**Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism Holds 126th Meeting in Ergneti**
The 126th meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place on July 21 in the village of Ergneti, near the occupation line with Georgia’s Russian-backed Tskhinvali region. The meeting was co-facilitated by Bettina Patricia Boughani, head of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia, and Christoph Späti, special representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus.
**Georgia’s State Security Service Speaks Out**
The Georgian State Security Service (SSSG) made a statement during the meeting, discussing “all important incidents” along the occupation line since the previous IPRM gathering. The agency reiterated its demand for accountability in the killing of Tamaz Ginturi, a Georgian citizen who was fatally shot by Russian forces in November 2023. The SSG also raised concerns about releasing individuals held in illegal detention and condemned the continued “borderization” near the occupation line.
**Humanitarian Concerns and Freedom of Movement**
The EUMM and OSCE co-facilitators welcomed the continued commitment to the IPRM format, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing security-related developments and finding practical solutions for conflict-affected communities. They reiterated their concern over continuous detentions and advocated for enhanced freedom of movement, which would facilitate family visits during the summer.
**Irrigation and Wastewater Management**
The discussion also addressed irrigation and wastewater management, with co-facilitators urging practical cooperation to ensure sufficient access to water resources during the dry season. The EUMM and OSCE reiterated their readiness to support efforts in this area.
**De Facto Authorities’ Statement**
Igor Kochiev, the de facto representative of the Russian-backed Tskhinvali region, told journalists that the situation along the occupation line remains stable, calm, and predictable. He mentioned a minimal number of violations of the state border and airspace by unmanned aerial vehicles since the previous meeting.
**Next Meeting Scheduled**
The next IPRM meeting will be held on September 29, 2025. The continued efforts to address security-related developments and humanitarian concerns in the region are crucial for maintaining stability along the occupation line.
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As an expert, it’s essential to note that the IPRM meetings provide a platform for discussions between Georgian authorities and their counterparts from the Russian-backed Tskhinvali region. These talks aim to prevent and respond to incidents along the occupation line, promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The repeated concerns about detentions, borderization, and freedom of movement highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining stability in the region. The EU Monitoring Mission and OSCE’s continued involvement demonstrate their commitment to supporting peace efforts and addressing humanitarian needs.
In light of recent events, such as the attempted sale of uranium and restrictions on inheritance for those who aided Tbilisi during the war, it’s crucial that these IPRM meetings remain a vital tool for promoting understanding and cooperation between parties.
