Russia, Georgia Negotiate on Expansion of Peacekeepers Mandate

(Tbilisi February 3, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgia will prolong Russian peacekeepers’ mandate only in case the mandate is expanded and the separation line between Abkhaz and Georgian forces is transferred to the river Galidzga, thus allowing return of the displaced persons to Gali district, Georgian President Shevardnadze said in his Monday radiobroadcast.

Shevardnadze said that the Georgian Foreign and Special Affairs Ministries hold talks on the issue with the Russian side.

President stated that Georgia also wants “to create international administration in Gali district and deployment of the Georgian police in the district”.

“Only in this case Georgia will agree to reopen railway with Abkhazia,” Eduard Shevardnadze said.