President Eduard Shevardnadze made brief statement to media in response to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The text recorded from the televised statement follows.
“More time is needed for substantial comment, brief reply now. I just have read the message the President Putin delivered few hours ago. And I think the main part of the events is not objectively describing the situation, it is one sided and partial in describing what concerns both Russia and Georgia with regards of Chechnya.
I am appalled to see that nowhere in this statement there is mentioning of Chechnya and the problem of Chechnya. If he [President Putin] was here I would ask, what prevents Russia from restoring order in Chechnya.I would not go into detailed debate now, especially as Mr. Putin is not present.
But I think he [Putin] made a hasty statement. And I also suspect that this statement was done, in part, for the circle that was attending the meeting [defense and security officials – CG comment].
Also, against the background of our mail conversation with Mr. Putin – two messages of mine and one reply of his just recently – today’s announcement is hard to understand. Two presidents are conversing calmly and seriously on issues of concern, and suddenly the threats appear that are not acceptable for politician. I think this statement would be counterproductive for Mr. Putin.
Tomorrow, I would consult the Security Council, executives, maybe some factions of the parliament. I would try to explain what the reason behind the statement is and what our hopes are, when the president of such big country threatens.
Our hope is that truth is on our side. Pankisi is not a problem we created […] it is a part of a larger problem of Chechnya.I think Russia is a bit angered that we did not allow Russian army to use the Georgian territory and hit Chechnya from behind. This would have transferred the [Chechen] war to our territory, which some people in Russia may want to happen. Some were also wronged in saying that Chechen [refugees] would undermine Georgia.[…]
Pankisi problem is mainly solved. The man able to bear arms are not now in Pankisi, especially after we have entered with a considerable force, but also because locals – Kistines and Georgians – also demanded it. Now there are 30-40 criminals and our law enforcers are there to put them where they belong.
Our Russian friends may also be annoyed by the fact that 11 men crossed our border. They were wounded, they were given necessary treatment and as they have violated our laws – crossed the border illegally – they would be trialed here according to the procedures. These procedures are to be kept. It would not do to fly in the next day and take them with. Of course we would consider the possibilities of extradition, according to the agreed-upon procedures.
In summary, I would say we do not have the grounds for panic. I do not think Russia would engage in adventure that would lead to its moral and psychological defeat all over the world. Russia is also interested in having normal relationships with Georgia, and Georgia needs Russia as well.
By the way the last part of the [Putin’s] statement is constructive, it is said that the orders should be taken with care, perhaps they fear that the bombings led to casualties and this should not be repeated. And he also says we would meet in October [on CIS summit] and would discuss these issues. I appreciate it. If I go to the summit, we would meet. Conversation one to one is the best, when we can look into each other’s the eye.
I want to calm the citizens. We are meeting in small group now here [in the state chancellery], we try to discuss our approach. Maybe we would need the Security Council meeting tomorrow. There is no ground for panic. I do not think Georgia and Russia would not find common language. And I wish Russia restores order in Chechnya, which would put an end to many of our problems.”
