21:20, 11 September 2003

Process of voluntarily laying down arms starts in Georgian Svanetiya

The process of voluntarily laying down arms by local population started on Wednesday within the framework of the anticriminal operation in Svanetiya (Georgia's region bordering with Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria). According to the Georgian Interior Ministry, Interior Minister Koba Narchemashvili during his confidential meeting with locals on Tuesday called on them to voluntarily lay down firearms to the Georgian Interior Ministry's special-purpose detachment.

The ministry notes the police have a complete roll of those who have been illegally keeping weapons since the war in Abkhazia (1992-1993).

The anticriminal operation in Svanetiya is headed by the foreign minister. Officers of the Georgian State Security Ministry participate in the operation.

As it was reported at the State Chancellery of Georgia, Georgian President Eduard Shevarnadze will visit Mestia, the administrative center of Svenetiya, before the end of the week.

Source: RIA Novosti