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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Russian jets reported in Abkhazia |
| 2005-04-19 |
| ISN SECURITY WATCH (19/04/05) - An unspecified number of Russian SU-27 Flanker fighter jets were among the various military hardware displayed by the Abkhaz army during exercises that took place on Monday in Georgia's breakaway republic, Russia's daily Kommersant reported. Abkhazia's de facto military chief-of-staff, Anatoly Zaytsev, said the exercises - which began on Monday and will run until Thursday - were an attempt to "improve command and perfect the skills of the troops". He said 1'500 soldiers and 2'500 reservists took part in the exercises with 10 tanks, artillery installations, warships, and the SU-27 fighter jets. This participation of SU-27 Flanker jets would seem to confirm claims often made by the Georgian side that Russia continues to assist provide separatist Abkhazia with military assistance. Georgia's conflict resolution minister told Kommersant that "there are definitely Russian military instructors who are training pilots in Abkhazia", adding that the Georgian side was closely watching the maneuvers to determine Abkhazia's "real intentions" with the exercises. While Russia has stood firm behind its claim that it plays only a peacekeeping role in the region, it is not the first time that reports have emerged about Russia military support to the region. In 1993, an SU-27 Flanker piloted by a Russian air force major was downed by the Georgian military, forcing the Russian side to admit that the plane had been dispatched to the region to "protect Russian facilities". This latest incident comes at a critical period in Georgian-Russian relations, as recent talks in Tbilisi have failed to result in the two sides reaching an agreement over the terms for the withdrawal of two Russian military bases on Georgian soil. A third base, the Gudauta base situated in Abkhazia, also serves as a catalyst for tensions between the two sides, as Russia claims it has closed the base, as it agreed to do at a 1999 Istanbul summit, while Georgia insists that an international observation mission be allowed to monitor it. The Gudauta base would serve as the most convenient location to service the SU-27 Flanker jets. |
| Posted by:Steve |