Georgian Defense Minister Talks on Russia’s Possible Actions in Pankisi

(Tbilisi, March 13, Civil Georgia) – Georgian Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze stated on March 13, that the military maneuvers of Russian troops in Chechnya, near the Georgian border may be regarded as the Russia’s preparation to carry out military operation in Pankisi.

Tevzadze did not rule out that “Russia without notification the Georgian side, can launch military actions in Pankisi gorge,” the Minister told journalists.

Meanwhile Georgian Deputy Defense Minister Gela Bezhuashvili stated earlier today that it is less possible that Russia will act in Pankisi without Georgia’s sanction. “That would be an open aggression against Georgia,” Bezhuashvili stated.

According to the unofficial reports 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.

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