Georgia Refrains From Downing Intruder Helicopters

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 5, 2002) – “We refrain from extreme measures to down the helicopters violating airspace and bombing Georgian territory,” President Shevardnadze said at the news briefing on August 5.

Fighter helicopters and jets entered Georgian airspace from Russia and bombed the unpopulated areas three times last week. Russian side denies Georgia’s accusations.

Eduard Shevardnadze said that there is no need for the modern anti-aircraft missile in order to down the fighter helicopters, so Georgia is able to do this. Shevardnadze expressed hope that the Russian side will prevent this kind of provocations against Georgia.