U.S. Embassy Concerned over Reported Shelling of Kodori

The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi said it is ?deeply concerned by the reports of attacks in upper Kodori Gorge and condemns any such acts of violence.?

?We have learned that UNOMIG has sent a joint fact-finding team to the Upper Kodori Valley to investigate the reports. We call on all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the investigation and look forward to the results,? the U.S. Embassy said in a statement issued on March 13. 

?We urge restraint by all parties concerned and urge continued calm in the days ahead. The United States reiterates its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the separatist conflicts within Georgia on that basis. This incident underscores the need for progress on efforts to resolve the conflicts,? the U.S. Embassy said.

Georgia said at least three army helicopters entered Georgian airspace over upper Kodori Gorge, which is controlled by Tbilisi, from the territory of the Russian Federation and shelled the area late on March 11, causing no casualties. Russia has denied any connection with the incident.

Officials in Tbilisi said that a building in the village of Chkhalta in upper Kodori Gorge that houses both the local school and headquarters of the Tbilisi-loyal Abkhaz government-in-exile were damaged as a result of shelling.

Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli told the government session on March 13 that the immediate reconstruction of the damaged building would be the best response to the incident.

Meanwhile, Georgian Deputy Interior Minister Eka Zguladze told reporters on March 13 that a joint fact-finding team consisting of representatives from the Georgian and Abkhaz sides, Russian peacekeeping forces and UN observers has left for upper Kodori Gorge to investigate the reports.

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