Following a reduction in ‘borderisation’ process since late September, installation of fences along the breakaway South Ossetia’s administrative boundary line has resumed, the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) noted “with concern” on November 29.

“A patrol was sent to the Dirbi-Ghogheti area and observed the installation of red metal poles along an estimated 160-metre stretch of land, including barbed wire over a 35-metre stretch. Besides the resumption of the installation of fences, the Mission has also noted a recent intensification of the installation of sign posts in the area, some of them in the middle of cultivated land,” EUMM said.

Sign posts, mentioned by the EUMM, are warning people not to pass as it represents “the state border of South Ossetia”.

“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,” Toivo Klaar, head of EUMM, said in a statement. “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.”