Chechen fighters are ejected by Georgia

The authorities in Georgia say a Chechen armed gang which entered last week has crossed back into Russia. The chief of staff Joni Pirtskhalaishvili said security forces had pursued the group to the border with Ingushetia and had seen footprints leading onto Russian territory. The rebels had asked to spend the winter in Georgia, or to be allowed safe passage through to a third country, BBC announces. Russia has urged Georgia to cooperate in its fight against Chechen militants who it says have been allowed to use Georgian territory as a base.Georgia denies the accusation.