TBILISI. Nov 28 (Interfax-AVN) - The Abkhaz Defense Ministry has informed UN officials on its concern over Georgia's intention to build a military airfield in the volatile Kodori gorge.
"The Abkhaz Defense Ministry officially informed Major General Kazi Ashfaq, head of the UN military observer mission in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone, that it is concerned over Georgia's plans to open an airfield in the Kodori gorge next year," the ministry's press secretary Levon Galutov told Interfax- Military News Agency on Thursday.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Raul Khadzhimba believes that "the airfield will inevitably bring about a new escalation of the conflict," he said.
Galustov would not say whether the Abkhaz military would take preventive measures in connection with Georgia's plans.
An unpaved airstrip 560m long and 70m wide is operating in the gorge, Abkhazia's only region not controlled by Sukhumi after the war of 1992-1993. The airstrip is capable of accepting AN-2 Colt planes. The Georgian State Border Guard Department that maintains a commandant's office in the gorge wants to build a paved airstrip for accepting AN-28 Cash and similar planes. U.S. aid will be used to finance the construction.