( Civil ) - The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi said it is "deeply concerned by the reports of attacks in upper Kodori Gorge and condemns any such acts of violence."
"We have learned that UNOMIG has sent a joint fact-finding team to the Upper Kodori Valley to investigate the reports. We call on all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the investigation and look forward to the results," the U.S. Embassy said in a statement issued on March 13.
"We urge restraint by all parties concerned and urge continued calm in the days ahead. The United States reiterates its support for Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the separatist conflicts within Georgia on that basis. This incident underscores the need for progress on efforts to resolve the conflicts," the U.S. Embassy said.
Georgia said at least three army helicopters entered into the Georgian airspace over its controlled upper Kodori Gorge from the territory of the Russian Federation and shelled the area late on March 11, causing no casualties. Russia has denied of having links with the incident.