Russian General’s Willful Behavior

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 22, 2002) – Russian General Pryzemlin ordered nearly 120 peacekeepers in Tskhinvali region to leave the peacekeeping zone and dislocate in the small village Garubani, in Akhalgori region controlled by Georgian central authority.

The Russian general ordered Georgian soldiers to control the traffic at the village Akhmaja. At the same time, Russian and Ossetian soldiers began to trench and occupied few strategic heights.

This operation was not agreed with Georgian side, said Colonel Mikheil Kebadze, Commander of Georgian peacekeeping units in Tskhinvali region.

Russian General said this operation was the part of the planned military exercises. Later, her stated that he had proper information and he intended to find Georgian Vice-Colonel Durglishvili, who was abducted a few days ago.

According to Georgian officials, Russian General overstepped his responsibilities.

Peacekeepers returned to their dislocation after the sharp reaction of Georgian central and local authorities.