DISINFO: EUMM encourages Georgia's provocative and destructive activities near South Ossetian border
SUMMARY
As the threat of armed clashes near the Georgian-South Ossetia border in increasing, the position of the EU international observers is particularly perplexing.They not only fail to control the actions of Tbilisi’s military forces, they practically condone their provocative and destructive activities aimed at further escalation of tensions.
RESPONSE
This is an organised disinformation campaign targeting the EU's Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia. See the EEAS statement which assesses the statements from South Ossetia about security actions and developments as "factually incorrect". It further states:
"The attempts from within South Ossetia, both in action and through statements, to prevent the Mission’s work and restrict its mandate are deplorable and must stop."
In addition, the EUMM has not confirmed any shots from the Georgian side. The EUMM was deployed immediately following the war between Russia and Georgia in 2008. Its mandate is to support the restoration of ordinary life, to prevent a return to hostilities, to build confidence among the conflict parties and to inform about EU policy. The European Union remains fully committed to peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia and reiterates its firm support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. See earlier case alleging that the EUMM observers violated the administrative boundary line here.