(Tbilisi, August 27 2002, Civil Georgia) “Georgia is beginning to move forces into the Pankisi area to establish government control there. We believe that those problems in that area should be first addressed by the Georgian Government. We’ve worked with the Georgian Government to try to make sure that they can take more responsibility there and to improve their capacity on border security”, said Richard Boucher on State Department daily press briefing, August 26.
“So we would also urge Russia to cooperate with Georgia in that regard so that both countries, operating each in their respective territory, can deal with the question of international terrorists and Chechen fighters who might remain in Georgia”, stated Boucher.
The White House issued a statement on August 24. Washington expressed concern about the bombardment of Georgian territory August 23. Secretary Powell called Russia’s Foreign Minister over the weekend, Saturday. He talked to Foreign Minister Ivanov about this to express concerns and discuss the situation there.