On patrol with OSCE monitors on Georgia's northern border

The decision to deploy OSCE monitors on the border between Georgia and the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation was taken in December 1999. Looking back a year later, it was clear the OSCE presence had contributed to stability in the potentially volatile area.

Calm situation

"We believe that we have done a lot to defuse the tensions in the area," said Gerald Thomas, Deputy Operations Officer in Georgia. The situation remained calm and stable since the one year of observation, with no reported movement across the 81-kilometre stretch of border the OSCE is monitoring between Georgia and the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. Co-operation with Georgian border guards, who provide security for the observers, has been positive.

On 15 December 1999, the OSCE Permanent Council decided to establish the border monitoring operation, in response to a request by the Government of Georgia. Build-up of operations in the mountainous region of northern Georgia began immediately after the December decision. By February 2000, the first permanent observation post was opened. The task of the OSCE border monitors is to report on any movement across the border between Georgia and the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.

Improving conditions

"Conditions for the border monitors have improved significantly since the summer," said Gerald Thomas. The initial establishment phase in winter was a challenge. Basic supplies and equipment, such as food and blankets, generators and emergency equipment had to be flown by helicopter to Shatili, the first permanent monitoring presence. Two additional permanent bases in Omalo and Girevi, and one overnight base in Tebulo, were established during the summer. A complete team of 42 monitors was actively monitoring the border by July 2000.

Despite the now well-established camp facilities, monitoring the border is still a difficult task. Sometimes a patrol will lead up to 3,500 meters of rugged and steep terrain starting from an initial elevation of 1,500 metres. "It is quite a challenge physically. But it is also a challenge just to be there in the region," said Vadim Pivovar, Chief Operations Officer. Patrols on the ground have to adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions. On some occasions, avalanches, landslides and torrential rainfall have hampered border monitoring, and delayed delivery of personnel and supplies to the team sites.

Current activities

Daily patrols are carried out by the border monitors, on foot, and in winter when necessary, on skis. In addition, night-time observation and helicopter patrols are conducted on a regular basis. In November, the number of border monitors was reduced to 26, as only limited movement across the border is possible in winter. Two of the three permanent bases, in Shatili and Omalo, remain operational during winter.

Having reviewed the security situation around the border, the OSCE Permanent Council decided on 21 September to extend the mandate of the operation until 15 April 2001.

The monitors are unarmed and the Georgian Government has given assurances that it will provide security for the OSCE monitors.


Fast facts:

Number of monitors in winter: 26 Task: Monitoring the movement across the border between Georgia and the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation Location in winter: Shatili and Omalo Basis: OSCE Permanent Council decisions 334, 346 and 372