Press Release: CFSP: Commission acts swiftly to improve security of Georgian borders

The EU responded swiftly to a request from President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia for a contribution to ensure the protection of its borders, and to improve protection from terrorists threats, in particular against the OSCE Observer Mission on the Georgian border with the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. In July 2000, the Council of Ministers decided that the EU should provide aid to the Government of Georgia in the form of equipment to be delivered to border posts by 30.9.00. The week beginning 18.9.00, the European Commission delivered military grade equipment and aviation fuel, worth €1 million, in Tbilisi. This assistance will allow the equipment of 100 personnel at three Georgian border posts to carry out protection duties, patrolling and long-term flying of the Border Guards helicopters. It also increases the ability of the Border Guards to sustain a winter presence at the border. The provision of this aid, under the authority of External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, demonstrates the importance the European Union accords to the security of Georgia and the integrity of its borders by preventing the spill-over of the conflict in the Chechen Republic.