Vladimir Samanov to lead "peace keeping" troops inAbkhazia

Russia's symbolic move: Vladimir Samanov to lead peace keeping troops inAbkhazia
de A.C. HotNews.roMarţi,

12 august 2008

Russian general Vladimir Samanov, known as one of the toughest militarycommanders will take over the lead of the peace keeping troops inAbkhazia, the second separatist republic of Georgia. This strategicmove, announced by ITAR-TASS agency is a symbolic one, experts declare.

Russian peace keeping troops amount to 9,000 military personnel and over300 armed technical units. Up to November 2007 Samanov was a Defenseministry counselor. He was accused by the Human Rights Watchorganization of massacre in Chechnya while he commanded a militarycampaign there.