Russia resumes fence construction in South Ossetia
By Nazrin Gadimova
Russian border guards have resumed the process of fence construction along the administrative borders in South Ossetia, European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia reported on November 29.
"Following a reduction in fencing activities since late September the EU Monitoring Mission notes with concern the recent resumption of the installation of fences along the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia," EUMM official website reports.
"This comes amidst the acceleration of the installation of sign posts warning people not to pass."
The Mission has activated the Incident Prevention and Response Hotline, calling on all sides to exchange information about these latest developments.
A patrol sent to the Dirbi-Ghogheti area observed the installation of red metal poles along an estimated 160-metre stretch of land, including barbed wire over a 35-metre stretch.
Also, EUMM reported about an intensification of the installation of sign posts in the area, some of them in the middle of cultivated land.
"As winter is approaching, we call on all parties to take into account the potential impact on people's livelihood and resources and on their ability to sustain themselves during this difficult time of the year," EUMM Head Toivo Klaar says. "The EUMM will continue patrolling the area and facilitating the exchange of information among parties through the Hotline, in order to prevent and reduce potential tensions in the area."
The situation at the administrative border between the Tskhinvali region in South Ossetia and the remaining territory of Georgia has been in the spotlight of the Georgian authorities and the international community for several months.
Georgia and Russia, its giant northern neighbor, have maintained no diplomatic relations since a brief war in 2008. Tbilisi broke off relations with Moscow in August 2008 when Moscow crushed a Georgian assault to reassert control over two rebel regions -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- and later recognized the regions. Georgia announced the two unrecognized republics as occupied territories in September 2008.
Russian border guards began creating barbwire along the administrative border shortly after the conflict. The Georgian side charges that these actions violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as the principles of international law and the ceasefire agreement between Georgia and Russia dated August 12, 2008.