I am visiting the Central African Republic today to express the grave concern of the United Nations about the deteriorating security and human rights situation in the country and to convey the solidarity with the people who are suffering and extremely vulnerable at this moment.
How to stop the suffering, ensure that security is restored and to help the Central African Republic back on a path to legitimate constitutional rule was the subject of my discussions in Cameroon on Saturday and again today in Bangui with Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye and with representatives of political parties and civil society.
I have also spent time today with our team in the country. They have been doing their best under very difficult circumstances under the leadership of SRSG Vogt.
I met yesterday in Yaounde with UN staff who had to be temporarily relocated until security permits them to return to their jobs. Many of our own staff also face uncertainty and had their homes and personal property looted.
Of course our primary concern remains with the people of the Central African Republic.
Foremost at this time is the urgent need to establish law and order throughout the country and to protect civilians from abuse.
There must be a stop to the killing, the looting, the attacks on civilian population, the violations of human rights and the violent confrontations targeting segments of the population.
There must be an immediate stop to acts of sexual violence, and a stop to the recruiting of children into armed groups.
Those who have seized power must shoulder their responsibilities and control those elements under their command. The Secretary-General believes firmly there should be no impunity for violence and crime.
All actors, including Seleka, should facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid. The extensive looting of humanitarian aid agency offices and warehouses and the disruption of vital humanitarian aid are having a devastating impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The authorities must move quickly to establish security, with support from all who are in a position to help fill the vacuum. ECCAS has made a welcome announcement last week of its intention to increase the numbers of regional forces. More support may be needed.
In my meeting with the Prime Minister in Douala on 20 April, I have urged him to exercise leadership in helping to restore calm throughout the country.
On the political front, there must be a full return to constitutional order, as the United Nations, the African Union, ECCAS and many in the international community have demanded. We continue to emphasize that this transition should be carried out in an inclusive and transparent manner, in accordance with the Libreville Accord signed in January this year.
Winner-take-all politics has caused grave harm in the past. A peaceful future will require dialogue and compromise between Central Africans.
Let me add that the international community also has an important responsibility. It must remain focused on the Central African Republic and to provide sustained and timely attention and resources.
The Central African Republic cannot continue to be the “forgotten crisis” that emerges briefly on the international radar screen and then slips back into oblivion until the next tragic flare-up.
After security, humanitarian needs are paramount at the moment. With the current humanitarian appeal at just over 20% funded, we are calling on donors to increase urgently their contributions in order to address the immense needs and help to prepare us to move forward as security conditions permit.
The United Nations is looking at how it can enhance its assistance. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his deep concerns.
My discussions here will help to inform a report he will be making to the Security Council in the coming days, as we look to see how best the UN can use all of the instruments at its disposal to help build the environment of peace and security that the people of the CAR so badly need and deserve.
Thank you.
Excellences,
Je me réjouis de vous retrouver à Bamako pour discuter comment nous pouvons au mieux harmoniser nos efforts en soutien au Mali. Depuis la dernière réunion du Groupe de soutien et de suivi, le 5 février à Bruxelles, la communauté internationale a continué d’intensifier ses efforts pour contribuer à la résolution de la crise au Mali. Comme vous le savez, le Secrétaire général a présenté son rapport sur la situation au Mali le 26 mars au Conseil de sécurité, et nous attendons une décision du Conseil dans les jours à venir. I am delighted to once again join all of you here in Bamako to discuss how we can best align our efforts in support of Mali. Since the last meeting of the Support and Follow-up Group on 5 February 2013 in Brussels, the international community has continued to intensify its efforts in support to the resolution of the crisis in Mali. As you know, the Secretary-General presented his report on the situation in Mali to the Security Council on 26 March and we expect the Council to take a decision on Mali in the coming days.
Dans le même temps, la stratégie intégrée des Nations Unies pour le Sahel est en cours de finalisation et nous espérons qu’elle servira d’outil pour s’attaquer à certaines des causes du conflit au Mali et dans le Sahel. Je salue la présence parmi nous l’Envoyé spécial du Secrétaire général pour le Sahel, M. Romano Prodi. M. Prodi partagera avec nous sa vision sur la façon dont la communauté internationale pourra aider le Sahel à surmonter les défis profonds auxquels il est confronté. At the same time, the UN integrated Strategy for the Sahel is being finalized and we expect it to serve as a long term instrument to address some of the structural and underlying causes of the conflict in Mali and the broader Sahel region. I am delighted to have with us today Mr. Romano Prodi, Special Envoy if the Secretary-General for the Sahel. Mr. Prodi will brief us on the UN Sahel Strategy and will share his vision on the way forward for the international community to support the Sahel region in overcoming the deep-rooted challenges it is facing.
Entre-temps, nous devons redoubler d’efforts pour garantir que le processus politique, qui est fondamental pour la stabilité du Mali, ne soit pas supplanté par les opérations militaires en cours qui sont tout autant essentielles. Pour aborder plus en détail la nature du soutien et de l’engagement des Nations Unies au Mali et au Sahel, je salue également la présence icide M. Said Djinnit, Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest, de M. Anthony Banbury, Sous-secrétaire général à l’appui aux missions, de M. David Gressly, Chef du Bureau des Nations Unies au Mali, de M. Aurélien Agbénonci, Coordonateur résident et Coordonateur humanitaire de l’ONU au Mali et de M. Jack Christofides du Département de opérations de maintien de la paix. Meanwhile, we should redouble our efforts to ensure that the political process, which is key to Mali’s stability in both the short and long term, is not overshadowed by the equally essential military operations underway. There have been some important developments in the political situation which should encourage us to do just that. To further elaborate on all these developments and on the UN’ support and engagement in Mali and the West African region, I am also accompanied today by Mr. Said Djinnit, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, by Mr. Anthony Banbury, Assistant-Secretary-General for Field Support, by Mr. David Gressly, Head of the United Nations Office in Mali (UNOM), Mr. Aurelien Agbenonci, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali and by Mr. Jack Christofides from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
In terms of political developments in Mali, the establishment by the Transitional Government on 6 March of the National Commission for Dialogue and Reconciliation, and the appointment of its leadership a few weeks later, are important steps for putting in motion a broad and comprehensive political process. The appointment of a women and a Tuareg as vice-presidents of this Commission is consistent with the transitional authorities’ repeated assurances that inclusiveness and plurality will be foundation blocks of the political process. We hope that a broad and inclusive Malian-led political process can begin to address the challenges that must be overcome for Mali to achieve political stability and economic prosperity. We look forward to the establishment of the Secretariat so that the Commission can begin its important work in earnest.
To this end, the United Nations will provide all the assistance we possibly can to the Commission in collaboration with regional and international partners. In this regard, UNOM is available to assist all efforts to promote dialogue between the Government and those who wish to take part in the search for a political solution to the crisis, while UNOWA continues to coordinate closely with and support regional efforts to facilitate such a process.
I would also like to reiterate one of the key messages we have conveyed to the Security Council regarding the need to ensure that, in the current interplay between political and security priorities, the security imperative does not detract from the primacy of politics in Mali, in both the short and long term. Security Council members have expressed their strong concurrence with this message.
We are encouraged by President Traoré’s commitment to move rapidly toward elections by 31 July 2013, as this constitutes a fundamental benchmark in restoring constitutional order in Mali. We encourage all Malians to continue to work towards the creation of a favourable environment for the holding of credible and peaceful elections. There are important challenges for this electoral process to be held in time. Apart from logistical, legal and financial obstacles, the still-volatile security conditions and the absence of State administration in northern Mali poses an important challenge. And on the political front, the absence so far of a dialogue and reconciliation process limits the space for constructive electoral debate. Dialogue with all stakeholders, including in areas where the Malian administration is not yet deployed such as Kidal, is also essential to ensure that elections can take place across the entire territory.
Mindful of how much work is required to meet the July deadline, the UN will intensify its effort in support of the preparations for the holding of free, fair, transparent and credible polls in keeping with international standards. We call on the international community to step in and provide timely financial and logistic support for the elections. We hope that ongoing security operations as well as the appointment of the Commission for Dialogue and Reconciliation will help overcome these challenges and pave the way for inclusive and credible elections.
As you know, the Secretary-General deployed a multi-disciplinary Exploratory Visit to Mali headed by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Mr. Edmond Mulet from 10 to 16 March to develop recommendations on options for establishing a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Mali. The Mission provided some key observations and recommendations to the Secretary-General that were included in his report.
One important observation states that the serious and inter-linked challenges that confront Mali require concerted and broad-based efforts by the Malian authorities and its people, together with significant international support. They go beyond addressing security threats and require tackling the deep-rooted political, governance, development and humanitarian challenges that are not susceptible to an easy solution. With respect to the security challenges, a key question is the extent to which the United Nations can or should assume responsibility for security and stabilization which, ultimately, will need to serve as an incentive for Malians to engage in a viable political process.
We are also mindful of humanitarian actors’ increasing concerns about the possible deployment of a United Nations force in Mali and the need to retain a clear distinction between the humanitarian and political/security agendas to ensure the impartiality of humanitarian action, avoid threatening the safety of aid workers and guarantee humanitarian access to all those in need.
In his report, the Secretary-General has proposed two options for UN engagement in Mali, which are now under consideration of the Security Council.
Our consultations with Security Council members indicates that the Council prefers the second option, that of a UN multidimensional stabilization mission under Chapter VII alongside a parallel force. Under this option, the bulk of AFISMA would transition to a UN stabilization mission, which would operate under robust rules of engagement allowing it to address threats to the implementation of its mandate, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment.
This option would be part of the process of transition from the current situation to a UN stabilisation mission deployed alongside a parallel force and it takes into account the fact that the UN is operating in a new geopolitical context and faces threats that have not been encountered before in a peacekeeping context. The situation on the ground remains fluid, and extremists and criminal elements continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the people of Mali as well as to UN personnel. Therefore, it will be of critical importance that a clear distinction is maintained between the core peacekeeping tasks of an envisaged UN stabilisation mission and the peace enforcement and counter-terrorism activities of a parallel force. Any blurring of the distinction would place severe constraints on the ability of UN humanitarian, development, human rights and other personnel to safely do their work.
Given that the crisis in Mali is part of serious wider regional challenges, it will be essential to link our support to Mali within a broader regional strategy that incorporates Mali’s neighbours and key partners in the process. To that end, SRSG Djinnit will continue to work with the ECOWAS countries on the definition of a shared approach to effectively address the security and political challenges in Mali and its impact in the sub region and beyond.
In addition, the regional strategy that the UN is developing for the Sahel should be viewed as a complementary and indispensable process. As this issue will be addressed at more length during the day, I will just bring to your attention that the Secretary General is expected to report to the Security Council at the beginning of May on the development and implementation of the UN Strategy for the Sahel. In this regard, SESG Prodi has set the overarching framework for the strategy and has commenced work, in close coordination with concerned UN entities, on formulating an Action Plan focused on the four thematic pillars of the strategy; namely, governance, security, humanitarian and development as well as on the different levels of coordination foreseen in the strategy.
In closing, let me emphasize the full commitment of the United Nations to using all available tools to support and promote a Malian-led process leading to the resumption of democratic rule in the country in the short term and to political stability and economic growth in Mali in the long term.
Thank you.
Your Excellency Mr. Marty Natalegawa, Foreign Minister of Indonesia,
Your Excellency Mr. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN,
Representatives of the Governments of ASEAN Member States,
Representatives of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN ISIS),
Excellencies, Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Selamat Pagi [good morning]
I am greatly honoured to be here with you this morning at this ASEAN-UN workshop on Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy. At the outset I wish to convey the warm personal greetings of the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. You are all aware of the great value and importance the Secretary-General attaches to the United Nations’ partnership with regional organizations. Over the years we have been making steady progress in our endeavor to form and operationalize such partnerships around the world. You also know that the Secretary-General is a particularly close friend to ASEAN, and his tenure has coincided with an acceleration of the integration process within ASEAN. We are committed to continuing our work to strengthen this partnership in a meaningful way in the months and years to come.
Our partnership has already come a long way. The two organizations have held four summits since 2000. In this relatively short span of time, we have deepened our cooperation, elevating it to the level of ‘comprehensive partnership’ two years ago. The “Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations” adopted the 4th ASEAN-UN Summit in Bali could not have been readily endorsed without the personal initiative and commitment of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa under Indonesia's active chairmanship of ASEAN. We are very grateful for these efforts on your part.
Our comprehensive partnership consists of four pillars: “Political-Security Cooperation”; “Economic Cooperation”; “Socio-Cultural Cooperation”; and “Cooperation between Secretariats”. The first three substantive pillars mirror the structure of the ASEAN Community to be established by 2015 and are thus closely aligned to AEAN's priorities. This reflects the United Nations' strong support to the regional integration process of ASEAN. Most of UN activities under this new partnership framework are geared towards assisting ASEAN in achieving the 2015 target date.
The United Nations is also strengthening its cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, mainly through regular Secretariat-to-Secretariat (S2S) dialogue. This is a valuable mechanism underpinning the growing partnership of the two organizations. We look forward to working closely with new ASEAN Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Le Loung Minh, in raising our collaboration to newer heights. I am pleased to note that, in his insightful speech, His Excellency has noted various ways and means of “ASEAN conflict prevention”, including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and a multilayered web of regional architectures such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), as well as the upcoming ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR). He also touched upon a number of actual cases of conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy in the ASEAN region, which could be examined during the course of the present workshop.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s workshop “Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy,” builds on our past collaborative efforts, including the workshop and a seminar held in the past couple of years. It is designed to take us to the next level of collaboration. On behalf of the United Nations, I wish to express our deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for providing the financial resources that have made this Workshop possible.
This Workshop is an important step in the implementation of the first pillar, i.e. the Political-Security Cooperation pillar of the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership.
Preventive diplomacy has been an enduring aspect of the work of the United Nations. After all this organization was founded on the promise to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made it a priority to re-energize the United Nations’ preventive diplomacy, to improve our machinery and expand our partnerships. It is based on our strong belief and experience that through a combination of informed analysis, early warning, confidence building, rapid response and effective partnerships, we can help defuse emerging tensions, prevent the escalation of disputes into open conflict, and when conflicts do flare up, assist parties in resolving them peacefully. In his report “Preventive Diplomacy: Delivering Results” (2011), the UN Secretary-General observed that “the establishment of regular and informal early warning dialogues between the United Nations and regional and other partners would allow us to pool information and help us to anticipate “threshold moments” when key actors might decide to use violence.” He also stated that “to live up to our full potential in this field, we need to further strengthen these relationships, in particular those with regional partners”.
Our two-day workshop is conceived, and should be perceived, I feel, within this framework. It is an integral part of our strategic dialogue and regular engagement and consultation with our distinguished partners.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Since it’s founding in 1967, ASEAN has played a key role in securing stability and growth in this region. While the history of this region has been tumultuous and the major conflicts of the fifties, sixties and seventies had been destabilizing in many way, Southeast Asia has been relatively conflict-free since then, and was able to make major strides in creating a modicum of regional stability and forging regional integration. In recent decades, you have experienced exponential economic growth. Apart from becoming a dynamic regional catalyst of international trade, ASEAN, with its diversity, today represents a powerful microcosm of the great convergence and connectivity the world is experiencing.
This is not to suggest that the region is without problems. The intra-regional disparities within ASEAN are still significant. Several low intensity, intra-state armed conflicts, as well as some incipient and potentially troubling maritime disputes, remain unresolved.
But the successes accruing from regional cooperation of the ASEAN member states are evident in the increased and proactive engagements of major global powers with the region. ASEAN's ‘centrality’ is the key factor behind the multiplicity of regional structures and mechanisms that have taken shape, including the ASEAN Plus Three, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the East Asia Summit.
There is a lot the world can learn from ASEAN on the maintenance of regional peace and security, including on conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. With many prominent speakers gathered in one room here in Jakarta, we can expect stimulating and informative discussions on case-studies within the region and beyond. By the same token, we, from the United Nations, are more than happy to share our diverse experiences in preventive diplomacy and peace-making, including the use of the Secretary-General's good offices, facilitation and mediation. Perhaps, we could also explore ways and means enhancing capacities in preventive diplomacy. The United Nations is ready to look deeper into ways of engaging within the various regional architectures including the ARF on peace and security.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
About a year ago, in February 2012, we held a workshop, here in Jakarta on lessons learned and best practices of the United Nations and Regional Organisations in conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Together with representatives from the African Union and the European Union, we undertook comparative studies of experiences of regional organizations and the UN in these fields. We then came up with ten specific points. Allow me to highlight some of them:
This Workshop could discuss these and other possible initiatives that could be implemented in a concrete and tangible manner. ASEAN can provide other regions valuable lessons both in the articulation of the vision of a regional community as well as in the dynamics of how they may work together in concretizing that vision. In turn the United Nations may have some experiences of utility to you. Let me assure you that the United Nations stands ready to work with ASEAN in all its efforts to bring peace, stability and benefit to the people of this immensely diverse region.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
This Workshop is not meant to be just an academic exercise. We expect your full and active engagement and would welcome your forthright comments. The issues we are considering are key issues the two organizations will need to continue addressing for some time to come. The first formal review of the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership will be conducted in October this year under the Chairmanship of Brunei. We must continue our collaborative efforts in implementing the framework agreement as concretely as possible in all four pillars. Our discussions today and tomorrow will, I am sure, provide valuable input for this review process. As this engagement broadens, ASEAN and the United Nations hopefully conduct similar exercises covering the other pillars as well – the Economic Cooperation pillar, the Socio-Cultural Cooperation pillar, and the Secretariat-to-Secretariat Cooperation pillar – so as to have a holistic approach in conducting the review of the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership.
Let me conclude by repeating what I said at the Jakarta Defense Dialogue a few weeks ago. The UN partnerships with regional organizations are based on the principle of complementarity and burden-sharing. Harnessing the respective strengths of each actor in the maintenance of international peace and security is one of our key priorities, as we work together in ever more challenging environments. I am confident that we shall continue to work together in the future bringing better coherence and effectiveness in our joint efforts for peace and security. We are also confident that this partnership is dynamic and self-renewing as we respond to the changing demands, priorities and specificities of this exceptionally promising region.
Terima kasih [Thank you]
Thank you.
The Secretary General developed the United Nations Guidance for Effective Mediation in response to a request from the General Assembly (A/RES/65/283). The Guidance identifies a number of key fundamentals that should be considered in mediation processes: preparedness; consent; impartiality; inclusivity; national ownership; international law and normative frameworks; coherence; coordination and complementarity of the mediation effort; and quality peace agreements. The Guidance explains each fundamental, outlines some potential challenges and dilemmas facing mediators and offers some guidance.
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The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions note with concern that the 36th meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) did not take place in Gali on 24 April 2012.
The Co-Chairs take this opportunity to recall the consensus achieved at the 4th round of Geneva Discussions in February 2009 for the establishment of the IPRMs. The Mechanisms have since become an important tool to address security issues as well as other pressing issues on the ground.
The Co-Chairs underline the importance of the long-standing format of the mechanisms and consider that the setting of a precedent that can work against the interests of all stakeholders, namely to work towards ensuring security and stability on the ground, should be avoided.
The Co-Chairs urge all participants to maintain the current procedures and mechanisms pertaining to the Geneva Discussions, including the full functioning of IPRMs, and will do their utmost to facilitate further efforts on ensuring the smooth operation thereof.
On 23 March 2012, the thirty fifth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Information session on the initiative of the Chair was held for the first time in the framework of the IPRM. The United Nations expert provided information on possibilities of local cooperation in the fight against crime.
The participants addressed the deterioration of security situation on the ground and followed up on some detention cases discussed at the previous meetings. They exchanged information on new cases, which had taken place since the previous IPRM, including killings, a shooting incident and a case of a missing person.
The meeting took place in a businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 24 April 2012.
On 29 February 2012, the thirty fourth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali. The meeting took place in businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a professional manner.
The participants followed up on some detention cases discussed at the previous meetings. Useful information was exchanged on these and some other recent cases, which occurred since the previous IPRM meeting.
In relation to the recent limitations on the movement across the Inguri Bridge, freedom of movement of the local population was also addressed. Information was provided that those measures are temporary and will be lifted in due course.
Тhe need for joint efforts in the fight against crime was once again raised. Update on the preparations to organize an information session within the IPRM framework, which could provide elements for common understanding of local cooperation in the fight against crime, was provided by the Chair.
The participants reiterated the value of timely and efficient use of hotline to share information on any additional security measures.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 23 March 2012.
On 31 January 2012, the thirty third meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali. The meeting took place in businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a professional manner.
The participants followed up on some detention cases discussed at the previous meetings, as well as addressed one case of the alleged kidnapping. They, in particular, addressed the cases of three killings, which took place in December 2011 and January 2012. Useful information was exchanged on the case of one explosion near the line of control on 14 December 2011.
The participants once again discussed the need for joint efforts in the fight against crime and possible handover of wanted criminals, among others. In this connection, participants agreed with the proposal of the Chair to hold an information session on elements for common understanding of local cooperation in the fight against crime. The information session will be organized in the framework of the forthcoming IPRM meetings.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 29 February 2012.
The United Nations requires its mediators to address conflict-related sexual violence. This guidance offers mediators and their teams principles and strategies for including this critical peacebuilding and security concern in ceasefire and peace agreements.
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On 30 November 2011, the thirty second meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali. The meeting took place in businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a professional manner.
The participants followed up on some detention cases discussed at the previous meetings, as well as new ones. They exchanged updated information on the destiny of the detainees.
In line with the existing procedures, the participants once again discussed the freedom of movement at the Inguri Bridge and other crossing points. The need for joint efforts in the fight against crime was also reiterated and concrete ideas were suggested for further discussions.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 31 January 2012.
On 26 October 2011, the thirty first meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali. The meeting took place in businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a professional manner.
The participants followed up matters discussed at the previous meetings, in particular, issues related to the alleged violations of the line of control. The participants also exchanged views with regards to the alleged helicopter over flights.
Тhe participants agreed to the suggested ideas how to further improve the effectiveness of hotline communication. It was once again emphasized that the hotline is a very important tool of communication, in particular in cases of emergency.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 30 November 2011.
On 20 September 2011, the thirtieth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali. The meeting took place in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a respectful and professional manner.
Тhe general security situation since the 29th IPRM meeting was assessed as calm. Participants followed up matters discussed at the previous meetings including two detention cases and freedom of movement of the local residents. Additional information available on those issues was provided by respective participants.
Тhe participants in particular discussed issues related to safety of one pedestrian bridge. They also touched upon the alleged helicopter overflights.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 26 October 2011.
On 14 July 2011, the twenty ninth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali. This meeting marked the second anniversary of the launch of this IPRM, which continues its work without interruption.
Тhe general security situation was assessed as calm. Participants exchanged the updated information on one detention case of a local resident, including the possible visit to the place of his current detention. They also discussed the request of one of the participants to hand over the persons wanted for their alleged involvement in terrorist acts.
Тhe participants also discussed the claims about questioning and recruitment of people crossing the Inguri River. Clarifications were provided on the incident involving the attempt to stop a minibus reportedly trying to cross at the unauthorized location on 6 July. In this context, participants underscored the need to respect the freedom of movement of local residents and called for refraining from any action, which undermines this right.
The meeting took place in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a respectful and professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 20 September 2011.
On 21 June 2011, the twenty eighth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants followed up some issues discussed at the previous IPRM meeting, especially the case of the local resident detained on suspicion of committing terrorist acts. This discussion also touched upon findings of the ad-hoc fact finding team set in the framework of IPRM, which had visited the alleged locations of detention claimed by two sides. New information was provided on other reported attempts of committing terrorist acts and on the detention of suspected individuals.
Furthermore, participants discussed incidents, which took place since IPRM 27, including the alleged flights of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) across the Inguri River and the detention of individuals by one or another side. Participants once again revisited the issue of free movement of the local population and addressed specific incidents, which had raised concern related to crossing, including the alleged forced questioning of people crossing the Inguri River. The need to respect the rights of people and to ensure their unimpeded movement was emphasized.
As in the previous IPRM meetings, the 21 June meeting also took place in a constructive, respectful and professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 14 July 2011.
On 20 May 2011, the twenty seventh meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants discussed issues related to incidents, which took place since the last IPRM. They followed up the case of one local resident who was detained on suspicion of committing a serious crime. The specially-arranged fact finding team within IPRM was involved in studying the case. In addition, the updated information was provided on the alleged terrorist acts.
One of the serious incidents discussed at the meeting was the killing of a Colonel of a Russian Border Guards’ patrol team on 8 April 2011 in the Gali district by two perpetrators who were also killed during the shootout.
Participants further discussed crossing procedures and freedom of movement of the local residents and exchanged views on how to ensure their unhindered movement across the Inguri River.
The participants discussed river bank protection works carried out on a section of one side of the Inguri River. In this regard, they stressed the need for advance notice and coordination of actions, as well as cooperation on the level of experts.
The timely and efficient use of hotline was highlighted as an important practical element of IPRM, in particular in cases of emergency.
The meeting took place in a constructive, respectful and professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 21 June 2011.
On 22 March 2011, the twenty sixth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Based on the proposal of the Chair, the participants agreed the code of conduct of patrols when they approach the identified point(s) on the boundary line. Among other measures, the participants agreed to immediately activate the hotline to avoid any misunderstanding that could lead to the threat or the use of force.
Participants once again discussed issues related to the detention of two local residents, in particular the demand was made to immediately release and return one of the detainees. Clarifications on the reasons and circumstances of their detention were provided.
The issue of restoration of a shuttle bus service over the Inguri bridge, which had been functioning under the UN auspices until summer 2008, was once again followed up. It was agreed that the issue would be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities for consideration.
The meeting took place in a constructive, respectful and professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 04 May 2011.
On 22 February 2011, the twenty fifth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants discussed issues related to crossing, in particular by school children. They also discussed the procedures of issuance and distribution of relevant identification documents. Clarifications were provided on both matters.
Incidents, which took place since the last IPRM meeting, were discussed as well, including the detention of a local resident and the case of a missing person, who disappeared in 2008.
Participants once again addressed the issue of preservation of cultural heritage.
The meeting took place in a businesslike, respectful and professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 22 March 2011.
On 31 January 2011, the twenty fourth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants exchanged available information on some incidents which took place since the last IPRM meeting. Тhe general security situation was assessed as calm.
As in the case of previous IPRM meetings, participants exchanged useful information on substantive matters, such as freedom of movement of local residents and the language of instruction in the schools in the Gali district, as well as they discussed the issue of preservation of cultural heritage.
The meeting took place in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in the discussions in a respectful and professional manner.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 22 February 2011.
On 25 November 2010, the twenty third meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
The meeting continued the discussion on the circumstances of disappearance of Mr Gari Jopua and his subsequent return to his home after one month. The participants also discussed the case of Mr David Sigua who was missing since 2007. Furthermore, they exchanged views on the general security situation and on cases involving different individuals.
On substantive matters, a useful exchange of information took place with respect to the freedom of movement of local residents, in particular in relation to social activities.
The participants welcomed ideas on how to tackle potential security-related issues on the ground proposed by the Chair of the IPRM and agreed to continue the discussion on confidence building.
Despite divergent views on certain issues on the agenda, which have political connotations, all participants engaged constructively in the discussions.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 26 January 2011.
On 2 November 2010, the twenty second meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants addressed in detail issues related to recent incidents including the disappearance of a resident of Abkhazia near the Inguri river on 9 October 2010. They exchanged available information on this particular incident and agreed to continue discussing this and other matters at the next IPRM meeting, which will be suggested by the Chair.
On 8 October 2010, the twenty first meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants once again discussed issues related to the freedom of movement of the local population, in particular for school pupils and university students. In this regard, further clarifications on crossing procedures and practices were provided.
Several incidents reported since the last meeting of the IPRM were addressed in detail, including specific security-related incidents and reports of alleged mistreatment of the local population. A number of these incidents were clarified through detailed explanations and exchanges of information, while some others remain open pending further information to be provided during the next meeting. In this regard, participants also briefly addressed the issue of missing persons, and agreed to review an unresolved case should any new information become available.
Although a number of sensitive issues were raised in today’s meeting, all participants engaged in a professional, constructive and respectful manner. They demonstrated restraint and made a concerted effort to avoid politicisation of issues under discussion. This was instrumental in ensuring an overall atmosphere conducive to further progress.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 2 November 2010.
On 14 September 2010, the twentieth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
As in the previous IPRM meetings, participants discussed issues related to freedom of movement of the local population, in particular school teachers and students. In this regard, clarifications on procedures and modalities in place were once again provided, noting that there were no changes to the previous practices. Participants also raised the issue of freedom of movement of goods and transportation means across the Inguri river.
Noting decrease in the number of incidents in the period since the previous IPRM meeting, the participants discussed some reported incidents, including the detention of Russian citizens on 30 August near Orsantia village. Furthermore, participants exchanged information on the criminal situation in the Gali district and undertook to follow up on these matters on the operational level.
IPRM participants positively assessed the recent release by the Abkhaz side of the Georgian detainee as a confidence-building measure.
The meeting took place in a constructive, businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in a respectful and professional manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 8 October 2010.
On 20 July 2010, the nineteenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants discussed incidents reported in the period since the previous IPRM meeting, including incidents that were deemed to have occurred due to the undefined line of separation along the Inguri River. They also exchanged additional information on some incidents discussed during the previous meeting, in particular incidents of a criminal nature that are of mutual concern. Participants undertook to follow up further on these matters in the period leading to the next meeting of the IPRM.
A main item of discussion focused on the need to ensure the freedom of movement of the local population across the Inguri River. In this regard, participants clarified procedures and modalities currently in place and discussed planned changes that may impact on the freedom of movement and livelihood of the local population.
Today’s meeting once more took place in a constructive, businesslike atmosphere with all participants engaging in a respectful and professional manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 14 September 2010.
On 15 June 2010, the eighteenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants discussed the violent incidents that had recently taken place in Gali district, including the killing on 1 June of Mr Genadi Kvitsiniya, the killing on 3 June of Mr Dmitri Katsia, and the acts of arson on 6 June in the
Notwithstanding a difference of opinion on the causal aspects, participants agreed that a known criminal element had been involved in at least one of these killings. In this regard, they exchanged information on the activities of criminals operating on both sides and across the
Participants regretted and condemned the events that took place on 6 June in the
Despite the difficult nature of the discussions, the meeting took place in a professional and constructive manner, with all participants engaging openly and positively.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 20 July 2010.
The main purpose of this manual is to familiarize new UN mediators with the range of skills used by their predecessors to carry out third-party mediation. The manual describes the current context in which UN mediation and “good offices” is carried out, offers advice and lessons from previous representatives and envoys, and suggests how the UN’s Mediation Support Unit can help to support the work of UN mediators. The manual is based on the UNITAR Programme for Briefing and Debriefing Special and Personal Representatives of the Secretary-General, which involved extensive interviews with UN representatives and envoys to determine lessons learned and best practices from their work.
On 25 May 2010, the seventeenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants discussed incidents reported in the period since the previous IPRM meeting, and exchanged additional information on some incidents discussed during the last meeting. Discussions focused, in particular, on the need to respect the freedom of movement of the local population, including medical personnel, whilst at the same time meeting the security requirements of all participants.
The follow-up discussion on previous incidents concluded that some unintentional violations stem primarily from the unmarked terrain along the Inguri River. In this regard, participants supported the idea that, in future, joint visits at a technical level could take place, with a view to preventing any recurrences of incidents in future. In this context, the value of the hotline was once again highlighted with the addition of a new contact number.
The meeting was held in a professional and business-like atmosphere, with all participants engaging in an open and respectful manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 22 June 2010.
On 5 May 2010, the sixteenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants reviewed incidents reported since the previous meeting, exchanged information and provided clarification in this regard. Incidents addressed at the previous IPRM meeting were also followed up.
Participants noted the need to ensure unhindered passage for the local civilian population, in particular for patients, who are seeking medical assistance, and ambulances.
All participants once again reaffirmed their commitment of providing advance notice of sensitive activities for prevention of incidents and confidence building purposes. The importance of hotline as a useful tool to address issues in a timely and professional manner was also emphasized.
The meeting took place in a professional and constructive atmosphere, with participants engaging in a respectful manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 25 May 2010.
On 13 April 2010, the fifteenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants exchanged updated information and clarification on various issues including on crossing points for pedestrians and vehicles in order to facilitate the passage for the local population. They also exchanged specific information on the activities of coastal guard boats in adjacent waters.
After examining the case of a homemade landmine reportedly found and later defused in close proximity to Otobaia village, participants once again underlined the importance of hotline as a vital tool to respond to such kind of incidents.
The meeting took place in a professional and constructive atmosphere, with participants engaging in a respectful manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 5 May 2010.
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.
On 2 March 2010, the thirteenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants exchanged information and clarification on incidents, which were reported since the previous IPRM meeting, including the incident that took place in the village of Orsantia on 17 February 2010.
Crossing related issues were again discussed in detail and further clarifications were provided, in view of facilitating the passage for the local civilian population. Specific details on the future crossing points were also shared with the participants.
Discussion on the use of hotline continued with emphasis on the usefulness of this tool to exchange operational information, particularly in combating criminal activities. While acknowledging that the hotline is working, participants renewed their commitment to actively use it.
The meeting took place in a professional and constructive atmosphere, with participants engaging in a respectful manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 23 March 2010.
On 9 February 2010, the twelfth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants reviewed incidents reported since the previous meeting and exchanged information and clarification in this regard, including on the incident that took place in the village of Chuburkhinji on 29 January 2010. In this context, participants also discussed the negative impact that preemptory statements and sensationalist media reporting may have on the peaceful civilian population prior to the conclusion of a proper investigation.
The issue of crossings was again discussed, with further clarifications provided on related matters, including the procedures for detention and release. Participants once again reaffirmed their commitment to facilitate unhindered passage for the local civilian population.
Discussion on possible exchanges of information related to combating criminal activities continued.
Advance notification of planned military exercises was provided and clarifications given of other sensitive activities ongoing in the vicinity of the Inguri river. Such information forms an important preventive and confidence-building component.
The meeting took place in a professional and constructive atmosphere, with participants engaging in a respectful and productive manner.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 2 March 2010.
On
Participants discussed incidents since the previous meeting and exchanged clarifying information in this regard. Maritime security was also addressed and clarifications were provided with regard to the deployment of Coast Guard vessels. In this context, another brief exchange took place on last year’s incident involving a commercial vessel and its cargo.
The issue of crossings was also discussed, including the possibility of re-establishing a free bus service across the Inguri bridge for the benefit of the local population. Participants agreed to continue this discussion.
Participants also discussed the need to seek means for cooperation in combating criminal activities, which would be mutually beneficial. This issue also remains under discussion.
The meeting took place in a business-like atmosphere, with participants engaging in a constructive dialogue aimed at addressing past and preventing future incidents.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 9 February 2010.
On 8 December 2009, the tenth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants had an in-depth discussion on a number of alleged incidents related to crossings. Clarifications on current rules and practices were given. In this connection, concerns were raised regarding the establishment of a fence along the Inguri river.
The alleged over-flights by UAVs were also discussed. A request to stop these was made with a view to avoid unnecessary confrontation.
Participants once again discussed the recent maritime incidents in the Black Sea. One participant gave an update on the bilateral talks aimed at providing a proper framework for uncontested maritime traffic, including for humanitarian shipments.
The meeting took place in a business-like atmosphere, with participants engaging in a spirit of resolving past and preventing future incidents.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 20 January 2010.
On 17 November 2009, the ninth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants reviewed alleged incidents during the last two weeks and exchanged useful clarifications on each of them. Some of the incidents raised had already been discussed during the 8th round of the Geneva International Discussions of 11 November, and participants reiterated their concerns.
Participants once again discussed in detail the movement of the local population between Gali and Zugdidi districts and exchanged information and views on current and future crossing procedures and practices. These exchanges of information contributed to the requested transparency as regards the freedom of movement for the local population.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 8 December 2009.
On 3 November 2009, the eighth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants reviewed incidents in the period since the last meeting, providing clarification and exchanging information on specific incidents and security-related developments, including military exercises.
The movement of the local population between Gali and Zugdidi districts, including by public transport, was discussed in some detail, with participants exchanging views and providing information on crossing procedures and requirements, both current and future. They specifically agreed that civilians needing medical assistance should be given unhindered passage for treatment.
All participants once again engaged in a constructive dialogue, seeking and providing information and clarification on all agenda items with a view to averting any potential incident or escalation in tension.
Participants agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 17 November 2009.
On 20 October 2009, the seventh meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants reviewed incidents in the period since the last meeting, providing clarifications and additional information on most of the incidents addressed. They also reviewed material pertaining to the issue of recent and past helicopter flights along and in the vicinity of the Inguri River, and noted the assurances given so that such flights do not provide cause for concern.
Discussions on the movement of the local population, in particular local schoolchildren, between Gali and Zugdidi districts also continued. While the overall situation was again assessed as satisfactory, some aspects remain a source of concern and will again be reviewed and updated during the next meeting.
The continuing constructive engagement by all participants once more ensured a useful meeting.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 3 November 2009.
On 6 October 2009, the sixth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants continued their discussion concerning the movement of the local population between Gali and Zugdidi districts, taking into account humanitarian considerations. They discussed in particular the situation with regard to school children. As regards the latter, the overall situation was assessed as satisfactory. The matter will, however, be kept under review by the IPRM.
Participants reviewed incidents that have occurred since the last IPRM meeting, and also provided further elements of clarification with regard to incidents and issues that were discussed during the previous IPRM meeting. The issue of helicopter flights along and in the vicinity of the Inguri River was again discussed, and participants agreed to study the matter further on the basis of evidence presented by a participant during the next meeting with a view to resolving outstanding concerns.
With regard to the issue of maritime incidents in the Black Sea, the Chair provided, as requested by participants, a technical overview of the existing dispute settlement mechanisms within the framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Participants exchanged views on this issue and agreed that maritime incidents with potential security consequences must be avoided.
Once again, the willingness by participants to engage on substantive matters and to exchange information and provide clarification on contentious issues ensured that the meeting was productive.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 20 October 2009.
On 22 September 2009, the fifth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants continued their discussion concerning the movement of local school children attending schools in Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha districts since the beginning of the new school year on 14 September. Whilst the situation appears overall satisfactory, some remaining questions will be addressed during the next IPRM meeting.
Recent maritime incidents in the Black Sea and the recent Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly were also discussed in brief, as they had been addressed in more detail during the seventh round of the Geneva International Discussions, which took place on 17 September 2009. On the issue of maritime incidents, participants agreed that the complex technical aspects of this matter are better addressed in the appropriate international fora.
Participants also reviewed some recent incidents and provided advance notice of sensitive activities that may take place in the near future.
The constructive engagement by all participants and their willingness to engage on substantive matters by sharing relevant information and clarifying outstanding issues contributed to a constructive and positive meeting.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 6 October 2009.
On 8 September 2009, the fourth meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Participants addressed incidents in the period since their last meeting, including recent maritime incidents in the Black Sea. On the latter, an in-depth discussion allowed participants to state their views, including on legal aspects, and they agreed that incidents with potential security consequences should be avoided.
An exchange of views also took place with regard to the movement of local school children attending schools in Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha. It was agreed, and indeed encouraged that ahead of the new school year relevant information on crossing procedures would be shared with the local population.
Other specific incidents were also discussed. Participants provided clarifying information on these and related matters. They agreed that IPRM meetings should have a review of past incidents as a standing agenda item.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 22 September 2009.
On 11 August 2009, the third meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
The meeting continued the discussion on some practical arrangements of work. In light of the agreement reached in Geneva on 17-18 February 2009 on IPRMs, participants also discussed what should be considered an “incident”, and held an initial discussion on the terms of reference for “agreed joint visits”. The meeting then addressed several substantive questions.
On substantive matters, a brief assessment of the general security situation was given, and participants exchanged information and views on what they considered to be recent incidents. Participants undertook to share relevant information, to the best of their knowledge, when addressing specific incidents. An informative exchange of views took place with respect to the movement of local residents through crossing points and some suggestions were made, and discussed, in this regard.
Despite divergent views on underlying political issues, all participants continued to engage constructively in the discussions.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 8 September 2009.
On 28 July 2009, the second meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, chaired by the United Nations, was held in Gali.
Today’s meeting continued the discussion of the first meeting on some questions regarding the practical organisation of work and the modalities of future meetings, and then moved on to address substantive questions.
The practical arrangements for the establishment of a “hotline” to facilitate urgent contacts between participants were finalised.
On substantive matters, both current and past incidents were discussed, as well as wider issues related to enhancing security in general. The participants exchanged views and information on these matters and undertook to revert to some of the points during next meetings.
As a measure of transparency and confidence building, it was agreed that the agenda for the IPRM meetings would include “advance notice of sensitive activities” as a standing item.
As was already the case in the first meeting on 14 July 2009, participants engaged constructively in the discussion, thus contributing to what was again a productive meeting.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the IPRM would take place in Gali on 11 August 2009.
As agreed at the sixth round of the Geneva Discussions on 1 July 2009, the first consultative meeting under United Nations auspices of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism took place in Gali on 14 July 2009.
With all participants present, this meeting addressed questions regarding the practical organisation of work and modalities of future meetings.
All participants actively engaged on all points on the agenda, thus contributing to a good and productive meeting.
Agreement was reached on all issues except one. There was agreement on the periodicity of meetings, on the format of the meetings, on the working languages of the meetings, on the way summary conclusions of meetings will be drawn and the agenda will be set, on the chairmanship of the next meetings, and on the practical set-up of the “hotline”. The only issue that will be further discussed at the next meeting is the locations where the meetings should be convened.
As all participants agreed to meet on a bi-weekly basis, the next meeting under United Nations auspices will take place on 28 July 2009. It was also agreed that this meeting will take place in Gali.