Peacekeepers ‘Block’ Road to Upper Kodori – Tbilisi Claims

Russian peacekeepers are hindering the movement of Georgian Interior Ministry personnel, it has been alleged.

The Office of the Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues said on July 8 that Russian troops were “blocking the only road from Samegrelo to Zemo Svaneti region,” which, significantly, also links upper Kodori Gorge, in Abkhazia, to the rest of Georgia. 

“Checkpoint number 302 was set up in early July [on the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti road] without prior agreement with the Georgian side. This checkpoint is an observation post and is not entitled to carry out control on the road,” the statement said.

The actions of the Russian peacekeepers are, according to the statement, “irresponsible and illegal.” “They prevent the local administration from performing its legal duties and pose a direct threat to the local population,” it continues. “We demand that the peacekeeping forces immediately stop their illegal activities.” 

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