Not surprisingly, Russia continues to defy the international community by reneging on the ceasefire agreement and refusing to pull-out of Georgia. In fact, Russia is digging in, building ramparts around tanks and posing sentries on a hill in central Georgia about 30 miles from the capital of Tbilisi. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice observed,
“From my point of view … the Russians are perhaps already not honoring their word.”
Perhaps? Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, made it pretty clear what they intended to do when he reported that although Presiddent Mr. Medvedev had signed the cease-fire agreement and ordered its implementation, Russian troops wouldn’t withdraw until Moscow is satisfied its forces have taken the necessary effective security measures to protect the interests of the breakaway provinces.
So what are the Russians up to? It’s plain top see that Russia is simply diverting attention while it solidifies its hold on the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Earlier today, Russian army units and separatist fighters in Abkhazia took control of 13 villages and the Inguri hydropower plant. So far, Abkhaz officials couldn’t be reached for comment. Furthermore, Lavrov said Russia would also strengthen its peacekeeping contingent in South Ossetia. (translation: Russia will absorb South Ossetia).
Still, from his ranch in Texas, President Bush said,
“A major issue is Russia’s contention that the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia may not be a part of Georgia’s future. These regions are a part of Georgia and the international community has repeatedly made clear that they will remain so.”
I think the Russians have a different idea, Mr. President. They’ve made it very clear by their words and actions that Georgia can forget about South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
And with each day that passes, Russia tightens its grip. Are you watching America? E.U.? Georgia’s next!
MORE: Hot Air; Flopping Aces; Little Green Footballs; Neoconservative? Moi?; Political Pistachio; Right Wing Nut House
Tags: Abkhazia, Bush, Georgia, Lavrov, Medvedev, Rice, South Ossetia
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August 17, 2008 at 12:18 am
Eric
Good insight. You can’t trust those Russian bastards! But what do they have to worry about…we’re just sitting on the sidelines tutting.
Thanks, Eric. I agree that we can’t trust the Russians and I’m very concerned about how we’re going to address the evolving “Cold War II” in the years to come.
- JOS
August 17, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Richard
Well, hopefully this little display by Russia will start to move people in the EU into realising that they’re been trying to practise “magic” all these years. This is my latest theory on what is mentally wrong with the Europeans, they’ve become addicted to a “magical” view of diplomacy, that the right combination of words, the right concessions will bring peace. When this fails, they repeat the spell but it still fails.
“Hello, I am from Sarkozy, Merkal and Coward Limited, Professional Negotiators. We plan to being with a cautious surrender and if that doesn’t work, a full on aggressive surrender, “fuck my arsehole” display… That should bring peace about.”
Better war than a bad peace, for a bad peace brings greater suffering in the long run.