Putin Slams “Peaceful Squeezing Out” of Terrorists from Pankisi

(Tbilisi, September 5, 2002, Civil Georgia) – Russian President Vladimer Putin sent a letter to his Georgian counterpart Eduard Shevardnadze on September 4 expressing deep concern regarding the situation in Pankisi gorge, Russian President’s press service reports today.

Russian President says that the political will and particular measures are necessary for the complete crackdown on Chechen fighters and international terrorist hiding in Pankisi gorge. “Tactic of peaceful squeezing out of terrorists is unacceptable,” Vladimer Putin states.

Georgian law enforcers carry out anti-criminal operation in the gorge since August 23. The operation was not followed with clashes so far.

Vladimer Putin expressed hope that the on-going operation will be successful and the Georgian law enforcer would disarm and arrest terrorist and extradite them to the Russian side. In this regard Russia is ready to render any kind of assistance to Georgia, Vladimer Putting says.

Russian President also speaks on readiness of the Russian side to exchange the information with Georgian concerning all the flights near the Russian-Georgian border. Georgia accuses Russia in violation of the airspace and bombing of the Georgia territory.

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