12 August 2010, 11:00
Georgia protests against Russia's air defence complex in Abkhazia
On August 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Georgia expressed protest against deployment by Russia of an S-300 air defence complex in the territory of Abkhazia and urged the international community to take resolute steps to stop "militarization of occupied territories of Georgia by the Russian Federation."
"It's absolutely unclear what the aim of this extremely dangerous and provocative step of Russia was; it is a threat not only to the Black Sea region, but also to the whole safety in Europe," the Georgia's MFA states.
A parallel statement was made by Eka Tkeshelashvili, Secretary of the Security Council of Georgia, who emphasized that "by its actions Russia is still more strengthening its military control over Georgia," the "News-Georgia" reports.
Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba has confirmed deployment of an S-300 air defence complex in the territory of his republic, the Radio Liberty reports.
"The defence complex attacks nobody; it protects our borders, as we had promised. The complex was placed here, when we deployed our defence system," said the Premier.
The US authorities are not surprised by Russia's intention to deploy an S-300 antiaircraft-missile complex in Abkhazia, as stated by Philip Crowley, spokesman of the Department of State. "It's no news any longer," the BBC quotes him as saying.
