Russia's main concern, as articulated to the international community, is one of terrorism and their right to self-defense. Moscow considers all Chechen rebels terrorists and subsequently subject to eradication, capture, or pacification; these feelings have now only been heightened due to a recent hostage crisis that took place at a Moscow theater. Cooperation by Shevardnadze regarding such concerns is seen as vital in this respect and Moscow feels it has been sorely lacking.
Putin maintains that Tbilisi allows Chechen rebels to travel its border freely and take refuge in Georgia, usually in an area known as the Pankisi Gorge. The Russian president feels Tbilisi isn't doing all it can to secure its borders, locate terrorists on its own soil, and help Moscow end the crisis in Chechnya and of terrorism throughout Russia.
More than once, Moscow has threatened unilateral military action on Georgian soil to capture rebels undoubtedly hiding there. After balking several times to help, Shevardnadze first had Pankisi "swept" for rebels and then further pacified Putin earlier this month when he extradited five Chechens on a Moscow "wanted" list.
Moscow isn't just concerned with a handful of rebels; U.S. influence has continued to grow in the region, especially since the "war on terrorism" began and is unwelcome to say the least. Now widely talked about is the fact that U.S. instructors have been directly training Georgian forces in counter-terrorism techniques in what is known as the Train and Equip Program.
Putin maintains that Tbilisi allows Chechen rebels to travel its border freely and take refuge in Georgia, usually in an area known as the Pankisi Gorge. The Russian president feels Tbilisi isn't doing all it can to secure its borders, locate terrorists on its own soil, and help Moscow end the crisis in Chechnya and of terrorism throughout Russia.
More than once, Moscow has threatened unilateral military action on Georgian soil to capture rebels undoubtedly hiding there. After balking several times to help, Shevardnadze first had Pankisi "swept" for rebels and then further pacified Putin earlier this month when he extradited five Chechens on a Moscow "wanted" list.
Moscow isn't just concerned with a handful of rebels; U.S. influence has continued to grow in the region, especially since the "war on terrorism" began and is unwelcome to say the least. Now widely talked about is the fact that U.S. instructors have been directly training Georgian forces in counter-terrorism techniques in what is known as the Train and Equip Program.