RussiaToday, Russia
Aug 10 2008

Abkhazia starts war with Georgia

Abkhazia’s army has launched a military operation to try to force
Georgian troops out of the upper part of the Kodori Gorge. It started
with the use of artillery and air strikes against Georgian forces.

Abkhazia has announced that it has moved its troops into the Gali
district which borders Georgia.

The breakaway republic has provided a humanitarian corridor for
residents of the disputed Kodori Gorge. However the breakaway
republic’s officials say they don’t know whether people will use this
passageway to safety.

Earlier, Russia’s Interfax news agency reported that Russian ships
prevented Georgian military vessels from nearing Abkhazia.

Thousands of Russians are on holiday in the picturesque republic with
a long coastline. They fear a conflict could result in innocent blood
being spilled.

But RT correspondent Aleksandr Luchaninov says Russians are not ready
to leave the area just yet.

"Those I spoke to said they are very concerned, and in case of trouble
they are prepared to leave the region immediately," he said.

For several days Georgian troops have been massing on the
border. Abkhasia’s president, Sergey Bagapsh, said the breakaway
republic’s troops are in contact with peacekeeping forces in the
region.

The atmosphere in the capital Sukhumi is tense, and officials are
anticipating Georgian aggression.

"Today it’s South Ossetia, tomorrow it might be Abkhasia," said
Bagapsh, explaining his decision to move the troops.

Meanwhile, the situation in South Ossetia is affecting neighbouring
countries, according to reports from the Armenian-Georgian border
(WATCH THE VIDEO).