KAZAKHS CLASH ARMENIANS AND GEORGIANS IN STAVROPOL

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Feb 19 2007

Clashes have emerged between Kazakhs and Armenians and Georgians in
Stavropol, APA’s bureau reports.

The security bodies, beware of repeat of Kondopoqa scenario, are
hindering to cover events. Beginning on February 13, local Russians
and Kazakhs in Novoaleksandrovsk city attacked Armenians and Georgians
several days, after the Caucasians had shot Kazakh 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. Kazakhs 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 Vladigafgaz
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.