EU mission kicks off in Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone
The European Union's Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia became operational, with the first observers entering the buffer zone around South Ossetia to monitor the ceasefire between Russia and Georgia.
The EU mission aims to stabilize the region and ensure compliance by Georgia and Russia with a peace plan brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose country holds the EU presidency.
The force is of over 350 unarmed observers, in armored vehicles, from 22 EU member states. They will have to monitor the movements of around 800 Russian soldiers holding some 18 positions, and cover some rough country.
The EU mission aims to stabilize the region and ensure compliance by Georgia and Russia with a peace plan brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose country holds the EU presidency.
The force is of over 350 unarmed observers, in armored vehicles, from 22 EU member states. They will have to monitor the movements of around 800 Russian soldiers holding some 18 positions, and cover some rough country.
