IS EMZAR KVITSIANI HIDING IN SOKHUMI?
The Messenger
June 25 2008
Georgia
Sakartvelos Respublika carries rumors that rebel warlord Emzar
Kvitsiani, whose abortive insurrection two years ago in Abkhazia’s
Kodori Gorge led to the Georgian government reasserting control of
the area, is hiding out in the de facto Abkhaz capital of Sokhumi
surrounded by Russian security:
"Emzar Kvitsiani, wanted by the Georgian government, is in Sokhumi and
Russian special services are protecting him. [Georgian news portal]
Abkhazeti.ru reported this based on information from Sokhumi.
It was unpleasant for Abkhazians for Kvitisiani to show up on
their territory, because he was fighting on Georgia’s side in the
Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, but Russian security does not allow
anyone to confront him.
According to the website, Abkhazians are also displeased with the
situation because they don’t want another war to start star. Locals
are astonished by the fact that the situation in Abkhazia is now
controlled by Russian and local Armenians.
There are currently 15 000 Russian soldiers in Abkhazia, located
mainly in Ochamchire and Tkvarcheli."