On 23 March 2010, the fourteenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants once again exchanged information and clarifications on incidents reported since the previous IPRM meeting. Several specific cases of local residents reportedly prevented from crossing the Inguri River – in particular school children and patients seeking continuing medical treatment – were addressed.
Some specific instances of alleged mistreatment of local residents were also addressed, and participants agreed on subsequent steps to clarify the circumstances surrounding these reported incidents.
Participants also shared concerns caused by Imedi television’s “simulated” program of 13 March. Whilst agreeing that no incident had taken place as a result of this broadcast, all participants recognised the potential threat that such media reports pose to the overall security situation.
Notwithstanding some sensitive and difficult issues discussed, the meeting took place in a business-like atmosphere, with all participants engaging in constructive manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 13 April 2010.