| 21.12.99 A LOUD CAMPAIGN OF ATTACKS ON RUSSIA HAS BEEN STARTED IN GEORGIA |
Unofficial Translation
Unfriendly statements are being made at a time when the Russian authorities are taking resolute steps to restore constitutional law and order in the Northern Caucasus and are conducting an uncompromising struggle against international terrorists who are threatening the national security not only of Russia but also of Georgia.
It is precisely these terrorists who have repeatedly taken Georgian hostages. It is they who were among the organizers and active participants in the attempt on the life of the Georgian head of state in February 1998. What other evidence is needed, it would seem, of the need of concerted efforts by Georgia and Russia, by all states of the region to confront the danger emanating from Chechen territory?
It is difficult to understand the logic of official Tbilisi which states its desire to strengthen and develop relations of strategic partnership with Russia and at the same time conducts a direct dialogue with the leaders of Chechen separatists under the slogan of neutrality. By turning down proposals to jointly guard the Chechen section of the Georgian-Russian border Tbilisi actually opened a "window" through which the militants are supplied with weapons, munitions and money. The representatives of the OSCE, who visited the Georgian border populated locality of Shatili, could see for themselves how free Chechen militants feel on Georgian territory. After this what is the worth of the statements by the Georgian side about the supposedly "reliably closed border?"
The Georgian authorities are giving the envoys of Chechen terrorists a rostrum for anti- Russian statements. Despite protests by the Russian side official representatives of the Georgian leadership are continuing their active contacts with the so-called ambassador of Chechnya in Georgia Kh. Aldamov. Dozens of ruthless militants who were wounded in the course of fighting against Russian troops and do not conceal their intent to take up arms again upon recovery are undergoing treatment in Georgia's hospitals.
Talks between Chechen separatists and their foreign patrons and fellow thinkers, including representatives of the terrorist bin Laden who is on the wanted list of all civilized countries, are regularly taking place in Tbilisi in front of the eyes of the Georgian authorities. Attempts are being made to organize under the guise of various "charity" foundations the activity of extremist centers that are connected with the terrorists in Chechnya and the ground is being prepared to set up a so- called "Chechen government in exile" on Georgian territory.
Tbilisi tries to cover its anti-Russian actions with propaganda rhetorics, numerous appeals to international organizations, the OSCE and the United Nations where it tries to present matters in such a way that Georgia, supposedly, is a victim of a "humanitarian catastrophe" and even "aggression" by Russia.
Whatever the motivations of such actions of the Georgian authorities, it is obvious that responsibility for attempts to undermine the centuries-long relations of friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of Russia and Georgia rests fully and entirely with official Tbilisi.
We would like to hope that the Georgian leadership will depart from the dangerous road of encouraging terrorists. This is demanded by the true interests of the people of Georgia, the national security of the country and the strengthening of peace and stability in the Caucasus.
December 21, 1999
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