Georgia Invites Russian Observers to Pankisi Gorge

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Georgia Invites Russian Observers to Pankisi Gorge

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Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze proposed on Monday sending Russian army observers to Georgia's Pankisi Gorge bordering Russia's Chechnya to inspect Georgian troops' special operations there, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

Speaking in his weekly radio address to the nation, Shevardnadze stressed the Russian military observers should come to Georgia "without weapons."

He ensured that observers on any level and from any country would be given an opportunity to see for themselves the results ofthe special operations in the Pankisi Gorge.

Under increasing pressure from Russia, Georgia sent troops intothe Pankisi Gorge on August 25, 2002 in a bid to eliminate terrorists and criminals and restore order in the mountainous area.But Russia said the operation has not been effective, warning thatMoscow might exercise its self-defense right if Tbilisi fails to prevent cross-border attacks on the Russian territory.

"We are conducting this operation not at the request of any other country, but on our own, with consideration that it is necessary to resolve the Pankisi problem once and for ever, to clear the gorge of armed people and criminal elements," Shevardnadze said.

About 2,500 servicemen are taking part in the current operation in the gorge, he added.

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