AKHMAJI, Georgia – Tensions between Georgian police and Russian-backed troops are running high a day after gunfire erupted close to the Georgian presidential motorcade near the separatist South Ossetia region.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has blamed Russian troops for the shooting that broke out Sunday evening as he and Polish President Lech Kaczynski were traveling near the disputed territory.
Russian and South Ossetian officials have denied their forces opened fire.
Visibly agitated Ossetian troops leveled a machine gun at a reporter Monday as he approached the checkpoint where the shooting occurred.
Georgian police have brought rocket-propelled grenade launchers to their positions in the area, though it was unclear when.
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