An EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) patrol in Georgia was temporarily detained on September 17 near the boundary with the breakaway region of Abkhazia, the mission said in a statement. EUMM said the patrol was held up by "security actors" while conducting a routine patrol near the disputed boundary between Georgia and Abkhazia in the Khurcha area. The monitors were later released unharmed. The patrol was detained by representatives of the Russian occupation forces in the occupied territory near Khurcha, RFE/RL reported, citing the State Security Service, which controls the area on the Georgian side. The EUMM expressed "deep concern about any actions that prevent its monitors from carrying out their mandated activities." The EUMM was established after the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia to monitor the boundary. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Georgian Service, click here.
EU Monitoring Mission Patrol Temporarily Detained At Georgian-Abkhaz Boundary
An EUMM convoy in Georgia (file photo)