Russia Recalls Ambassador from Georgia

Russia has recalled its Ambassador, Viacheslav Kovalenko, from Georgia and has launched a ?partial evacuation? of its citizens from Georgia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on September 28.

The move comes after the September 27 arrest of four Russian military officers accused of espionage in Georgia.

?The Russian side decided to recall Russian Ambassador to Tbilisi Viacheslav Kovalenko to Moscow for consultations. In connection with the increasing threat to the security of employees of Russian institutions in Georgia and members of their families, it was decided to launch their partial evacuation from this country. The first flights of the planes of the Ministry of Extraordinary Situations are planned for September 29,? the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
 
The Russian Foreign Ministry is also recommending that Russian citizens refrain from visiting Georgia.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said that Russia?s announcement of a ?partial evacuation? of its citizens from Georgia is ?hysteria.?

?There is no threat to the families of the Russian servicemen in Georgia,? Saakashvili told reporters.

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