Chechen refugees temporary living in Pankisi Gorge hope that with the Iraqi problem
solved third countries that have earlier agreed to host them would gradually start
their re-settlement. According to Islam Saidayev of the Chechen Refugees' Committee,
12 countries positively responded to an appeal sent to embassies of all Western
countries in Georgia, asking for an asylum. However, the start of the Iraq war
halted the process.
Saidayev said that their staying in Pankisi where they have been living since
1999 is becoming more and more unbearable. Georgia's forces and police have been
constantly raiding the region, violating rights of displaced Chechens. The Committee's
representative said that many families of Chechen refugees have already left the
Pankisi area and, in spite of all insecurity back at home, returned to Chechnya.
According to some sources, several of the returnees have been killed or disappeared
in "sweep-up" operations in Chechnya.
Saidayev added that Chechen refugees would not refuse to meet with Russian officials
from the emergency situations ministry should they decide again to visit Georgia.
"Perhaps there are people who still wish to return, and Russian authorities might
assist them in that, ensuring safe journey back home," he noted. In his words,
the emergency situations ministry can also provide much needed humanitarian aid
to Chechen refugees. At present, Chechen refugees in Pankisi receive aid
only from UNHCR's office in Georgia which every month sends them supplies of sugar,
beans, flour, sunflower oil and toiletries.