Brussels, 14/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 13 September, the EU extended the mandate of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia), allocating a budget of €20.9 million to it until 14 September 2013. This decision comes nearly two weeks before the beginning of Georgian legislative elections. Preparations for those elections are soon to be submitted to the five European ministers who will be in Tbilisi on Monday 17 September.
The EU mission currently employs 224 civilian monitors throughout practically the whole of Georgian territory, other than South Ossetia whose status is still the cause of wrangling. All EU member states contribute to the mission with Romania contributing the most personnel (30), followed by Germany (27) and Sweden (25). The EUMM Georgia is a civilian mission which is part of the common security and defence policy (CSDP). Its aim, since 2008, has been to monitor cessation of the conflict with the Russian Federation. Its main tasks are to monitor the withdrawal of Russian troops and the respect of human rights, while defusing any new contention that may arise.
Further to the Council's decision, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said: “The EU Monitoring Mission has made a vital contribution to security and stability in Georgia and the region over the past four years. I welcome the extension of its mandate for another year which will allow the mission to continue its efforts towards improving the daily lives of conflict-affected communities”.
According to a press release issued by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, the “joint EU ministerial visit” will be attended by the foreign ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania. The aim of the visit is to “express support for the democratic conduct of the elections and to affirm Bulgaria's commitment to the reform process and Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia”, the same press release states on Friday 14 September. (JK/transl.jl)