No Military Operation in Pankisi – Foreign Minister Says

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 15, 2002) – Georgian Foreign Minister Irakli Menagharishvili ruled out possibility of growing military exercises in Akhmeta district into anti-terrorist operation in Pankisi gorge, which is located in Akhmeta district.

Georgian Defense Ministry has already dispatched the first units of the Armed Forces in Akhmeta, where according to Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze “large scale military exercises will take place.” Military helicopters will also be involved in the exercises.

Foreign Minister told the reporters on August 14 that the exercises should positively influence on stabilization in the troubled gorge, where allegedly Chechen fighters and terrorists are hiding. “At the moment there is need for the Armed Forces to be involved in the process of solving Pankisi problem,” the Minister added.