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GEORGIA: TBILISI BEING FORTIFIED FOR "POSSIBLE" MILITARY STRIKE -- REPORT
6/05/09

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Defensive fortifications are being set up around Tbilisi in anticipation of a possible military strike on the Georgian capital, according to a Georgian media report.

Rezonansi, an opposition-minded daily, claimed that in addition to Tbilisi, fortifications are being built near the administrative border with the breakaway region of Abkhazia, where Russia has troops stationed. Defense Ministry officials were not available to confirm or to deny the June 4 report.

In interviews with the paper, independent military experts stated that defense measures are being taken to protect Tbilisi. "This step is correct and logical because occupying troops are stationed just a few kilometers away from the capital [in the breakaway region of South Ossetia - ed] and its is clear that, in such conditions, this country should make sure it tightens security measures," expert Irakli Sesiashvili was quoted as saying.

Another analyst, Mamuka Areshidze, director of the Caucasus Strategic Studies Center, said that security zones have been set up around Tbilisi to stall any potential Russian offensive. "I do not expect an attack right now, but threats persist and we should be prepared in an appropriate manner," Areshidze said.

Posted June 5, 2009 © Eurasianet
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