Harbour Group has inked a $20K monthly assignment to represent the former Soviet republic of Georgia as tensions rise between it and Russia.

Richard Mintz’s firm is working through Patton Boggs, providing counsel, policymaker/influencer outreach andmedia relations in support of Georgia’s Washington embassy.

According to Georgia’s contract with PB, some or all of Harbour’s communication is covered by the attorney/client privilege.

Russian troops entered a part of a restive separatist region of Georgia in   mid-September, which was violation of a 2008 ceasefire arrangement between the two countries.

Speaking Sept. 25 at the United Nations, Georgia president Mikheil Saakashvili blasted the Russian intrusion and called for international support.

He said Russia under Vladimir Putin is “against everything new and progressive.”

The Russian delegation walked out of the General Assembly during Saakashvili’s address.

Ketchum represents Putin’s government.