Georgian Official Excludes Russia’s Involvement in Pankisi Operation

(Tbilisi, March 13, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Deputy Defense Minister Gela Bezhuashvili state on March 13 reports on Russia’s intention to launch military operation in Pankisi gorge is exaggerated.

“Russia’s this action would be considered as an open aggression against Georgia,” Bezhuashvili sated in the interview to the Rustavi 2 TV company.

Unofficial reports said earlier that Russia has plan of military operation in Pankisi, where Chechen fighters and terrorists linked to Al Qaeda are harboring.

Russia offers Georgia to launch joint antiterrorist operation in gorge. Georgia rejects proposal.

In late March US military instructors are to arrive in Georgia to train four Georgian battalions to crack down on terrorists in Pankisi.