Two Georgian power engineering specialists abducted in Abkhazia

Unknown people in masks abducted two Georgian engineering specialists, Avtandil Biblaya and Abessalom Dzhabua, near the village of Rechkhi in the Gali district of Abkhazian in the morning of June 8. Both the specialists worked at the Inguri Hydroelectric Power Station, the largest one in Transcaucasia, within the framework of rehabilitation programs. Investigative groups of the Abkhazian Interior Ministry and State Security Service have left for the scene. Measures are taken to establish the whereabouts of the abducted men and release them, a source in the Abkhazian State Security Service told the Caucasian Knot correspondent. The abductors have not made any demands so far.

The Inguri Hydroelectric Power Station is situated on the line separating the confronting sides. Main units and a control console of the station are on the territory of Abkhazia, in the Gali district. The dam is on the Georgian side. Both Abkhazia and Georgia use the electric power generated by the Inguri station. Rehabilitation work at the expense of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development is underway at the station now.