Russian Air Forces Ready to Participate in Operation in Pankisi

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 8, 2002) – The Russian Air Forces are ready to participate in the anti-terrorist operation in Georgia’s Pankisi gorge, Deputy Commander of the Russian Air Forces Anatoli Negovitsin told the reporters today.

Russian media sources report quoting Air Forces’ official that the Russian fighter jets have not bombed the Georgian territories as the Georgian authorities claim. “We respect Georgia’s sovereignty,” Negovitsin said.

According to the Georgian State Security Minister Valeri Khaburdzania flying objects entered the Georgian airspace from Russian territory and bombed the unpopulated area in Pankisi gorge.