GEORGIA: TBILISI: GOVERNMENT STEPS UP SECURITY

(24 Jun 1995) Natural Sound

Chechnya's neighbours have stepped up security following the recent attack by Chechen rebels on the Russian town of Budyonnovsk.

In the republic of Georgia, 40 thousand extra troops have been mobilised to ensure that the seven-month Chechen conflict does not spread over the border.

Warnings have come from Moscow that Chechen rebels are planning a mission into Russia from Georgia, whose border with Chechnya is only lightly guarded.

And in a show of solidarity with his Russian allies, President Eduard Shevardnadze has now ordered tighter security at all checkpoints and random checks on all vehicles.

40-thousand troops have been mobilised to the main cities and the main routes into Russia are closely monitored.

After a week in which one of his closest allies was assassinated, such a show of military force will do Shevardnadze's position at home no harm.

The action will also be welcomed in Moscow and is expected to boost bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin said Saturday he would take a personal hand in talks to end the 6-month-old war that has ravaged Chechnya.

His comments, reported by the Itar-Tass news agency, appeared aimed at bolstering talks between Russian and Chechen rebel negotiators, who tentatively agreed Friday to organise elections and extend a shaky cease-fire.

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