Russia: August 24, 2001

Archives

Georgia, just south of Chechnya, has become a refuge for Chechen rebels. The Russian government has protested to the Chechens, and it was thought that the Georgians didn't want to get involved fighting with people who are their neighbors. Turns out that the Chechens have another way to assure continued sanctuary in Georgia. Some 500 armed Georgians and Chechens have been seen gathering in western Georgia, near the border of the breakaway Akhazia province. The Akhazians have so far managed to keep the Georgians out since 1993. But now it looks like the Georgians are using some Chechen muscle to settle the issue. If this is done, the Russians will never be able to get the Georgians to close down Chechen rebel camps in Georgia.