Tensions defused in the Abkhaz conflict zone on October 30 after Russian peacekeepers released Georgian policemen detained earlier on the same day.

Commander of the Russian peacekeepers Sergey Chaban told RIA Novosti news agency that his troops were ready to release four Georgian policemen, but for two and a half hours the Georgian authorities were hindering this process.

“During two and a half hours we were waiting for the decision of the Georgian authorities, who would take the policemen. Finally, the issue was solved only after President Saakashvili arrived in Ganmukhuri. Without him, the local authorities, having obviously been instructed from superiors, refused to take their policemen,” Chaban said.