(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 15, 2002) – Russian Foreign Ministry issued statement today urging Georgian government for explanations concerning the reports on alleged contacts of the Georgian authorities with Aslan Maskhadov, President of rebel Chechen Republic of Ichkeria.
Russian Foreign Ministry quotes Vice-Premier of unrecognized Republic of Ichkeria Ahmed Zakaev, claiming that the Georgian government and the Chechen leadership has a constant contacts via representation of Ichkeria in Tbilisi.
“Maskhadov is wanted in Russia for committing crimes in the Russian Federation. We demanded from the Georgian side to cancel so called representation of Ichkeria in Tbilisi for several times, which assists Chechen fighters with arms, humanitarian aid,” the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement says.