>The naval tensions in the Black Sea will not smooth down soon. On Tuesday 15th September 2009, Russia announced that it will act against the Georgian coast guard, if they try to prevent merchant ships to sail to Abkhazia. On the same day Russia signed military cooperation deals with Abkhazia, S.Ossetia.
Russian coast guard chief Lt. Gen. Viktor Trufanov said that Georgia has illegally intercepted more than 20 ships in the Black Sea off Abkhazia this year,
“We will do everything to ensure the security of the Russian state, the security of the Abkhazian state. We have a task and we will carry it out,” Interfax quoted Trufanov as saying. He said that Russia forces will intercept but not destroy any Georgian ships that try to stop ships in Abkhazian waters from now on.
The latest row started when Georgia intercepted a Turkish tanker off the coast of Turkey, well in international waters of the Black Sea in August. The tanker M/T Buket was taken to Poti and detained there. After a qucik trial the captain was sentenced to 24 years in jail. But first the crew, later the captain were relased on bail and returend to Turkey.
Both Georgia and Russia are important trade partners in this region. The break away regions of Georgia are also tempting targets for Turkish entrepreneurs for investment and commerce.
There will be more war of words and muscle flexing in the coming stormy days of the winter.
devrimyaylali.com 
>Thanks for keeping an eye on things in this area. I enjoy looking at your blog.