COSSACKS CLASH ARMENIANS AND GEORGIANS IN STAVROPOL

Today, Azerbaijan
Feb 19 2007

Clashes have emerged between Cossacks and Armenians and Georgians
in Stavropol.

The security bodies, beware of repeat of Kondopoqa scenario, are
hindering to cover events. Beginning on February 13, local Russians and
Cossacks in Novoaleksandrovsk city attacked Armenians and Georgians
several days, after the Caucasians had shot Cossack ataman Andrey
Khanin who later was hospitalized in a bad condition.

According to the statements of witnesses in internet, a great number
of injured immigrants have been placed in Stavropol hospital and the
police have surrounded the building.

Cossacks from all over the province, as well as Rostov and Krasnodar
are directing to the city. Local people in Novoaleksandrovsk held
a rally. Markets and trade facilities of immigrants burnt. Slavic
origin residents demand the resignation of region leadership, removal
of immigrants and law-enforcement bodies to fight mercilessly against
ethnic criminality. Interior troops have been placed in the territory
from neighborhood provinces.

Local Georgian community leader named Timur and his family was
kidnapped by the masked persons.

Leader of Illegal Immigration Fighting Movement Aleksandr Belov
confirmed the reports concerning Stavropol.

"The city is blocked. Russians tried to hold a meeting and declare
Novoaleksandrovsk a territory exempt from Caucasians. But the meeting
was postponed after the discussions with initiators," he said.

Russian Noviy Region agency states that Stavropol and Vladikavkaz
episcope Feofan called on the people to stop mass unrest with the
request of government.

"Despite the ethnic and political origin of the murderer, only they
are responsible for this horrible crime. It is inadmissible for all
people to answer for crimes committed by individuals," he said. APA

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress