Chechen Rebels Against Chechen Refugees’ Repatriation

(Tbilisi, February 13, Civil Georgia) – Chechen rebel’s envoy to Azerbaijan Ali Asayev told the Azerbaijani TV station ASN that Russia aims to make Chechen refugees living in Pankisi gorge, northeastern Georgia, return in Chechnya.

“I hope UN will not allow Russia forceful return of people in Chechnya, which under fire,” representative of the self-declared Chechen republic to Azerbaijan stated.

Representatives of Russian Emergency Ministry will visit Georgia on February 14 to hold consultations with the Georgian authorities on Chechen refugees’ repatriation.

Chechen refugees held a protest rally on February 8 in Pankisi gorge. They are against repatriation. Refugees say there is no security guarantee from the Russian officials in case of return.