Sokhumi Rejects Tbilisi's Offer to Help to Extinguish Fires

"Sokhumi does not need Tbilisi’s help to extinguish its forest fires. Our firefighters are coping with the situation," the so-called Security Council Secretary Sergei Shamba told Sova news.

"There is no such need. Our services are dealing with the fires," he added. 

The central government of Georgia has been offering assistance to occupied Abkhazia since the first day of the fire, but the Georgian side has not been involved in the works so far. 

"The Georgian side has been offering firefighting assistance to occupied Abkhazia since the first day of the fire. We have constant communication through the hotline. So far, the Georgian side has not been involved in the firefighting efforts, but we are fully prepared in any direction," said the State Security Service.

State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Tea Akhvlediani, also stated today the Georgian central government is offering assistance with a helicopter to occupied Abkhazia in the fight against the fire.

It was reported yesterday that the forest fire in Gagra was approaching residential areas. Reportedly, the fire was 150 meters from some houses. However, recent reports say the fire has already been localized in the region.

Earlier, forest fires were also reported in the Gali district of Abkhazia, and these have been extinguished. 

By Ana Dumbadze 

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