Rights Group alarmed by crisis in Russian-Georgian relations

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Moscow, Oct 7 (UNI) Russian human rights organisation Memorial today expressed grave concern over the flare-up in tensions in ties between Russia and former Soviet republic of Georgia.

''The situation threatens to spark off more hostilities in the conflict zones in Georgia and is a direct threat of massive human rights abuses,'' the Memorial said in a statement.

''The blame for the current developments rests, although unevenly, with both sides. Either party provokes the other into making hostile moves and both yield to provocations,'' it noted.

As the pitched rhetoric between Moscow and Tbilisi continued, Russia deported 180 Georgians yesterday, closed casinos and restaurants allegedly controlled by the Georgian mafia and made inquiries at schools as part of a crackdown following an ''espionage'' scandal.

Relations between Russia and Georgia worsened after four Russian servicemen were arrested in Georgia on spying charges, last week.

The officers were released on Monday, but Russia in retaliation suspended transport and postal links with Georgia and threatened to cut off money transfers.

President Vladimir Putin called for immigration laws to be stringent.

Meanwhile, speaker of the Federation Council, the upper house, Sergei Mironov called for restraint in retaliatory actions against Georgian nationals in Russia.

''It is necessary to observe the measure, foremost the law,'' Mironov told mediapersons, when asked if the implementation of retaliatory measures against Georgia should be controlled.

''Yes, they should be controlled, our public should not watch calmly, if some officials overdo it in administrative passion,'' he noted.

UNI XC PR BS1927

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