More Russian Soldiers May be Sent to Abkhazia: Reports
News agencies in Russia reported on the 8th May that the country had threatened to increase the number of troops it has deployed in the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia if Georgia strengthens its armed forces presence there.
"Further steps by Georgia's military structures adding to the deployment of troops in the conflict zone can only lead to necessary and adequate measures by the Russian side to raise the peacekeeping contingent to the maximum number allowed", news agencies RIA Novosti and Interfax quoted the Russian defence ministry as having stated.
Abkhazia Troop Deployment
The same statement detailed how, at present, 2,542 Russian troops were deployed in Abkhazia.
According to a Russian/Georgian agreement, the highest number that could ever be there is 3,000.
Russian Warnings
Russia’s raising the prospect of sending nearly 500 more soldiers came hot on the heels of warnings issued it last week to exercise caution and avoid entering heated verbal exchanges with Georgia.
Russia claims that Georgia – once a part of the Soviet Union – is planning to use military force to get Abkhazia back under its control – accusations that Georgia has denied.
Georgian/Russian Tensions
So far, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations have all expressed concerns over the current Georgian/Russian tensions.
Last month, Russia was accused of having shot down a Georgian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
Two days ago, the US called on Russia to “cease from further provocations” in respect both of Abkhazia and (another breakaway region) South Ossetia.
Source – Armed Forces International’s East European Correspondent
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