Russia warns of 'new war' in conflict over resort

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-6  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A "new war" could break out in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia if Tbilisi uses military force to resolve the conflict, Russia's Defense Ministry said yesterday.

Separatist leader Sergei Bagapsh yesterday accused Georgia of planning to take over the region by force earlier this year, though the operation did not come to fruition.

"Such plans by Tbilisi can only be seen as yet another step toward further escalating the tensions in the region, which will bring the conflict into a new war," the Russian Defense Ministry said on its Website (www.mil.ru).

A popular Soviet-era resort, Abkhazia threw off Tbilisi's rule in a 1990s separatist war. It is not recognized by any state, but runs its own affairs.

Earlier this week, Abkhazia said it was sealing itself off from Georgian-controlled territory after a series of explosions it blamed on Tbilisi.

Also yesterday, Russian officials said one policeman was dead and at least five others injured after an array of attacks in the restive Caucasus regions.

Police say the officer was killed and another was injured when their armored vehicle came under grenade fire Saturday in the republic of Ingushetia.