Russia, Bulgaria Protest on Georgian TV Report on Bush Grenade Incident

In an information note issued on June 28 the Russian Foreign Ministry described report by the Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television about alleged involvement of the Russian soldier into the U.S. President George W. Bush grenade incident as ?forgery? and ?false? broadcasted, as the Ministry put it, by the ?pro-governmental television station.?

Last week Rustavi 2 reported without indicating source of information, that allegedly Russian serviceman tossed a grenade in a crowed, while President Bush was addressing thousands of Georgians on the Freedom Square in Tbilisi on May 10.

Later, the Rustavi 2 reported that allegedly the Georgian law enforcers were searching for a suspect who was a Bulgarian citizen. But none of these reports were officially confirmed by the Georgian Interior Ministry.

The Bulgarian Ambassador to Georgia expressed protest regarding this report and as a result the Rustavi 2 apologized for incorrect information, according to the Bulgarian news agencies.

?This kind of incorrect information could have a negative influence on relations between Georgia and our partner Bulgaria,? Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Kakha Sikharulidze said on June 27.

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