DATE=03/23/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/GEORGIA TENSION (S)

NUMBER=2-287897

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Tensions are on the rise between Russia and the former Soviet republic of Georgia, which are accusing each other of supporting rebel movements in border regions. Many Russian politicians are also upset about the plan for U-S troops to arrive in Georgia to help in anti-terrorism training. Bill Gasperini reports from Moscow.

TEXT: A war of words between Russia and Georgia has intensified, with Russian parliament members calling for Moscow to take part in anti-terrorist operations inside Georgia.

On Friday, the lower house of parliament, the Duma, unanimously passed a resolution calling for Russian troops to play an active role in Georgia's Pankisi Gorge.

The heavily forested gorge has become the focus of international attention, with a small number of U-S military instructors due to arrive in Georgia soon.

Washington is concerned that elements of the al-Qaida terrorist network may be in the gorge, a concern shared by Georgia.

But Russia, in turn, accuses Georgia of allowing rebels from nearby Chechnya to take refuge in the gorge, and wants to take action against them.

Further complicating the situation is the Black Sea region of western Georgia, known as Abkhazia, where a pro-Russian separatist movement expelled Georgian troops in 1993. (Signed)

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