Georgian, Abkhaz Sides Negotiate on Kodori Issue

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 13, 2002) – Georgian State Minister Avtandil Jorbenadze and Prime Minister of unrecognized Abkhazian Republic Anri Jergenia hold talks in Chuburkhinji village of breakaway Abkhazia today concerning the situation in Georgian controlled upper Kodori gorge in Abkhazia.

Georgian side claims from 40 up to 100 Abkhaz fighters infiltrated the Georgian controlled territory on August 9-11. Abkhaz side dismissed accusations.

Georgian Special Affairs Minister Malkhaz Kakabadze and Commander of the Border Guard Department Valeri Chkheidze accompany State Minister on talks.

Georgian President’s representative to Kodori gorge Emzar Kvitsiani said on August 12 that Russian soldiers also are among the armed group, which builds fortifications in Kodori gorge, 30-35 kilometers away from the local Georgian villages. Kvitsiani set an ultimatum to the armed group to leave the gorge on August 13.