Russian officials urge refugees to return to Chechnya

The return of Chechen refugees from Georgia to their home country will start at the end of this September, Russian minister Stanislav Ilyasov told journalists in Tbilisi. A Russian nine-member delegation led by Ilyasov and deputy minister for emergency situations Yury Brazhnikov arrived in Tbilisi on Sunday.

The Russian delegation met with Georgian president Eduard Shevardnadze, interior minister Koba Narchemashvili and foreign ministry officials. According to Ilyasov, they came to Tbilisi to make some specific proposals to displaced Chechens temporary settled in the Pankissi Gorge, Georgia. Should they agree to return to Chechnya, Russian authorities will provide them with accommodation and employment, he said. In case of difficulties to immediately find jobs, returnees will be paid a monthly allowance, added Ilyasov.

Meanwhile, Baudin Itayev, a leader of the Committee of Chechen Refugees in Georgia, said that Chechens are not going to meet with the Russian officials. Chechen refugees just want Georgia and the international community to help them move to any third country which does not border Russia. There are some 4,500 displaced Chechens currently in Georgia, most of whom live in villages in the Pankissi Gorge area.