MFA of Georgia Rules Out Chechen Refugees Deportation

(Tbilisi, February 8, Civil Georgia) – Return of Chechen refugees to their homes will be on the voluntary bases, Georgian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesman Kakha Sikharulidze stated at the news briefing on February 8.

Georgian authorities rule out military or other forceful means in the process of repatriation of refugees from Chechnya living in Pankisi gorge, northeastern region of Georgia.

Representatives of Russian Emergency Ministry visit Georgia for consultations with the Georgian side on the repatriation process.

According to the Georgian Ministry of Refugees and Settlement approximately 7,700 Chechen refugees live in Pankisi gorge at the moment.