Okruashvili Warns of Provocations in Akhalkalaki

Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili said on May 1 that Russian security services “are masterminding provocations” in the town of Akhalkalaki in order to hinder the withdrawal process of the Russian military base there.
 
“A large rally is planned in Akhalkalaki on May 3 in an attempt to hinder the first stage of withdrawal of the Russian military base there and the organizers of this [rally] are employees of the FSB [Russia’s Federal Security Service],” Okruashvili said during the political talk show ‘Pirvelebi’ (Leaders), aired by the Imedi television station.

A small rally was held in the predominantly ethnic Armenian populated town of Akhalkalaki on April 25 to protest against the withdrawal of the Russian military base. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on April 26 that pullout of military hardware from the base was hindered because of this protest rally.