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Georgia's Breakaway Abkhazia Plans Military Maneuvers

August 10, 2009

SUKHUMI -- Military officials in Georgia's breakaway Republic of Abkhazia have announced plans to start command-staff exercises on August 11, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

The Abkhaz Defense Ministry said the republican General Staff and all branches of the armed forces would take part in the maneuvers.

Officials said the major goal was to train the armed forces "to withstand aggression by a possible enemy."

The move comes just days after the first anniversary of the launch of hostilities between Georgia and Russia that included Russian troops eventually setting up well beyond the territory disputed between Tbilisi and the South Ossetian leadership.

Georgia still considers both republics its territory.

Only Russia and Nicaragua have recognized South Ossetian and Abkhaz claims of independence.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/Georgias_Breakaway_Abkhazia_Plans_Military_Maneuvers/1796695.html

Copyright (c) 2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.