(Tbilisi, February 5, Civil Georgia) – On February 5 Russian President Vladimer Putin requsted Emegency Minister Sergei Shoigu to prepare plan of repatriation of refugees from Chechnya living in Pankisi gorge, northeastern mountainous region of Georgia, Russian news agency Interfax reports.
Approximately 7,000 Chechen refugees live in Pankisi gorge, since 1999. Georgian authorities urge for their return to Chechnya.
Georgia admitted recently that persons fighting against Russian troops in Chechnya are among refugees in Pankisi.
Since 1999 Russia constantly accuses Georgia in harboring Chechen fighters in Pankisi.
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