Georgian, Abkhazian sides exchange hostages

On December 29, the Abkhazian side released ten Georgians abducted from the Gali district of breakaway Abkhazia a few days ago, in exchange for release of three Abkhazians.

An Abkhazian armed group made a raid upon Georgian villages of the Gali district on December 27 and kidnapped ten Georgians in response to the abduction of three Abkhazian border guards which had taken place earlier. The Abkhazian side blamed Georgian guerrillas for the accident.