Georgian officials said they have handed over seven Abkhaz militiamen to UN observers after court in Tbilisi released them following passing five-year suspended sentence on them on October 27.

Seven Abkhaz militiamen were captured by Georgian Interior Ministry forces after a clash on September 20. Two former Russian officers, reportedly on contract with the Abkhaz forces, were also killed in the clash.

Tbilisi agreed to release captured militiamen after talks between Georgian state minister for conflict resolution issues, Davit Bakradze, and Abkhaz foreign minister, Sergey Shamba, in Sokhumi on October 25.

“This is a good will gesture from the Georgian side that, we think, will undoubtedly foster an improved general climate [in bilateral relations],” Bakradze said.