Saakashvili Vows to Open Fire for Violating Georgian Territorial Waters

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said at a news briefing on August 4 that the Georgian authorities will open fire at any ships which violate the territorial waters of Georgia.

On July 30 the Georgian coast guard opened fire on a Turkish vessel en route to Abkhazia. Following this incident, the Abkhaz de facto authorities suspended all negotiations over conflict resolution with the Georgian side. They also stated readiness to sink all Georgian vessels in “Abkhazia’s territorial waters.”

“We will open fire at all the vessels bound for Abkhazia since they violate the Georgian legislation. This also regards the Russian tourists,” Saakashvili said.

Mikheil Saakashvili said, the vessels will have the right to operate in the territorial waters of Georgia only with the consent of the Georgian authorities.

According to the current regulations all vessels bound for Abkhazia’s port of Sukhumi have to pass customs clearance at the port of Poti. Authorities explain that these measures are aimed at curbing drugs and arms trafficking. Several times in the past the Georgian coast guard has detained and impounded ships sailing under Turkish and other flags.