EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has welcomed the removal of the Russian checkpoint in Perevi, Georgia, announced at the 13th round of Geneva International Discussions on 14 October, describing it as a positive development on the ground.

She said monitors from the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) had confirmed that the Russian checkpoint was dismantled on 18 October. EUMM has been liaising with Russian and Georgian authorities to ensure that the withdrawal is carried out in an orderly and peaceful manner.

`I look forward to further progress towards the full implementation of the EU-brokered Six Point Agreement of 12 August 2008 and its Implementing Measures of 8 September 2008,` she added in her statement.

`The EU remains fully committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I call on all parties to make real efforts towards further normalisation on the ground and to continue engaging in dialogue as the only means to address the consequences of the conflict, including the humanitarian situation.`