Georgia on Monday denied Russia's charges that Chechen militants and international terrorists had been hiding in its Pankisi Gorge, labeling such accusation as "irresponsible."

The Russian embassy in Georgia alleged Monday that 250 to 300 Chechen militants including international terrorists had found refuge in Georgia's Pankisi Gorge, posing a threat to Russia's security, but Tbilisi was turning a blind eye to the problem.

Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili on Monday denied Russia's accusation, noting that information available has shown there are no illegal Chechen militants nor international terrorists hiding in Pankisi Gorge.

The minister expressed concern over the Russian charges. She said that by making such a kind of accusation, Russia is preparingfor "preemptive attacks" on Georgia.

Zurabishvili also denied that Russia had offered Georgia information about the existence of Chechen militants in Pankisi Gorge. Russia said it had issued several public statements trying to turn Georgia's attention to the problem.

Zurabishvili said her country is willing to carry out joint monitoring with Russia and representatives from other countries inthe gorge, just south of Chechnya, a republic of Russia.

Georgia will do its best to ensure international monitoring over its important border areas with Russia, she said.

Source: Xinhua