georgian territory. “So, 10 days from this period, on October 10, the Russian forces that you see in Georgia should be out of Georgia,” he said.
EU MISSION TO HAVE 200 MONITORS
Solana said the EU mission will have approximately 200 monitors stationed around the country and another 100 support staff.
“EUMM is an unarmed civilian mission, and its role is to monitor the situation on the ground in order to ensure that there is no return to violence, that people can return in peace to their homes and that normal life can resume,” Solana said. “By engaging with the local population, the EU monitors will bring a sense of security to the people whose lives have been affected by this tragic conflict.”
Under the terms of the updated cease-fire agreement reached between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the monitors bearing EU markings and identity papers will be allowed to take up positions in a buffer zone established by Russian forces near the region of South Ossetia and eventually Abkhazia.
Russia had agreed to withdraw its forces from areas outside of South Ossetia and Abkhazia within 10 days of the EU monitors' deployment, which began October 1. Lines of EU monitors' convoys could be seen leaving temporary bases near Tbilisi for their new positions, according to news reports.
Russia announced previously that it was stationing a 7,600-man peacekeeping force in the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Following a five-day war in August, both regions petitioned Russia for recognition as independent states and Moscow granted their request. Nicaragua was the only other nation that recognized the regions.
The conflict began August 7 when Georgian forces attempted to retake control of South Ossetia. The next day, Russian forces drove the Georgian army out of South Ossetia and pushed further into Georgia. Later, Russian forces entered Abkhazia and also pushed further into Georgian territory. Western nations condemned the Russian response as disproportionate and demanded that Russia withdraw its forces.
