Security Chief Says Restoration of Order in Pankisi Top Success

(Tbilisi, December 31, 2002. Civil Georgia) – Georgian State Security Minister Valeri Khaburdzania said at the briefing on December 30 that the restoration of order in Pankisi gorge was the main success of the Georgian security forces in 2002.

He said that there are no more Chechen fighters and mercenaries in the gorge, while up to 800 Chechen and 100 Arab fighters were hiding in Pankisi in the beginning of the 2002. Although he admitted that Pankisi gorge is still sheltering a few persons “of interest for the security services.”

Georgian law enforcers carried out anti-crime operation in the gorge, which was launched in August and lasted till the end of November.

Georgian authorities claim that the gorge, which was no-go area for the Georgian law enforcers is now safe zone for the civilians.