The whole UNOMIG AOR is divided into two
parts by the Cease Fire Line (CFL), while the CFL follows the INGURI River
for almost two-thirds of the line, the former border of the ABK Autonomous
Republic marks the remaining one-third portion on the eastern side leading
to the North. The terrain varies in the Zugdidi AOR. In the West the ground
is lowland and flood plains interspersed with the odd hills. The ground
gets progressively hilly towards the East and becomes mountainous in the
North and Northeast (INGURI Dam). Rivers bisect the area flowing from the
Northeast to the Southwest. The major rivers are the INGURI and KHOBI,
in the South/Southwest and the INGURI, CHNIS-TSKALI/INIRA and KHOBA-TSKALI
in the North/Northeast.
The role of the Zugdidi UN Military
Observers (UNMOs) is to monitor the area of responsibility in accordance
with the Moscow Agreement of 1994. This agreement stipulates the number
of security and military personnel and the size and caliber of weapons
permitted within the Restricted Weapons Zone (RWZ) and the Zone of Separation
(ZOS). The ultimate goal of UNOMIG is to prevent the resumption of hostilities
and to facilitate the safe and dignified return of IDPs to their former
homes in Abkhazia.
There are 35 UNMOs from 21 different nations serving in the Zugdidi sector with a normal length of service from six to twelve months. A small headquarters staff manages daily operations, information collation and dissemination, reporting, personnel, logistical, and medical support. Daily patrols are conducted by two teams throughout the AOR, but more prominently within the Security Zone. Local language assistants who speak Russian, Georgian, and English accompany each patrol.
ZUGDIDI SECTOR PERSONNEL AND MISSION
The Commander of the UNOMIG Zugdidi Sector is Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Gyula Kocsis
Lt Col Gyula Kocsis joined the Hungarian army in 1972 after attending the Aircraft Engineering School. He has served within various posts in the Hungarian Cargo Squadron, helicopter and fighter sections. After graduating in 1990 from the Lenin Military Political Academy in Moscow, he served in various billets which include the Air Defense Missile Brigade, the Military Editorial Office, and the Central Printing House of the Hungarian Defense Force. For Lt Col Kocsis, in his words, the most interesting and important time in his life was when he was Chief of the Liaison Team in the Hungarian-American Military Liaison Office. Working in close contact with American colleagues in this team, he had a great opportunity to gain experience concerning international affairs. His first peacekeeping experience in Georgia was with the UN mission, UNOMIG, from 1994-1995. His second peacekeeping mission in Georgia was with the OSCE mission (Border Monitor at Chechen - Dagestan - Georgian border). In mid-November 2004 he came to Georgia for the third time, joining UNOMIG originally as the Deputy Sector Commander.
The Deputy Sector Commander of the UNOMIG Zugdidi Sector is Lt Col Hyung Jin PARK
Lt Col Hyung Jin Park entered the Korea Military Academy in Seoul, Republic of South Korea in January 1978 and graduated in March 1982 with an English Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Since then, he has served in various positions, including Company Commander of a Special Forces Operation Base in Korea, Officer Operation Research and System Analysis Training - Army Logistics Management College in Fort Lee (USA), Logistics Instructor of the Army Logistics Management College in Korea, Battalion Commander and subsequently Chief Logistics Officer of an Infantry Division. UOMIG is his first assignment with the UN.
OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Patrols throughout the AOR covering approximately 2,000 sq km are conducted by Foxtrot and Papa Patrol Teams. Foxtrot Team patrols the southern portion of the AOR, predominantly in and around the district administrative town of Khobi, while the Papa Team patrols the Tsalenjikha and Chkhorotsku districts to the north and east respectively. Zulu - the dedicated liaison team provides the interface between UNOMIG and local authorities, CIS PKF, Georgian personnel, and various NGOs located within the Zugdidi sector. The movements of all patrols and liaison tasks are monitored by the UNMOs of VICTOR Team.
A typical patrol team departs after the morning briefings and patrols with an average of six hours in duration. While on patrol, the teams liaise with village mayors, the commanders of the Commonwealth of Independent States Peace Keeping Forces (CIS PKF), checkpoints, local police, and directors of local schools.
In the northern part of the area covered by the PAPA Team, the patrols encounter the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, an area which includes the Inguri Dam (an impressive feat of Soviet engineering) and the vast former Soviet collective tea farms.
Foxtrot Team patrols the lowland area and the Black Sea coast. Both PAPA and FOXTROT Teams patrol in South African-produced four-wheel drive mine-hardened vehicles called "Nayala," as a force protection measure.
Zulu Team is responsible for monitoring, verifying, and reporting on the activities of all relevant authorities and services including the CIS PKF, the Georgian Military Observers, the Zugdidi Security Service, District Prosecutor, District and Regional Police, Zugdidi District and City Mayor, and the Recruiting and Governor's Office. Zulu Team is also responsible for conducting meetings and liaison with relevant authorities and services when required or tasked by the Operations Office or the Sector Commander.
Zulu Team often makes office calls on the mayor, the Regional Prosecutor's office, the Chief Georgian Military Observer, or the Chief of Police.
UNOMIG POLICE
UNOMIG Police, established by the UN Security Council, within UN Security Council Resolution 1494, commenced its work in November 2003. The Senior Police Advisor and his command staff are located in Sukhumi with 8 UNOMIG Police Advisors stationed at UNOMIG HQ Zugdidi Sector. The Zugdidi UN Police team consists of officers from varying police backgrounds from Germany, India, Poland, Russia, and Switzerland, all with array of unique specializations. Their overall aim is to strengthen the capacity of UNOMIG, primarily to contribute to the creation of conditions conducive to the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees.
In addition to advising UNOMIG civilian and military leadership on law enforcement issues, their secondary tasks are to monitor, advise, coordinate, and facilitate assistance in training, provide on the job training, and assisting in the equipping the Georgian Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). Their mandate allows them to provide the same to the Abkhaz side; however, due to the political situation, this is currently not feasible. It is hoped that the situation in Abkhazia will improve, making it possible for UNOMIG Police to also work in the GALI Sector.
A small team of 15 dedicated international and 64 national civilian staff who, in most cases, have worked with UNOMIG for many years, support both the Military Observers and the UNOMIG Police contingent.
The diversity of UNOMIG personnel, the warmth and hospitality of the Georgian people and the interesting nature of our work in such a beautiful part of the world makes for a unique and enriching experience.