Russia threatens Georgia again. Moscow intends to deploy units of Antonov An-2 and An-3 aircrafts to the separatist regions of Georgia - Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Leader of the Russian Airborne Forces, General Lieutenant Vladimir Shamanov has put forward the proposal.
The Russian General has not specified for what purposes the light aircrafts will be used, although he said that, except the Antonov planes, unmanned aircrafts will also be deployed to the territory. The unmanned aircrafts will be able to carry out an attack without the staff in the depth of 10-25 kilometers. Vladimir Shamanov also said at the press conference held on Wednesday that provocations regarding the anniversary of the August war are not ruled out from the Georgian side.
`Role of the aviation is underestimated in our air forces. We have got An-2, An-3 aircrafts. Russian units are deployed to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We don`t need a large amount of aircraft for carrying out sanitary and postal task there. These kinds of tasks can be fulfilled with the aircrafts of this type. This will be connected with less expenditures`, Vladimir Shamanov said.
Georgian MPs have responded to the Russian General`s statement. They said after US Vice president Joseph Biden`s visit to Tbilisi, when he gave an open support to Georgia, provocations may be intensified by the Russian side.
Shota Malashkhia, the chair of the provisionary parliamentary commission for restoring Georgia`s territorial integrity told journalists that any aircraft should fly in accordance with the ICAO, because this organization controls the airspace for international flights, otherwise it may be perceived as an illegal action.
`Georgia`s territorial integrity is recognized by all the states. Hence, this kind of flights can not be implemented and the structure that carries out the illegal flight, well be punished by international courts`, he said. Shota Malashkhia said this decision of Russia will be considered as another attempt of implementing aggression on Georgia, that will be adequately responded.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze explains Russia has no right to carry out flight over the occupied territories of Georgia, because without Georgia`s permission they have no legal mechanism for taking any kind of land, air or sea control over the territories. She said Shamanov`s statement is just an attempt to demonstrate that Russia has legitimately recognized the territories.
Paata Davitaia, the members of the parliamentary minority said, Shamanov`s statement indicates that Russia will try to organize provocations. He said, after Joe Biden`s statements, he made during his visit to Georgia, large-scale aggression from Russia is ruled out, although Georgia should always expect similar provocations.
