Statement on the latest developments along the Administrative Boundary Line of Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia

For the European Union, on the 25 February 2017, 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 would be detrimental to the freedom of movement of the population, including school children, on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line. It would 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. The European Union, therefore, called for the maintenance of the opening of the crossing points to ensure the freedom of movement, including humanitarian crossings.

Meanwhile, the European Union reaffirmed its full support to Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: Georgia and the EU https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/1237/georgia-and-eu_en

ESO: Background information: Endorsement of informal agreement on visa liberalisation for Georgia http://www.europeansources.info/record/endorsement-of-informal-agreement-on-visa-liberalisation-for-georgia/

---