Russia to Work Over Chechen Refugees Repatriation

(Tbilisi, January 30, Civil Georgia) – In the nearest future delegation of Russian Emergency Ministry will visit Georgia to work over Chechen refugees’ repatriation to their homes, Chairman of Russian National Security Council Vladimir Rushailo stated after meeting with President Shevardnadze on January 29.

Rushailo told journalist at the news briefing that some 2,000 refugees already left Pankisi gorge and returned to Chechnya.

Approximately 5-7 thousand refugees form Chechnya are staying in Pankisi gorge, eastern Georgia, at the moment.

Local population of Akhmeta region, where Pankisi is located, demands refugees’ repatriation. Georgian authorities also support the idea to hasten Chechen refugees return to their homes.     

After accepting the refugees to Pankisi, Georgia is being continuously blamed by Russia for harboring fighters of Chechen and other nationality.

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