Russian MFA Comments on Kodori

An investigation into the details of a shootout observed by Russian peacekeepers and UN observers in upper Kodori Gorge late on March 11 is being conducted by the parties concerned, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in an information note on Monday.

Georgia said the Tbilisi-controlled upper Kodori Gorge was shelled by army helicopters that entered Georgian airspace from the Russian Federation at about 10:30 pm Tbilisi time on March 11.

But the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated an earlier statement by the Russian Air Force saying that no Russian army helicopters conducted flights in the direction of Abkhazia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that the March 11 incident in upper Kodori Gorge is a logical consequence of Georgia?s decision to send troops there last summer to crack down on local rebel militia groups, and to locate the headquarters of the ?so-called Abkhaz government-in-exile? in the gorge.

?Recent developments have demonstrated the necessity to sign an agreement on security guarantees and the non-use of force between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides. We hope that Tbilisi will make responsible and measured assessments to the events [in upper Kodori Gorge] and not let emotions prevail over reality,? the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

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