Russian MFA Says Terrorists Might Infiltrate into Kodori from Pankisi

(Tbilisi, September 6, 2002, Civil Georgia) – Alexander Yakovenko, Spokesman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated today in the interview to the Russian ORT TV Company that the Georgia’s operation in Pankisi gorge seems to be ineffective.

“This was anticipated [ineffectiveness of the operation] because the part of the international terrorists are leaving Pankisi,” Yakovenko stated. He said there is information that part of the terrorists are infiltrating Georgian controlled Kodori gorge in breakaway Abkhazia, thus the deterioration of situation in Abkhazia is expected.

“There is a real threat of terrorist attacks in other parts of Georgia as well, carried out by the terrorist hiding in Pankisi,” Russian MFA official said.

Yakovenko expressed hope that the Georgian side will provide Russia with the information concerning what kind of measures Tbilisi intends to implement in order to defeat terrorism.

“Terrorist in Georgia must be disarmed, arrested and extradited to Russia,” Russian MFA Spokesman said.

Georgian law enforcers carry out anti-criminal operation in Pankisi gorge since August 23. According to the Interior Ministry 5 criminals, one of them allegedly linked to the international terrorist organizations, are arrested since then.