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Do you think Russia will stage provocations in Pankisi Gorge?

Friday, October 30
“Russia is a very dangerous country. No one knows beforehand what its Government will do. Last August we thought it was just another straining of the situation, but a war started. I can’t exclude anything.”
Nodar, ecomonist, 41

“To tell the truth I am really very frightened by the statements being made by the Russian Government. Russia still has great influence in the world and never hides its aggression towards Georgia. What I can say now is that our Government should be very careful not to get provoked again.”
Nino, teacher, 32

“I do not think that Russia will dare impose another confrontation in the Pankisi Gorge, as their leaders can understand that Georgia is being supported by the Western countries and the United States. In my opinion, at the present moment Russia does not need any more straining of relations with the world’s most powerful countries.”
Gia, analyst, 45

“I think that at the present moment the Russian Government will not create any confrontation in the Pankisi Gorge. Foreign institutions and countries will not give it an opportunity to make it wishes come true.”
Nika, student, 19

“Anything is possible. We can expect the unexpected from Russia. They have staged provocations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, now it is time to do so in Pankisi.”
Lado, unemployed, 55

“I am pretty much sure that Russia is trying to start a new war. I hope the timely reaction of the West and our Government will prevent us seeing new Russian bombs.”
Kote, pensioner, 67

“I think it is just part of the Russian PR against Georgia. They are trying to present Georgia as a place with many problems and unresolved conflicts.”
Keti, journalist, 23

“I think Russia has already staged provocations in Pankisi Gorge. The Russian authorities want to destroy Georgia’s unity and are ready to use any resources to achieve this goal.”
Marina, lecturer, 52

“The political situation in Georgia has been so complicated in the last few years that it’s hard to predict anything in any region. The August War has shown that Russia is ready to do anything just to grab Georgian land. I am really afraid that something terrible may still happen but the Georgian Government should do its best to avoid further complications.”
Merab, political analyst, 37