Russian Defence Minister: Documents Confirm Terrorist Activities in Pankisi Gorge

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said that documents had been revealed that confirm terrorist activities in the Pankisi Gorge in Georgia.

Last Saturday Mr Ivanov addressed the International Conference on Security and Defence where he said that illegal Chechen groups were still operating in Georgia, they became legal in major cities and were trying to assume control over Georgian companies engaged in international freight service.

"They have practically taken control over such businesses that they use to transport weapons, drugs and for rebels shifting. Moreover, legal Chechens are investing big money in filling stations," the minister said.

He went on to say that they were spreading Wahhabism, had built mosques and Islamic schools in the Akhmet region using humanitarian missions as a cover. They make an active use of the Independent Ichkeria-Caucasus radio station for their propaganda activity. The station is set up to the north of the Diklo settlement, the minister said.

Functionaries of pro-Chechen associations, in particular those of Muslim Brothers are carrying out their activity in Georgia. They coordinate illegal formations' work and supplies from abroad.