Russia and Georgia reach border deal

Tension along the border has mounted for months

Russia and Georgia have agreed to set up joint patrols on their common border, after months of mounting tension over rebel activity in the area.

Russia has repeatedly accused Georgia of allowing Chechen rebels to operate freely along the border, carrying out attacks in Chechyna before retreating across the border to Georgia.

Russia and Georgia want to settle the main problem in their relations - the fight against terrorism

Vladimir Putin

The announcement of joint border patrols came after Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Georgian counterpart, Eduard Shevardnadze, in Moldova, where both are attending a summit of former Soviet countries.

The decision was being seen as an attempt to step back from a looming threat of military confrontation over the border dispute.

Moscow claims Chechen rebels have been enjoying a virtual safe haven in the border region, including the Pankisi Gorge, where dozens of fighters are believed to be based.

But Tbilisi has accused Moscow of violating Georgian airspace in its efforts to combat the rebel threat from the air.

Co-operation

The row has threatened to spill over into outright confrontation, prompting the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to put monitors on the border.

But the leaders agreed in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, to work together to step up border security.

I would say that this marks a good breakthrough in mutual relations between the two states

Eduard Shevardnadze

"Following President Shevardnadze's proposal, our two countries' border guards will increase their co-operation to a level which will include joint patrolling along the border," Mr Putin told a news conference.

"Russia and Georgia want to settle the main problem in their relations - the fight against terrorism."

Mr Shevardnadze told journalists it was necessary to "reinforce borders together so that criminals cannot get through, neither from one side or the other."

Extradition

Mr Putin also thanked Mr Shevardnadze for extraditing several suspected Chechen rebels, who were handed over on Friday after being captured in the Pankisi Gorge in August.

Other Chechens being held in Georgia are also expected to be extradited.

Both presidents spoke optimistically of the progress they had made.

"Today's meeting has a most fundamental significance for the two peoples, and for more than just them," said Mr Shevardnadze.

"I do not know whether this is an exaggeration, but I would say that this marks a good breakthrough in mutual relations between the two states."

Mr Putin agreed that he had a "high opinion" of the agreements which were achieved.

"I am expressing the hope that all that we agreed will be implemented and that this will be to the benefit of the peoples of Russia and Georgia," he said.

The summit in Moldova, which involves the leaders of the 12 ex-Soviet states in Commonwealth of the Independent States, begins formally later on Monday.

It is expected to focus on finding a common position on Iraq, increasing economic co-operation, and settling out regional conflicts.