Stop Aggression

Abkhazians compare Ankvab with Saakashvili

2011-09-12T15:19:00.001+03:00

Population of Abkhazia compares Ankvab with Saakashvili. According to Kavkaz Press,
that is because, like Saakashvili, the newly elected "president" of Abkhazia began his activities
in this position with fight against crime.

As residents of the Gali district say that it was precisely because he had promised to put an
end to rampant crime that they supported Ankvab in the elections.

According to information, Ankvab has already begun implementation of his promises, and criminals
who fled Gagra and Sukhumi found refuge in the Gali district.

The population of Abkhazia hopes that Ankvab, like Saakashvili, will declare a ruthless war against
criminals and they can live in peace like the rest of Georgia.

The Geopolitical Role of the Caucasus

2011-09-08T13:07:00.000+03:00

Giorgi Leon Kavtaradze

If we throw a glance through the main - Eurasian - part of the Eastern Hemisphere we can easily find the Trans-Caucasus located between the two seas. It has quite an extraordinary, I dare say, even central position on the hemisphere. In North of it, across the Great Caucasian Range, is situated Russia; in the South, genuine Near Eastern Turkey and Iran; in the West, the Black Sea divides it from Eastern Europe, and in the East, the Caspian Sea from Central Asia. Such an intermediate location of the Caucasus should be the reason of its ethno-cultural diversity noticed already by Greco-Roman authors.

Georgia (ancient Colchis and Iberia), the country of the Golden Fleece in Classical Greek mythology, is located in the central and Western parts of the Trans-Caucasus. It is chained to the Caucasus like Prometheus, who found his last abode in the same mountains. Even on the former state emblem of Georgia, under the hoofs of the horse of Tetri (White) Giorgi (the image of Georgia) the Caucasian mountains are depicted - instead of the dragon of St. George's icon - a symbol of natural challenge of the country, representing the link of its destiny with one of the main markers of the geographical, ethno-cultural and political division of the world.

Georgia and the Trans-Caucasus generally lie not only at the cross-roads of all four sides of the world, but at the cross-roads also, from the temporal standpoint, between the old and new worlds: the old world of totalitarianism and the new world of democratic society. Both these cross-roads are intertwined with each other. The areas North and East of the Caucasus are still embodiments of totalitarian societies. The areas West and South, embody societies with a democratic way of life or on the path of democratic transformation.

Numerous states were created in all parts of the world after the First and the Second World Wars and also after the collapse of the Communistic system. In our days, this process takes place mainly in new countries of the post-Soviet space and Georgia is among them. The analogous situation was created already in Georgia, due to the annihilation of the Russian Empire, when a new Democratic Republic of Georgia was created. In three-years, in February-March of 1921, Georgia was occupied by Soviet Russia, though the tradition of statehood in Georgia counts thousands of years.

It seems that the factors of geopolitical character caused not only the emergence of statehood in Central Trans-Caucasus in the Classical period, but also determined its historical development in Medieval, New and Newest times.

The main purposes of the future studies are: at first,- to outline the possible trends in political orientation of Georgia, against the background of existing tendencies (in the political life of Georgia itself, of the Trans-Caucasus generally, and of a much wider area adjacent to the basins of the Black and Caspian seas) and the second, to study /p. 215/ the character of interrelations among these trends.

Georgian politicians and public carry out discussions on how to solve the triple choice, which faces the country:
1. Join the security system of the CIS (i.e. Russia);
2. Declare neutrality;
3. Integrate within the Euro-Atlantic democratic societies.

Pro-Russian trend actually means turning back from the process of state creation to final dissolution (though gradual) in the Russian maw – the age-long dream of Russian political circles. In spite of the decisions made on various summits, Russia tries to retain by all means its military presence in Georgia and at the same time to widen its economic and political presence in the country.

Neutral status is irrelevant for a country lying on the highway of political processes and surrounded by aggressive neighbours – primarily by Russia; Turkey and Iran to some extent, during the reinterpretation of their Caucasian policy after the breakdown of the Soviet Empire, are trying to ensure peace and security of the region, different from their old historical traditions.

The pro-Western trend seems the only option, which can secure the independent development of Georgia. But can we be sure that this choice answers to the national interests of the country? Why the pro-Western orientation become a motto of Georgian society? How trustworthy are the fears spreading among a part of Georgian public that, because of their pro-Western orientation, the country and its population are under the unforeseeable and imminent threat of punishment coming from rivals of the Western democratic societies and, therefore, in the opinion of this part of public, the political orientation of the country should be changed?

These questions show how tense and uncertain the political situation in Georgia is lately. I don’t think that there exists an easy answer to all questions, that Georgian’s face today, but historians could try to make the situation more understandable from the standpoint of the historical development of this country.

Therefore, we need to throw a glance from the historical perspective, to gain an insight into the character of developments underlying modern processes. The pointer of the political compass of Georgia was directed to various sides of the world in different times, but what kind of mechanism caused such a shift of orientation? Which point, having strong magnetic power, was most determinative for the Georgian pointer throughout the history? These are the questions that should be answered.

Unfortunately nobody paid attention, in the special literature, to the interconnection between the existence of the state power in Central Trans-Caucasus and the necessity to control the passes through the Caucasus, indicated by the historical development of the area. This is mainly due to the fact that, during the last two hundred years, the Trans-Caucasus was incorporated in the Russian and Soviet empires and no governmental employee, in charge of these totalitarian states, would allow, or encourage even in a post-Soviet time, to carry out such a study. Both these countries (the Russian /p. 216/ Empire and the Soviet Union) succeeded in total subjection of the Trans-Caucasian territory, which was of vital importance for their expansionistic plans against the entire East Mediterranean-Middle Eastern area. On the other hand, the fact, that no Caucasian nation was represented on the political map of the world over the last two centuries, with the above-mentioned short exception, is the main reason why Caucasian history was actually neglected by Western specialists, even when studying the areas adjacent to it.

The breakdown of the Communist system gave specialists of countries belonging to this system the possibility to use such methodological principles, far removed from the dogmas of Marxism-Leninism and sometimes already obsolete in other parts of the world. In connection with the early Caucasian political history, the use of Arnold Toynbee's Challenge-and-Response model seems preferable, as the emergence and development of the idea of statehood in the Caucasus finds its stimulus (Challenge) in the reaction (Response) of the local natural and social environment.

The political history of Georgia, like other Transcaucasian countries, was mainly dominated by the fact of the geographical location of the Trans-Caucasus in the South of the Great Caucasian mountainous chain, one of the most important watershed systems of the world. These mountains form a fracture (something like a geological fault-line), not only from the geographical and ethno-cultural points of view, but also from the geopolitical division of the world. The key importance of the location of the Caucasus was picturesquely stated by Pliny the Elder (Plinius Magnus), already two thousand years ago, namely that the Caucasian Gate (i.e. the Darial Pass, crossing the central part of the Great Caucasian Range), divides the world in two parts (n.h. 6, 30).

There was always a need for a barrier to be erected by the world of reasonable men against the world of barbarians, such as the Great Wall of China or Hadrian's Wall (Roman Limes). The Caucasian Gate had the same function for the Middle East. Since immemorial times, it barred the descent of the Eurasian nomads into the civilised world of common interest: the Mediterranean-Middle Eastern oikoumene.

The Caucasian Gate is frequently called the Pillars, Stronghold or Iron Gate of Alexander the Great by the Classical (Greco-Roman) authors. The linkage of Alexander's name with the emergence of the Iberian statehood, known from old Armenian and Georgian chronicles, indicates the raison d'être of this state, namely to be the outpost of the civilised world in its struggle with the realm of Gog and Magog lying beyond the Caucasian Gate.

The above-mentioned emblem of Georgia bears the sun, the moon and the five stars, supposedly bestowed on the Georgians by the legendary image of Alexander of old Georgian chronicles, as an ideological basis of their state religion. Thus, the concept of Alexander’s Iron Gate was the reflection of the concrete political function of the Georgian State: control over one of the most important strategic passes of the world.

This function seems to have been one of the main decisive factors that challenged the emergence of the Georgian State in the central part of Trans-Caucasus in the Early Hellenistic period. The location of Georgia, South of the Great Caucasian Range, /p. 217/ in the contact zone of Eurasian nomads and Middle Eastern civilised societies, had predetermined the continual external pressure from the North. A Challenge, which for its part caused a Response: the creation of a state (i.e. the Iberian Kingdom) in Central Trans-Caucasus. It is interesting that the period of replacement of the Pax Achaemenia by the Pax Macedonica marks out the emergence of Iberian (East Georgian) Kingdom.

The raison d'être not only of Iberia, but also of other new states of the Classical period, Albania and Lazica (the successive state of Colchis), were to become stronghols of the civilised world (Greek oikoumene or Roman orbis terarrum) in its struggle with the barbarian Realm of Darkness beyond the Caucasian Gate. However, there was undoubtedly a difference between the Western political orientation (the Greek states, Roman and Byzantine empires) of Iberia and also, to a certain degree, of Lazica on the one hand, and the Eastern orientation (Persia, Parthia) of Albania (together with Armenia), on the other.

The control of the Caucasian passes could create the most favourable opportunity for the preservation of Pax Romana in the Middle East. The Iberians were the most important allies of the Romans in the region, having supremacy over the Caucasian Gate. The close collaboration between the Romans and the Iberians, based on their joint strategic interests as parts of one and the same orbis terarrum, was the leit-motif of their interrelations.

At the same time, the rulers of the Iberian Kingdom successfully used the favourable strategic location of their country to balance the pressure of the powers, coming from all sides of the world, often changing the direction of their orientation. Already Tacitus noted that the Iberians were "masters of various positions" and could suddenly "pour" mercenaries from across the Caucasus against their Southern enemies (Ann. 6, 33).

The long-term aspiration of the medieval Georgian monarchy, going back presumably to the times of the Roman Empire, to bring under its sovereignty not only the Caucasian Gate, but all existing Caucasian passes from the Black to the Caspian Sea, is expressed by the formula of its territorial integrity in the Georgian chronicle of the 11th century the "Life of Georgia": "from Nikopsia to Daruband", i.e. from the North-Eastern Black Sea littoral to the Derbent gateway (the second important pass of the Caucasus), on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. This formula, emphasising especially the northern borderline along the Caucasus, enables us to interpret the main function of that kingdom in a more general context.

Faced with the necessity of effective control of the Caucasian passes, which barred the way of the northern invaders, the rulers of the states of the Eastern Mediterranean-Middle Eastern area were always eager to have in Central Trans-Caucasus - in Iberia - a political organisation with sufficient strength to fulfil such a defensive function.

The concept of the Caucasian Gate predetermined the fate of the Georgian State from the Early Hellenistic time till the beginning of the 19th century when Georgia's annexation by Russia meant the loss of this important function of this state. I think this function is the reason why Georgia, as pointed out by Cyril Toumanoff, is the only country of Christendom where socio-political and cultural development ran an uninterrupted /p. 218/ course from the Classical period to the beginning of the 19th century.

This overwhelming interest of the Near Eastern-Mediterranean societies towards Georgia was caused not only by the abstract defensive function of this country, but mainly by its concrete location at the edge of the civilised and barbarian worlds. Though Georgia and the Trans-Caucasus were open to the influences of these two opposite models of historical development, the factor of the Great Caucasian Range determined its destination to be the stronghold of the highly developed and prosperous Middle Eastern-Mediterranean oikoumene, against the vast area of Eurasian steppes: an embodiment of the powerful and aggressive forces with their slow rate of social, political, economic and cultural development. Or in other words, to be the stronghold of the civilised South and West against the barbarian North and East. On the other hand, the northern nomads required a bridgehead for their raids towards the Middle East. The territories of Georgia and the Trans-Caucasus represented the best opportunities for this task.

The constant opposition between the barbarian and civilised peoples, aggressors and producers, brigands and creators, were two firestones with the help of which the fire of statehood south of the central part of the Great Caucasian Range, in Central Trans-Caucasus, was kindled.

Today's Abkhazia and Russia in the eyes of Ibrahim Yaganov

2011-09-08T13:06:00.000+03:00

Chairman of the public movement Khase of Kabardino-Balkaria Ibragim Khasanbovich Yaganov was born in 1963 in the village of Nartan of the Chegem district. He graduated from the Baku school of police (militsia) and the law faculty of the Sukhumi University. He is a vice-president of the Federation of Equestrian sport of the Kabardino-Balkaria and an owner of the horse breeding farm of the unique Kabardian breed.

During the nineties conflict in Abkhazia very young Ibragim Yaganov led a volunteer battalion and was awarded a status of the hero of Abkhazia. He is an authorized representative of Abkhazia in Kabardino-Balkaria. In December 2009 and April 2010 unidentified persons carried out terrorist attacks against Ibragim Yaganov.

Those who are interested in problems of Abkhazia and the north Caucasus would be interested to know views and assessments of a person of such biography on processes that are taking place in the Caucasus region. Some of them may be unacceptable but others really deserve to be paid attention as they reflect respect towards the Caucasian traditions and future prospects are clearly and honestly represented.

"We do not think that the rest of life we should be in feud with Georgia. In the nineties a handful of adventurers set these two peoples against each other. We do not have any problems with the Georgian people". These words of Yaganov are a serious indication for those politicians who are building Chinese walls to separate from the Georgian people and are declaring eternal hostility with them.

A few day ago when media representatives asked him a question he did not shy away from giving direct words and stated that representatives of the Russian authorities were in all state structures of independent Abkhazia. He said that the Russian ambassador attended all government meetings and meetings with the president. Russian officers were included in all units of the defence ministry. Russian forces were deployed on the entire territory of Abkhazia up till the border of Gali. According to him this was more an occupation rather than assistance. At any time, if Abkhazia was to refuse to fulfill demands of the government of the Russian Federation these forces would be used immediately. He said that against this background complete degradation of the Abkhazian army took place. And that it could be said that the Abkhazian army no longer existed and several Abkhazian military units that were still there had no role at all.

Yaganov mentioned that powerful economic expansion was taking place. The Federal government demanded transfer of important facilities, including former state dachas. He was sure that in no case this was to be permitted. That they could be leased but not given in ownership of the Russian government bodies. The Russian Olympic committee that was carrying out construction in Sochi very aggressively demanded crossing over the state border. There he talked about transfer of 160 square kilometers of Abga and on moving of the border 40 km into the deep of Abkhazia. This aimed at moving of the state border away from the Olympic zone. He believes that all this could be assessed as Russia's expansion and handing of the Abkhazian independence over to the Russian federal structures.

Yaganov noted that given the political and economic realities Abkhazia had to take into account the Russian authorities. He noted that practically Abkhazians, like the republics of the North Caucasus were on the financial "needle" and entirely dependent on the Kremlin. He was sure that this was a temporary case and in future the main stronghold of Abkhazia would be North Caucasian republics and especially Kabarda. As to the Abkhazian authorities, he believes that authorities come and go but people and history remain.

He noted that great historical monuments of Circassian people had been destroyed and were still being destroyed in the Krasanaya Polyana. And that their ancestors lived there and he could not agree to holding of the Olympic Games on their bones and graves.

He said that he believed that Georgia's recognition of the Circassian genocide was the first step forwards for the international community. The Circassian issue had been locked in the inside circle until now. Now it emerged on the political arena. He believes that it will soon become a subject of discussion of the EU and the European Parliament. It will not be left without attention either by the Baltic States or by Finland and Poland. In his words the recognition of the genocide opened new horizons for the Circassian people and especially for youth. That it would give them opportunity to move to those countries that recognized the genocide and get higher education there.

He believes that Georgia has already played its role. And in his opinion it is now necessary to restore old close and friendly relations with Georgia.

Yaganov notes that Circassians have not asked Abkhazians to recognize the genocide as this request would put them in a very awkward position in relations with Russia.

He thinks that there was no self- interest in Georgia's recognition of the Circassian genocide. In this issue political interests of Georgia and Circassia coincided. He believes that authors of the thank-you letter that was sent to the Georgian Parliament did not undertake any obligations and nothing but thank you is to be paid for it.

He talked also that the era of Colonialism was the thing of the past and that many colonial powers got rid of their colonial past and apologized to people of their former colonies. Unfortunately, he notes, Russia has difficulties with overcoming this barrier. He believes that there still prevail imperial ambitions there and today this tears up and destroys this country. That Russia is on the brink of collapse. Imperial ambitions of the Russian authorities are apparent not only towards the Caucasians but also towards its own people as well. Population of the richest country of the world that is spread over the vast territory is on the brink of extreme poverty everywhere except Moscow. In his view it is due to attitude of the Metropolis towards its colonies which the Russian authorities do not want to acknowledge.

This is quite bold attitude and realistic view of Ibragim Yaganov of the situation in Abkhazia and Russia.

We intended to put a full stop here and let a reader see just short sections from extensive answers of Mister Yaganov. But those who are acquainted with the full text may feel that the text was used one-sidedly, and that many painful issues were sidestepped. Yes sirs, it is not without this. We did not want to return to mutual accusations and principle of relaying blame for everything on the other party that go back to the nineties. All the more that neither Yaganov itself is inclined to do this.

It is necessary Circassians to start restoration of close and friendly relations with Georgians, says Yaganov, although he is hesitant to come to Georgia when he is invited here.

We should not put aside for other generations to resolve these problems that we have accumulated, and mostly involuntarily. And we should not let the history make judgment without the participation of the parties themselves. For small nations this perspective is quite real.

Dialogue and exchange of opinions would be the first step to start desirable process.

Get over yourself Mister Yaganov and come visit Georgia. We here still respect people that do not tend to break their oath and words they have given. Georgians continue to pay respect to Georgian Poet Vazha-Pshavela who thought generations to respect and love Caucasian traditions. It was Vazha-Pshavela who said in one of his poems which is roughly translated as "he's our guest today even if he owes us a sea of blood" (" Host and Guest" by Vazha-Pshavela).

Mister Yaganov, we invite you to Georgia. Maybe your visit will become the start of the great turn and mutual forgiveness that our peoples are so much in need of.

Will Moscow turn red light on for Kokoity?

2011-09-08T13:04:00.000+03:00

Levan Kiknadze

The Club of Exsperts

In mid-April, before the so-called presidential elections in the Tskhinvali region, Kokoity who counts last days of his term as a chief puppet, decided to present his "successor", so-called prosecutor general of "South Ossetia" Teimuraz Khugaev to his masters in Moscow. After all Khugaev will indeed conceal black deeds of Kokoity better than anyone else. And in case of becoming a president the latter will not forget Kokoity's service and will allow no one to dig into his past. And although they arrived there they were unable to meet Prime Minister Putin for some unknown reasons. We do not know whether they attempted to meet with President Medvedev on this issue or not. But the fact is that evil tongues say that disappointed Kokoity came back with his tail between his legs. On top of this he found out that in the beginning of April his personal enemy Dzambolat (Diki) Tadeev met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow and acquired his permission to participate in the so-called presidential elections and that he even decided to come to the Tskhinvali region to start election campaign. On April 17th as soon as he came back from Moscow Eduard Kokoity met with his supporters in the Tskhinvali theatre where he protested against forthcoming visit of Dzambolat Tedeev to Tskhinvali.

On April 18th Dzambolat Tedeev visited Tskhinvali together with president of the federation of freestyle wrestling of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mamiashvili. In order to control movement of supporters of Tedeev and other opposition forces, at the instruction of Kokoity a special unit of the so-called KGB of "South Ossetia" was deployed at the south portal of the Roki tunnel. As we know at the police post in Tskhinvali (near the so-called little bridge) "OMON" of so-called South Ossetia arranged a provocation for Tedeev which became a basis for a case to be instituted against Tedeev on charges of assault of workers of law enforcement agencies. Following Tedeev's visit in Tskhinvali supporters of Kokoity actively started issuing "compromising" materials about Tedeev on TV and internet. Tedeev was mentioned as Tediashvili and as a person close to Georgians. Attention was drawn to the fact of his visit to Tskhinvali together with Mikheil Mamiashvili and the latter was mentioned as a criminal of Georgian origin. At instruction of Kokoity himself workers of the defence ministry led by deputy defence minsiter Gasiev go to homes of Tadeev's supporters and threaten them with physical violence.

To prevent Tedeev and at the instruction of Kokoity on April 20th so-called South Ossetian Parliament adopted a resolution according to which a candidate for presidency of "South Ossetia" can become a person that lived in the Tskhinvali region for the last 10 years.

Despite this Tedeev continues to strengthen his positions.

Opposition of Kokoity established in Vladikavkaz a public movement For Fair Elections that is financed by Tedeev. One of its leaders is former secretary of the security service of so-called South Ossetia Anatoly Barankevich. Members of non-governmental organization XXI Century (head Temur Tskhovrebov) such as Sarmat Parastaev, Liana Tedeeva and member of the opposition Fatima Margieva are also involved in activities of the above-mentioned organization. Starting from this May opposition newspaper Pozitsia will start to be published and it will be financed by Tedeev and headed by Akhsar Kochiev and Fatima Margieva. Anti-Kokoity literature, leaflets and t-shirts with images of Tedeev and other opposition leaders are coming secretly from Vladikavkaz. With his tactic of introducing changes into the registration norms of a presidential candidate Kokoity managed to only partially block Dzambolat Tedeev. As information was issued that allegedly in the middle of May Tedeev again met with Putin who told him that if he were to find a worthy candidate for participation in the so-called South Ossetian presidential elections the government of the Russian Federation would support him. Later J. Tedeev met with a member of the So-called South Ossetian parliament and head of the Tskhinvali bread-baking plant Vadim (Bulki) Tskhovrebov. As it is known in April the latter was physically assaulted by Kokoity bodyguards in the woods near Tskhinvali as he intended to introduce his candidacy in the presidential elections. Tedeev managed to compel him to agree and promised all kind of support.

After this Kokoity probably assessed reasonably that he would not be able to get his candidate through, which would practically mean victory, and decided to play to the end. As we know his supporters have already came out with an "initiative" of holding a referendum. An initiative group led by first deputy "defence minister" Ibragim Gasiev was formed (with headquarters in the building of the Tskhinvali central library. The headquarters was headed by head of the Cadet school Artur Tadtaev). On May 14th the first meeting of the initiative group was held which was attended by heads of heads of administrations of the city of Tskhinvali and other districts. At the mpoment the initiative group is collecting signatures in the population to hold referendum. Two issues will be put up for the referendum:

1. To declare Russian and Ossetians languages official languages on the territory of the Tskhinvali region;

2. To introduce changes into the constitution of the so-called South Ossetia according to which "president of South Ossetia" will be elected for the third term.

Collection of signatures in the population is being carried out through threats and compelling. Public workers are threatened with dismissal from work. The election committee will decide a date for the referendum. The only thing left is to wait for the Moscow decision. But we cannot rule out also that following the principle of accustomed evil it will again prefer experienced and well-versed in their dark matters Kokoity. Time will tell.

MIA: One Policeman Dies

2011-05-26T11:52:00.002+03:00

A policeman died after he was crashed by a car, which left the protest venue on a high speed after the riot police started to disperse protesters outside the Parliament shortly after midnight, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) said.

"One part of the protest organizers, unfortunately, left the scene [with their cars] at a high speed, killing one policeman," Shota Utiashvili, the interior ministry spokesman, said.

19 policemen, he said, were hospitalized.

There are wounded among protesters, however, no figures are yet available.

Dozens ambulance vehicles arrived at the scene shortly after the riot police broke up the rally outside the Parliament using teargas, rubber bullets and water cannons.

Georgia riot police clear Tbilisi protesters

2011-05-26T11:51:00.002+03:00

Riot police in Georgia have cleared anti-government protesters from outside the parliament building in Tbilisi.
The police fired tear gas and water cannon at the protesters, some of whom fought back with sticks.

Authorities had promised to clear the protesters ahead of independence day celebrations on Thursday.

Hundreds of people have been demonstrating daily since the weekend, calling for President Mikhail Saakashvili to step down.

The protesters say the president has failed to tackle poverty and accuse him of monopolising power.

'Silver revolution'
The police moved in on the protesters shortly after midnight, as heavy rain fell.

Backed by armoured cars firing water cannon, large numbers of riot police arrived from several directions, according to witnesses.

Clashes broke out with some of the protesters who were armed with long sticks and makeshift shields.

A pro-opposition TV station said the protest had been cleared within about 30 minutes.

Medics were treating several people with blood on their faces, said Reuters news agency.

The protests began on Saturday, when as many as 10,000 people demonstrated in central Tbilisi. Clashes broke out early on Sunday between police and demonstrators.

The movement has been dubbed the "silver revolution" by some, as many participants are older Georgians, struggling to cope with low pensions and rising food prices, says the BBC's Damien McGuiness in Tbilisi.

But many of the protesters were men wearing scarves or masks to hide their faces, and carrying white sticks, our correspondent says.

Poverty levels are relatively high in Georgia but the opposition is divided and lacks credibility while the Western-backed Mr Saakashvili retains popularity.

He came to power in 2004 after a popular uprising toppled his predecessor, Eduard Shevardnadze.

BBC

Apsny started to talk with Russia on a language of notes

2011-05-24T21:21:00.000+03:00

A serious conflict is brewing in the occupied Abkhazia. So-called parliament passed a resolution in which it advises the so-called Abkhazian foreign ministry "to send a note to the leadership of the Russian Federation on protection of rights of the personnel of the military sanatorium "Sukhum". A parliamentary commission was also formed to study documentation according to which the sanatorium, under the pretext of restoration works, practically ceases its existence and its staff is to be subject to dismissal.

Russia started disposal of the military sanatorium after dealing with non-military resort facilities. The above sanatorium is military sanatorium of ICBM forces of the Ministry of Defence of Russia that Abkhazians renamed into "Sukhum". This is more than 20 hectares of the best land directly in the capital of the occupied Abkhazia. It is too much of tidbit for Russian officials with great appetite.

The situation was described in a letter sent by a staff of the sanatorium to the Russian President with a request to investigate the situation. The letter was part of
an article "Abkhazians seek protection of the Russian President from Serdyukov" published by internet publication Svobodnaya Presa. The letter, where its authors are asking Medvedev to look into the matter, describes violations and irresponsibility with which a decision to close the facility was made. In particular, the management of the facility received an order with a resolution of Serdyukov "I agree" and according to thsi resolution the resort administration had two hours to empty facility of holidaymakers. They have been transferred into the Gudauta sanatorium which also belongs to the Russian military body.

This efficiency, of course, raises certain doubts. So the personnel of the sanatorium justly suppose that all these actions are directed not at improving work of the resort facility but stopping its operation. Since, as the letter states, from 2000 to present day there has never been any commission of the Russian defence Ministry or of any other government bodies to review material and technical base and actual state of buildings and facilities of sanatorium" Sukhum". Thus there is no document on necessity of full restoration works.

Besides, the authors of the letter also became aware of the fact that budget documents of the restoration works have not been devised. At that, funds for this reconstruction are not provided for in the budget of the Russian Defence Ministry. More, just four days before the decision to close 'Sukhum" was approved by Serdyukov, conditions of treatment and stay in the sanatorium had been examined by relevant bodies of the Russian Defence Ministry. The commission concluded that "conditions correspond to norms of living and treatment of servicemen and their families." The relevant resolution was handed over to the management of the sanatorium by representative of the Centre of State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Department of the Ministry of Defence of Russia.

Even the Abkhazian Public Chamber showed interest in this scandal. Being at a loss, it sent an appeal to deputy speaker of the parliament Nugzar Ashuba which stated:

"According to the Russian legislation, termination of operation means liquidation of an organization and entails dismissal of all employees. At the same time, conduction of restoration works does not require liquidation of an organization and workers retain their jobs with paid downtime. Contradictions in the preamble (total restoration) and paragraph 1 (termination of operation) of the above order, and the subsequent actions of the administration with regards to layoffs of workers, generated a backlash and social tensions in society".

But that's not all. As if to order, the Svobodnaya Presa publication has learned that, according to the directive of Serdyukov, in the near future the Russian Defence Ministry intends to close five sanatoriums and holiday resorts. If we compare this information with the number of such facilities in Abkhazia and appetites of Russian officials and businessmen, it is possible that at least two of these objects can be found in occupied Abkhazia. So it remains to be seen till when the "independent" people that are just starting to wake up will have to send notes to the Kremlin where their notes may not be even read or answered. And there is no guarantee that anyone out there will listen to grievances of Abkhazians. It seems that Abkhazians will have to perform solo, and even to listen to themselves as no one else will. It was not for nothing that "rising from knees" Russia threw so much money into the territories of Georgia and spent so much political resources at the international arena. They at least should partially compensate their losses with fruits of conquest.

* Apsny – Abkhazians call Abkhazia by this name

Le Figaro: Opposition always was too week before Saakashvili’s regime

2011-05-24T21:18:00.002+03:00

The protest actions in Georgia were focused in the Le Figaro. The article was published under the heading Georgia: manifestations against government. It gives a comprehensive analysis of three days of protest actions.

"Sunday - police used against protesters tear gas and rubber bullets. They explained its actions as if demonstrates were attacking the police. The later said police provoked them for such actions. On Saturday at the Freedom Squire 6 000 people gathered in support of the protest. Nevertheless on Sunday its quantity decreased to 2 000 people, " - Le Figaro informed.

The newspaper noted tat the weak opposition never was a serious problem for Saakashvili regime.
"The west-inclined President came into power in 2003 over the peaceful Rose revolution. "

Russian occupants released four Georgians

2011-05-24T21:17:00.002+03:00

Four Georgians detained in the forest of Chalovani village by Russian occupants two days ago, are at home for the time being.

Giga Butskhrikidze and Davit Khvedelidze were being interrogated by the police during several hours In Sachkhere district yesterday.

The Russian occupants released four ethnic Georgians yesterday. The decision was made at the meeting of the group working on Incidents Prevention and Reaction Mechanisms in Dvini.

17-years -old Giorgi Lomtadze wounded during the incident occurred in Chalvani village of Sachkhere district was transferred to Tbilisi Republican Hospital yesterday. Doctors say that his health condition remains critical and the patient is still in the resuscitation department.

Russian occupants wounded two Georgian young men with a gun in Chalvani village, Sachkhere district of Imereti region 2 days ago. The incident occurred at about 8 a.m. as five young men from the Chalvani village were collecting edible plants in the Chonto valley, Sachkhere District, near the occupation line. Occupation forces attempted to detain them, but the men managed to escape. As they did, occupants opened fire, wounding two citizens.

The youngsters were taken to hospital where they underwent through an emergency surgery. Due to critical health condition, Giorgi Lomtadze was transferred to Tbilisi.

Ex defense Minister not to arrive to Georgia

2011-05-24T21:16:00.003+03:00

Irakli Okruashvili, ex defense Minister will not arrive to Georgia, as it was planned for May 25. The information was declared today in the party's office several minutes ago.
The reason for this is that the Public Gathering refused to act jointly with him.

"We will not conduct the protest action planned for May 25. We are giving full freedom for actions to the Public Gathering. We will see what will do Buranadze independently, " - they said in the political party's office.

The Georgian party decided to postpone the replacement of government but did not refuse to do this.

Telegraph: protest rally in Georgia

2011-05-24T21:15:00.002+03:00

The clashes on Sunday morning, which left several people injured, followed a protest rally a day earlier that attracted thousands to the centre of Tbilisi.

A small contingent of protesters remained through the night outside the headquarters of the state broadcasting company in the capital.

Around two dozen opposition supporters also attacked a police car after officers reportedly tried to arrest one of the protest leaders.

Riot police then fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Demonstrators accuse Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili of corruption and of blocking democratic reforms.

International organizations concerned over violent actions of government – Burjanadze

2011-05-24T21:14:00.002+03:00

The violent actions against protest rally participants were committed by government, this became a matter of concern for international organizations, - Nino Burjanadze said to GHN.

She underlined that the international organizations and dip. corp. are in constant connection with her for information on protest action.

"We are permanently in connection with international organizations, they are concerned over the facts of illegality what happen already at the protest action at GPB. They abducted a person (this is an abduction when police without warrant or permission takes a person to the police office), this is an illegality when cars are seized and the peaceful protest actions in Batumi and Tbilisi are dissolved, "

Jirinovsy: only promise we did not fulfill – seizure of Tbilisi and imprisonment of Saakashvili

2011-04-20T22:59:00.002+03:00

Vladimir Jirinovsky, MP of Russian Duma said the only promise which RF did not fulfill is, that it did not seize the capital and did not arrest President Saakashvili. "NATO's conditions against us would be fair only if they put conditions under such actions, all other pretensions are provocative words only. All other conditions and obligations Russia did before Georgian Republic. Among them the Sarkozy-Medvediev agreement as well fulfilled, "- Jirinovsky said commenting the NATO-Georgia commission statement. "The recognition of independence of Abkhazia and S.O. is slightly better than the recognition of Kosovo."

For information, at NATO-Georgia Commission sitting in Berlin, a special statement was made that calls RF to fulfill obligations before Georgia and encourages the aspiration of Georgia to NATO.

Giga Bokeria: all steps towards Euro Atlantic Alliance will irritate Russia

2011-04-20T22:58:00.002+03:00

All steps made by Georgian Republic towards Euro Atlantic bodies will irritate Russian Federation, Giga Bokeria, Secretary of Security Council said to GHN.

He said Russia keeps absolutely illegitimate position, this is evident from the last declaration of MFA of RF. "This is a natural irritation. Unfortunately the attitude of Moscow towards Georgia's sovereignty remains unchanged. All steps which Georgia makes for closer relations with EU for better security, will irritate Russia."

"We hope that this will change. Russia keeps absolutely illegitimate position, the last declaration was a clear evidence for this position. Nothing unpredicted was said. This will not change nether Georgia's position, not the attitude of international community. This problem will be undecided for RF till they will make steps for reoccupation."

Have demons got hold of ownerless church?

2011-04-20T22:56:00.002+03:00

A conflict is deepening in the Abkhazian Church hierarchy. Actions of Vissarion Apliaa and the Russian Orthodox Church in this occupied territory are irritating more and more people. In addition to facts when a great deal of discontent was expressed in the society towards Russia both regarding the issue of real state and the process of the territorial dispute, the Russian-Abkhazian confrontation touched church as well. And a catalyst for this became sending of Hegumen Efrem (Vinagradov) by the Russian Patriarch Kirill to Abkhazia.

As we know, a large gathering that should etermine the right and wrong, will take place on May 15th. But processes in Abkhazia are happening at a lightning speed. While head of the puppet regime Sergei Bagapsh is visiting Turkey a serious conflict is brewing in Abkhazia. We should also note that when the abovementioned territorial conflict was gaining pace Bagapsh was on a holiday also. Meanwhile a real demarche was made for Vissarion Apliaa. We have already reported about this so we are not going to repeat it. We would only mention that it seems that priests and other brothers of the Simon the Zealot Monastery of the New Athos decided not to wait till May 15th and held a gathering where they unanimously elected hieromonk Andrey (Ampar) as its head. As it was said in their statement the gathering was held in accordance with the ancient charter of the monastery which demands that a head of the New Athos Monastery to be chosen among those who took monastic vows in the same New Athos monastery. The decision was signed by brothers serving in the monastery.

At last this demarche was answered by the Apliaa side and they also issued a response letter. Interestingly, among signatories there was Hegumen Efrem (Vinagradov) who was a reason for all this noise. It seems that the letter is written by Vissarion Apliaa though it is signed by several people as well. The author(s) indicate in statement that was made in response to Andrey (Ampar) that hieromonk Andrey himself asked Apliaa several times for his dismissal from the position. And due to the fact that for a long time a suitable candidate had not been found and whoever was asked they refused, Vissarion Apliaa asked Hegumen Efrem to help homeland of his ancestors ( according to information one of the branches of his ancestors are Lakerbayas) to restore monastic life in the New Athos Monastery. The statement confirms the information that we possess that on March 16th Vissarion and Hegumen Efrem was received by Russian Patriarch Krill for this very purpose and the latter gave blessing to Hegumen Efrem to work in Abkhazia.

It is notable that we have found out about this meeting from our sources. But as there was no confirmation from nowhere we thought that distribution of such information would have caused unnecessary tension in the relations of the Russian and Georgian Orthodox Churches. But as the Aplia side revealed this information therefore we should consider it confirmed. Hereby we mention that the letter also notes that according to the decision of the church meeting (where hieromonk Andrey (Ampar) also took part) Hegumen Efrem (Vinogradov-Lakerbaya) was recommended for the position of the head of the New Athos Monastery. As two things have already been conformed - Apliaa's meeting with the Patriarch Kirill and recommendation of Hegumen Efrem for the post of the head of the New Athos Monastery – we would like to mention the statement of the Georgian Patriarchate that based on the information received from the Moscow Patriarchate denied sending of Hegumen Efrem by the Moscow Patriarchate to the post of the head of the New Athos Monastery. Maybe Patriarch Kirill has not given a direct blessing for the appointment of a head of the New Athos Monastery (although we doubt that appointment of Hegumen Efrem would go without him) but he must have known perfectly well, and this is confirmed by our information, why Vissarion Apliaa was asking for Hegumen Efrem. We are not aware whether the Moscow Patriarchate informed the Georgian Orthodox Church about a meeting that took place between Apliaa and Patriarch Kirill. From the issued information we can definitely conclude that the Moscow Patriarchate lied once again while the Georgian patriarchate had to believe an official denial of a "wolf wrapped in a sheepskin". We cannot say whether or not these facts will be followed in any way. But those who follow these events carefully expect a serious reaction on this issue from the Georgian Patriarchate.

But let's get back to the situation in Abkhazia. As it becomes clear from the letter Hegumen Efrem arrived into Abkhazia on March 31st. And on April 1st a church council was held where everybody including hieromonk Andrey unanimously supported appointment of Hegumen Efrem as the head of the said monastery. But on April 2nd already hieromonk Andrey changed his position and despite Bagapsh's request to avoid a conflict and decide matters on the level of self-proclaimed "diocese", still held rally where around 200 people gathered and protested against Vissarion Apliaa. Another interesting fact, hieromonk Andrey is under the subordination of the Moscow Patriarchate. Thus, the Vissarion Apliaa side intends to apply to Patriarch Kirill to regulate the situation.

In short, things are in turmoil in church life in Abkhazia. On one side, it is clear that this inner conflict between those imposters has nothing to do with church life. The New Athos is one of the places where tourists still visit and spend money. As Russian missionary Andrey Kuraev, whose mission has been many times mentioned by the Club of Experts, notes in his blog that today there are neither monks nor novices in the new Athos monastery. "There is some kind of hostel of single men. Or maybe it is a tourist complex as there are no common rules, nor daily service, neither is there obedience. There is not even a particle of monastery there". Kuraev explains the conflict between Apliaa and hieromonk Andrey in the following way: this is just an opposition on the part of the manager of business centre (Andey – ed.) against attempts to turn a profitable place into a real monastery.

As the Georgian saying goes demons got hold of an ownerless church and this particularly true for the processes that are taking place in Abkhazia. Not to mention the fact that the entire activities of Vissarion Aplia are mafia-kind and the church has only been turned into a source of enrichment. And this is well supported by the Moscow Patriarchate though its representatives sent to Abkhazia. But this is not surprising as religious complex of the Moscow Patriarchate is planned to build in Bichvinta by appropriating assets of the Georgian Patriarchate on the territory of Abkhazia. Justification of those workers implanted in the Russian Orthodox Church by Patriarch Kirill and Russian security services is based on one thing – place of Christian orthodoxy is being occupied by Islam and Abkhazians don't want to see Georgians it is them, Russians that should take care of the Orthodoxy. These words also belong to missionary Kuraev. If the Moscow Patriarchate really wants spread of Orthodoxy in Abkhazia, on the canonic territory of the Georgian Patriarchate it should find relevant ways and even if he would not have done so this should not have be their problem at all. As not preaching at all is better than preaching lies, false commandments, fomentation of envy between people and instigation of separatism under the guise of Orthodoxy. And people who denounced real Orthodox canons and are fomenting separatism inside the church and dividing the Orthodoxy along the ethnic lines does no need the church. And we would advise the Moscow Patriarchate stop preaching the Bible over the heads of wolves. And if they still want to carry out their missions in Abkhazia they should preach Abkhazians to return to the bosom of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Thus they (Russians) will put them (Abkhazians) on the right track and prevent themselves from committing sins.

Abkhazia – the Kremlin's Caucasian springboard?

2011-04-20T22:52:00.001+03:00

As we have mentioned in our previous articles discontent towards colonial politics of Russia, which the latter is pursuing shamelessly in one form or other, is growing in the Abkhazian population and especially in its sensible part. Future colonizers raised a question of transfer of the village of Aibga of the Gagra district to the Krasnodar Krai back during the rule of Ardzinba but they failed due to a stir that was raised in Abkhazia. And what is more important they could not break Ardzinba. After this it seems that they postponed it for "better days". Today the Kremlin believes that the time is suitable for persuading Abkhazians with the approaching Sochi Olympics and expectations coming from it. And it introduced an issue of delimitation of the so-called state border adding interest of Aibga and upper zone of the Gagra district at that.

Of course, the Kremlin definitely expected opposition from the Abkhazian society due to their growing and, to say mildly, critical attitude towards its politics. But the Kremlin did not expect at all that it would put its favourite puppet leader in an impasse and decided to temporarily make a concession. The issue of Aibga that was hanging like a Damocles' sword over the head of the Bagapsh regime was postponed again. To calm the stir in the population head of the delegation and member of the so-called Abkhazian parliament Valery Kvarchia gave an exclusive interview to reporter of the Respublika Abkhazii newspaper upon his arrival from Moscow. According to him, the Russian and Abkhazian delegations that gathered in Moscow to solve the issue of the border delimitation "came to a conclusion that it is necessary to get back to discussing this section of the border separately, at the next meeting". Head of the delegation Valery Kvarchia proudly announced that "both parties will be guided by legislative acts of the former Soviet Union, on the basis of which the borders were formed, backed up by data of maps - administrative, forest, topography, etc, which clearly places the line between Russia and Abkhazia, and it cannot be questioned". By the way, we should remind Mister Kvarhia that that legislative acts and maps of the former Soviet Union first of all, show the Abkhazians section of the Georgian-Russian border that passes on the River Psou and which after the collapse of the Soviet Union became the Russian-Georgian state border. And indeed inviolability of this very border is recorded on all international levels and first of all in those documents that were resented to the above committee.

It seems that Bagapsh will try his best to strengthen his quite shattered positions and to stop his ratings from further fall. Lately, against the backdrop of events that are unfolding in Sukhumi, among other spineless attempts of Bagapsh regime was organization of a round table "Abkhazia after the recognition: international aspect" where political scientist and secretary of the public chamber Natela Akaba gave a speech. "As expected, our Georgian opponents with an enviable promptness react to any perceived or real Abkhazian-Russian confrontation or conflicts of interests and just fall into the euphoria" – said Akaba.

We would like to say not just for Natela Akaba but others to hear that indeed we have been and will always be opponents of the Kremlin and its puppet regimes of all times since the first and foremost Abkhazia is our homeland and an integral part of Georgia and we will unfalteringly fight for its return to Georgia. Secondly, we do not fall into the euphoria but are sorry that in these very hard times for the Abkhazian ethnos when its identity is in danger, Georgians who for centuries have been the most close and most ardent sympathizers of Abkhazians are unable to fight side by side against the real enemy. Despite this and whether or not anyone likes it, we still make every effort as much as we can to disclose and bring to the population of Abkhazia intentions and goals of the Kremlin leaders and their puppet regime.

Here we will allow ourselves to offer a short analysis to Natela Akaba as to why this happened. First of all, this was because a significant part of the Abkhazian society that possessed power leverage was busy counting millions received from Russia "in exchange for independence"; And secondly, no less influential opposition part was busy criticizing the authorities and with their attempts to check expenditure of the received millions, and thirdly - the most numerous - ordinary people who are devoid of any power are only remembered by everyone and everywhere only during the elections and their opinion are not taken into account. But most importantly, all the above – small or big – as opposed to Natela Akaba have forgotten the unsolved conflict as majority of them are convinced that with the help of Russians everything is clear with Georgia and the Georgian population that had been expelled from Abkhazia and they are no longer in "danger" of their return. They do indeed live in euphoria and believe in Russia as a security guarantee so much that do not care a bit about three hundred thousand refugees and consider their demands for nothing. More, they nurtured hatred towards Georgians in today's Abkhazian youth and did not even think that even virtual love for Abkhazia can make similar young people only those expelled from Abkhazia take drastic steps in future. Let no one forget that if anybody preserves Caucasian traditions Georgians are among those and we, Georgians, no less than others, if not more, pay respect and pass love for our land and respect for memory of our fathers from generation to generation. Therefore it is better for both people to search for ways towards each other rather than to deepen confrontation and hatred. We see the resolution of the conflict only in this and it has no other alternative. And if by solving the conflict Natela Akaba means the same we can only welcome this. But we doubt that it is so. It seems that today they in Abkhazia struggle to grasp a simple truth that we ask for what is ours by law.

A clear example of this is an article by Anaid Gogorian published on March 22nd in the Sukhumi-based Chegemskaya Pravda newspaper which resents results of the survey conducted by one of the international organizations among the Georgian internally displaced persons. It is not the survey that surprises but an attitude of political scientist Irakli Khintba towards unresolved problems that arose more than 18 years ago and which needs solution. One would wonder but it seems that if not for the above-motioned survey one would get an impression that Mister Khintba has been on another planet or has been sitting in a deep hole all this time and he did not see what was going on around him. Why does he or do we (meaning population of Abkhazia as well) need survey of foreigners on this issue? If he really does not know then he should ask Abkhazian aksakals (elders) who, I am sure, will tell him that even if more than half of those three hundred thousand refugees think in a way that is beneficial for him or his kind (are integrated in the Georgian society, refuse to return to Georgia, have no property claims, etc), the remaining one hundred thousand refugees still would not solve the problem. But no one should try to convince us that refugees are a problem fro the Georgian state only. We reiterate and say that a Georgian will never accept loss of the land. No one intends to give up anything. Nobody should forget this.

After this small passage let's get back to statements made by Natela Akaba in the format of the round table. According to her, "false stereotypes are particularly strong among the liberal side of the Russian intelligentsia, judging us through the prism of the Georgian ideological myth that demonstrates the ongoing success of Georgia's information war against Russia and Abkhazia. There are those among the Russian expert and journalistic community who seriously believe that Abkhazia is a Russian-occupied territory. But then, how would they know the truth! We, who live in Abkhazia, have not even tried to explain to the world what we expect from Russia - patronage or partnership".

So that's what is going on here. With all due respect but considerations of this lady are still are trapped in conscience of an Abkhazian poisoned by incurable separatism – we have driven you out, burnt and destroyed your homes, put you through genocide, declared you a guilty people. What else is there to do to get us off our back? When you saw that you cannot enter here by force as we are protected by the Russian Army you started an information war. And though you and some members of the liberal Russian intelligentsia that follow your suit, declared Russians occupants (she forgets that a part of the Abkhazian society also calls Russians occupants) but it is not so. We will try to explain the world that we only expect partnership from Russia, not patronage.

Interesting to know what would they be doing if they were not busy counting and distribution of Russian-granted millions? Who was preventing them from explaining to the world what they expect of Russia? And if Natela Akaba really hopes that after they explain to the world what they expect of Russia everything will fall into place and what's important, Russia, as Akaba notes, "will teach them to use the net so they can catch a fish themselves" she is very much mistaken. Russia is not at all interested in economic revival of the occupied territories, especially of the separatist Abkhazia which too rarely have demonstrated nature of a "prodigal son". What one can say, they make a pair.

There is also another matter which was unambiguously voiced by M-me Akaba. She is offering Russia to use Abkhazia in the format of the strategic partnership as a springboard to retain its influence in the Greater Caucasus – " It is time Russia to decide in which form Abkhazia is more beneficial to have - a strategic partner and a grateful ally that could help it maintain its political influence in the Greater Caucasus, or object to implement Russian business interests in". Everything is clear here. Let North Caucasian peoples draw their own conclusions.

Why cannot Russia leave Georgia be?

2011-04-19T23:35:00.007+03:00

Irakli Tskitishvili

Experts' Club

A new stage is starting
in the Russian-Georgian relationship -
the stage that is connected with the
Sochi Olympics.
The nearer the Olympics
the tenser relations between
Georgia and its occupant are becoming.
It was President
of Russia Dmitry Medvedev that gave
the green light to this new stage.

According to the Russian President
there is a threat to the Sochi Olympics
coming from Georgia and he called on his law enforcers to use all security measures.
It is hard to believe that vast Russia is afraid of little Georgia.
All the more that 20 % of the territories of Georgia are
controlled by this very Russia. More, Abkhazia that separates
Russia from Georgian-controlled territories like a buffer zone while the
Russian-controlled zone in the Tskhinvali region is just 40 km away from
Tbilisi and only several hundred metres from the central highway.
Thus Russia has no grounds to be afraid of Georgia although factor of
Georgia can be used as a pretext for realization of its imperial intentions.

The Medvedev's statement, as usual, was followed by panic statements of
various officials and experts as though Georgia threatens the Sochi Olympics.
These panic statements can only raise sincere smile in a reader for their
groundlessness. But there is not really a time for laughs. Russian politicians
and experts often feign dumbness to convince their citizens regarding various
issues but one should see a more serious aim behind each of these statements.

In opinion of some analysts the Kremlin wants to wreck the Sochi Olympics
as funds that were allotted for construction of the Olympic facilities have
long accumulated in the pockets of the authorities. Therefore they need a
very serious reason to justify their uselessness and failure of the Sochi
Olympics and its organization elsewhere. One of such reasons can be seen
Georgia when parading "threats coming from it". For more than a decade
the Kremlin has been unable to regulate situation in the North Caucasus.
Growing underground is causing serious problems to the territorial integrity of Russia.

The Medvedev statement serves search for "scapegoat" in case of failure of
the Sochi Olympics. At this moment only 40 % of Olympic facilities have been
built in four years and it is possible that the rest of the facilities cannot
be built in the remaining two years. In addition, tried and tested
method of Putin - terrorist attacks on the Olympic facilities can
be used which would be blamed on Georgia. On one hand, it seemingly
confirms threats coming from Georgia that can give the Kremlin free
hand in unleashing yet another aggression against Georgia or
strengthen its positions in already occupied territories. In reality,
the Kremlin does not really need the Olympics as in case of the
above-mentioned scenario vast sums of money allotted for
the event will accumulate in pockets of the authorities, position of
Russia in Abkhazia will be strengthened and its annexation will be
quickly legalized, built objects will be distributed by persons close
to the authorities as a result of which the best section of the
rich coastline of Sochi will become their property. The only thing
that can be lost because of non-holding of the Olympics is its image
which was never taken into account by the Kremlin. But, it seems,
for this case they need a serious "scapegoat" and Georgia is intended
for this purpose.

Approximately the same position is shared by Russian expert, head
of the Islamist committee of Russia Heydar Jamal. In his opinion,
corrupt Russian officials in the top ranks of the government need
a new civil war in order to hide billions stolen on the Olympic
construction. "And this war will soon start" – says Jamal in whose
opinion the Demodedovo terrorist attack, killing of tourists in
Karachay-Cherkessia and many similar cases "were staged from the above".

"A reason for closing the Sochi Olympics is already being prepared
as money allotted for the construction has already been stolen" –
says the expert.

According to Jamal those who stole billions need a kind of
situation when the world community to see that Olympics cannot
be hold in Sochi. And, additionally Russian society should not
have time to count the money. "That is why now we are on the
brink of the third world war" – says the expert.

The head of the Islamic committee of Russia believes that, most
likely, this war will start in Ingushetia as it is situated in the
centre of the North Caucasus and concentration of people and
problems is high there. "If anybody wants to blow up a situation
Ingushetia is an ideal place for this – says he – I believe that in
this case we are unable to change development of the event.
It is impossible to stop an avalanche with a ski pole. But
we must meet unavoidable with open eyes and understand
who is to blame. Therefore openness is a must for us now".

The above-mentioned statement of Medvedev as we have
already mentioned was followed by reactions in Russia's
political and other circles. First deputy chairman of the
Russian Federation Council Alexander Torshin is one of those
who are trying to convince its population in threats coming
from Georgia. In an interview that he gave to the Nezavisemaya
Gazeta newspaper Torshin accuses Georgia of, "imagine, the
Demodedovo terrorist attack. Trying to convince readers in
incapability of leader of "Caucasus Emirate" Doku Umarov to
carry out such terrorist attack Torshin stated that was
organized from abroad. And when a journalist asked whether
he could name a specific country Torshin said: "Sure, I can
tell you. Although I understand that my words can cause
misunderstanding and outrage but, in my opinion, it was
Georgia and its ruling regime". To strengthen his version the
Russian politician stated that "the Saakashvili regime does
not need Umarov at all to carry out terrorist attacks as it has
such Ossetian traitor as Sanakoev and his agents".

Sick fantasy of Torshin makes us draw the following conclusions:

1. The anti-Georgian hysteria in Russia is still at its peak;
2. Russia's leadership has given a carte blanche – to accuse Georgia
in all its visible and invisible troubles;
3. Russian authorities are trying to cover Umarov and shift the blame
on Georgia.

Not far from Torshin are Russian journalists as well. The newspaper
Trud published an article in which the author tries to convince
readers that Georgian missile can reach Sochi. Funny, isn't it?
But the author of the article is not amused, and he, on behalf
of "experts of the newspaper" claims that Tbilisi "is preparing for
a revenge for the defeat in the August 2008 war against Russia
and for this it is asking the United States for armament ".
According to a statement of certain political analyst Vyacheslav
Tseluyko given in the same article, "from the fact that Georgia
has asked the U.S. for antiaircraft and antitank complexes
it does not follow that it is preparing just for defending".
To strengthen his "expert opinion", Tseluyko gives an example
of Patriot-3 complex, which can pinpoint targets at a distance
of 180 km. On this basis, Tseluyko states that in this case
Georgia will be able to shoot down all kinds of aircrafts in the
vicinity of the Olympic Games in Sochi.

Wikipedia reports that the cost of nine batteries of the
Patriot-3 amounts to $ 9 billion, i.e. approximately twice the
budget of Georgia. Therefore, there is no point in discussing
the view of "expert" Tseluyko.

Ultimately, analysts of the newspaper Trud discussed three
versions of the war between Georgia and Russia, also noting
that, according to first two versions it is Georgia that attacks
and only in one case it is Russia. The main thing is that
the version of the beginning of this war by Russia is regarded
as "fantastic." It is clear that in this case we are dealing
with propaganda, because there is only one version of the
resumption of war between Russia and Georgia – when it
is started by Russia. Everyone knows that Georgia did not
start the war either in the early nineties, or in August 2008
and unilateral assurances, more than once voiced by the
Georgian President from the international tribune and
later confirmed in writing before the international organizations,
leave no doubt that this should not be expected in the future.
On the other hand, Russia's renunciation of use of force before
the international community clearly points to the fact that
Moscow has not written off its aggressive plans and still
considers military aggression as a means of continuing the
occupation of Georgia.

Russian expert Konstantin Borovoy also notes high
degree of probability of war between Russia and Georgia.
According to him, against the backdrop of increasing
tensions in Russia, when Russian authorities cannot
cope with problems in the North Caucasus and they
continue to create an image of an enemy in the face
of Georgia, likelihood of recurrence of military conflict
between Russia and Georgia is becoming more apparent.
Borovoy also commented on Medvedev's statement and
noted that the purpose of the President of Russia is
to tarnish the image of Georgia, to show that allegedly
Georgia plays a destructive role in the region. At the
same time, the expert notes that the Kremlin believes
that Europe will justify Russia's invasion of Georgia, which
"threatens the Sochi Olympics, is preparing terrorists
on its territory and actively supports North Caucasian
separatists." According to Borovoy, the Kremlin is happy
with this policy because it will be possible to prove the
need of a firm hand to the public. In such circumstances,
in 2012 the population will again support Putin.

"While there is a democratic government in Georgia, and
authoritarian one in Russia, the culprit for the Kremlin
will always be the official Tbilisi. This is an issue that Europe,
unfortunately, does not want to understand. All this is a
prerequisite that the Kremlin does not rule out war with
Georgia and is practically preparing the international community
for this ", - said the Russian expert.

Possible scenario of the situation can be seen in a recent
statement one of the authors of anti-Georgian hysteria,
Duma member Sergey Markov. According to Markov,
"Russia will continue its policy aimed at de- blocking of
Armenia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia." So what can this
statement of Markov mean? If under de- blocking of Abkhazia
and Tskhinvali region (so-called South Ossetia) one can
understand their introduction onto the international arena
as independent entities, when it comes to Armenia one must
understand something quite different. Armenia, that is
squeezed in the South Caucasus region, on the one side
is blocked by Turkey and Azerbaijan - with which it had
rather strained relations, Iran, with which relationship is
relatively better, although far from good and here, first
of all, plays the role of the Muslim factor - and Georgia,
which has long been targeted by the Kremlin and the
Kremlin-controlled Armenian circles. In this case de-blocking
of Armenia can only mean one thing - Russia needs to
take control of roads and infrastructure in Georgia -
ports that will open practically uncontrolled access
to the Black Sea and Russia. All the more that military
bases of Russia are still located in the neighbouring
republic and their provision costs the quite a lot to
the northern neighbour. Therefore, one can expect
Russia to occupy the territory of Javakheti and this
will enable it to effectively establish control over all
of south Georgia. And to take control of the central
highway it will have to only move troops stationed
in Tskhinvali region a few hundred yards. At the same
time, it must be remembered that today repair works
are being conducted on the railway in Abkhazia and
upon their completion Russia will put it into operation.
Control of the central highway and the resumption
of communication on the railway in Abkhazia that
is so much necessary for both Russia and Armenia,
will fully connect Armenia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali
region with each other, thereby de-blocking all
three regions. Not to mention overthrow of the
government of Georgia and that Russia will put its
puppet in power, as it is a self-evident process,
which, as one of the strategic objectives, will
accompany the Russian aggression, if such will
take place. All the more that in recent years Russia
has openly expressed such desire.

Events can unfold according to such scenario, in the
worst case, of course, if Europe, America and Africa
turn a blind eye to the Russian aggression, if for
them the Sochi Olympics will be more than Georgia,
if in the future they decide to be obedient slaves
of Russia and protect its interests more diligently than
their own principles and future. Although at this stage
it is difficult to say anything specific about the Russian
aggression as it can be expected at any time. Likelihood
of aggression is also increased by the fact that some close
to the Kremlin opposition forces are evading work on
development of concept of security of the Georgian
leadership. As if security of their own country is of no
concern to them and, quite the contrary, they are
waiting for yet another insidious plan of Russia to be carried out in Georgia.

Next round negotiations on WTO with RF to be hold on April 28

2011-04-19T23:32:00.002+03:00

Nino Kalandadaze, Deputy Foreign Minister said this time as well the negotiations will be held in Bern. "We wish the membership of RF to WTO, but some questions are which Russian Federation has to decide first, and these questions are not political ones, "- she said.
At the same time she noted that USA does not intends to put pressure over Georgia to speed up the membership to WTO for RF. Michael McFolly, USA President's Aide in Eurasian questions made this declaration a few days ago. We have a sovereign right to express our pretensions in connection with Russia's membership to WTO, despite desires of all Western countries for Russia's affiliation to the organization.

For information, Michael Mc Folly said USA will not interfere with the question of Russia's WTO membership in negotiations, as it does not wish to politicize this question.

Dmitri Rogozin: more countries supplying Libya with weapons

2011-04-19T23:31:00.002+03:00

Western countries should stop violation of UN Security Council's Resolution. They should cease to supply Libya with weapons, Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's Special representative to NATO said. "We got information that more and more countries are supplying Libya with weapons. We ask you to stop the violation of UN resolution. The resolution stipulates embargo for weapons in conflict zones, "- Rogozin said during a teleconference between Brussels and Moscow.

Hidden sides of the request to open Upper Larsi access control point

2010-03-14T20:21:00.002+03:00

Despite the fact that yet another stir-up ordered by powerful Russian politicians and security services and made by Russian media with order of about Pankisi Gorge did not have desirable effects for them one thing became clear to all that by that Russians sent us a certain message and once again revealed their desire unashamedly. The above was followed by a series of abduction of our citizens (among them children) by the separatist regime in Tskhinvali and representatives of Russian military contingent stationed there. After all this an issue of opening of Upper Larsi border access control point in the Kazbegi district on the Russia-Georgian border entered the agenda. Armenians, Ossetians and even Russians are desperately interested in its opening. But yet nobody knows what decision Georgian side will make ultimately.

At first sight, both Russian and Georgian sides have done a lot to make access control point equipped with modern equipment and special features and with proper infrastructure. Everything was properly done so that no one could cross the border without border service notice. But due to certain reasons opening of the border can be suspended for certain amount of time or Georgian side might decide against it altogether. The Club of Experts believes that among other less known circumstances the problems of Truso and Gudisi Gorges as well as problem of Kobi Hollow artificially created by Ossetian extremists can become a reason for such abstention. Some time ago we touched upon this issue in one of our articles but after continuing our supervision of events related to this problem we have gathered new and, as we think, very important materials.

In order to show more clearly Russo-Ossetian mutual interest in the abovementioned territories below comes a piece of "Kokoiti told Medvedev about annexed lands", an article by Murad Gabaraev, journalist of the magazine Vestnik Kavkaza that is published in the North Ossetia. The article is about an interview with G. Salbiev, head of the public movement Dariali that was formed in the North Ossetia. Salbiev mentioned in the interview: "residents of 33 Ossetian villages of Kobi Hollow and Gorges of Truso and Gudisi in the Kazbegi district of Georgia joined public movement Dariali. Their aim was to "return to South Ossetia lands that had been taken away in 1921 by Georgian Bolsheviks and to make Georgians stop robbing Ossetian villages". The journalist asked as to when these problems for Ossetian villages in the Kazbegi district had started. Salbiev responded that all this started around 20 years ago and as after the events of August 2008 they could not solve these problems with Georgian authorities therefore thy were ready to work on this with South Ossetian authorities. He also mentioned that they "couldn't survive without Ossetia"; "Geography of the region itself strives towards Russia"; that for that moment they were not refugees or emigrants but they had lost their property "even if they open the border now we will still be guests in our houses" and so on.

He also told the journalist that they met with Kokoiti and told him that "organization that has 1500 members asked for South Ossetian citizenship and Kokoiti agreed to that. The latter even informed Russian authorities about that ... Salbiev is certain that ultimate result will be positive. Now a document about double Russian and South Ossetian citizenship is in the preparation process...

Even before that an article titled "Issue of Kazbegi" was published in the newspaper "Puls Osssetii". Here is a piece of this article: "Gorges of Truso and Gudisi as well as Kobi Hollow that are now in the Kazbegi district so are the part of Georgia and are 54 km away from Vladikavkaz is a territory of North Ossetia that Stalin unlawfully added to Georgia.... Russia should not lose this territory that was unlawfully included in Georgia and that has a big geopolitical importance" – noted the author. If we take into account that this newspaper belongs to Arsen Fadzaev, a member of the Russian State Duma it becomes clear whose interests are voiced by our North and so-called South Ossetian opponents. Notwithstanding the fact that there are certain opposition and inconsistencies in their claims it can be easily seen that the above views do not belong to them.

One thing is clear that propaganda machine of Russian security services has been long in operation and it is orientated in the direction to form/create a stereotype in the society that "these are Ossetian territories".

Our society has already had a bitter experience of this in Abkhazia where Russian officials have been doing their best to divide Georgian society and to detach Abkhazians- related ethnos - from them.

In these circumstances an issue of opening of Upper Larsi access control point on the Russo-Georgian border section that is on the agenda and interested parties are waiting for the decision indeed deserves a special attention from Georgian society. Stability of the situation in Kazbegi district largely depends on how this issue will be resolved.

Now there are 18 villages with just 60 residents in them in Truso Gorge in Kazbegi district. Only 10 and 2 families live in villages of Kobi and Almaskhani respectively. There are only 4-5 residents in each of the rest of villages. For many years Ossetians and Georgians as well as mixed Georgian-Ossetian families lived peacefully alongside each other. They all say that in 90s of the last century nobody harassed or oppressed by ethnicity. Before the Russo-Georgian border closure North Ossetian citizens used to come to these villages and used to use their pastures for summer pastures for their sheep. It would be fair to note that many of them used to cut down woods and set up gardens to grow vegetables. They used to build temporary lodgings there. In the Soviet period Georgian authorities considered this as usual, ordinary thing and coming out of famous Georgian hospitality not only did not prevent Ossetians from coming from the North Caucasus but never interfered with them and not even made them pay any fees. At the approach of winter Ossetians who had their sheep pasturing in Trusso and other gorges used to go back through Kazbegi loaded with gathered goods and their sheep. Nobody ever used any violence against them. Coming from this the statement of G. Salbiev, the head of North Ossetia-based so-called public movement Dariali is a complete absurd. No 1500 Ossetians ever lived in the above mentioned region.

If we take into consideration those colorful methods actively used by our unmasked Northern neighbors for detaching integral part of Georgia - Abkhazia from its motherland (such as entirely unjustifiable, artificial increase of numbers of Russians and Armenians and maximum support for their quick adaptation in Abkhazia..) we have enough ground to suppose that Ossetian strive towards Georgia, among others to the Kazbegi district, was not only caused by their desire to improve their economic conditions... It is now obvious we had been dealing with a slow action Russo-Ossetian mines and we were unable to uncover and defuse this in time due to our naivety...

Despite the fact that Georgian side fully complied with 6 clause ceasefire agreement that was signed on the 12th of August 2008 brokered by the French President the separatists not only have not ceased provocations but they are becoming more and more aggressive that are confirmed by latest incidents. Even Russian military expert Pavel Felgengauer did not rule out Russia's preparation for a new aggression against Georgia.

As it became known to us detention of 16 Georgians in a village of Nagomevi in the Akhalgori district on the 25th of October was organized by FSB worker Iuri N. who was asked to do so by Akhalgori administration officials. The latters themselves had received instructions from the government of Tskhinvali regime...Russian border guards deployed in the same district had been trying to get information from local population about paths or roads leading from Akhalgori district to Truso gorge. They used to put gathered information on the military map.

Taking into account all the above as well as those frequent fly-ins of spying drones from Tskhinvali region into the Georgian-controlled territories we can assume that the separatist regime by order of Russian security services will continue to set up provocations for our country.

As to their possible provocations in Truso Gorge now they are unlikely to happen due to difficult climate conditions at this time of the year but the same cannot be said for the beginning of next spring.

All this will depend on conditions that the Georgian side will offer during the process of possible negotiations on opening of Upper Larsi border access control point. We think that during the negotiation process between the sides the issue of easy access system of border crossing for residents of Kazbegi district and citizens of the Russian Federation, namely those of the North Ossetia will be put on the agenda. Residents of both regions are interested in this. They have their reasons and motivation for this such as improvement of economic conditions, interaction with close relatives and so on. But if we take into account that crossing of residents of Kazbegi over to Vladikavkaz will be followed by a flow of activists of so-called public movement Dariali from Vladikavkaz armed with double citizenship (Russian and so-called South Ossetian) and their ungrounded and radical demands...

What Russia will do in such circumstances is not hard to imagine. We believe that Georgian side will take into account the above mentioned along with no less important circumstances and will take the most rational decision based on interests of our country.

Author:
Gogi Maisuradze
"The club of experts"

Georgian Vs. Russia [Film Trailer]

2010-03-14T20:13:00.000+03:00

Russian Security services are planning another provocation

2010-03-11T22:35:00.004+03:00

The entire civilized world still considers Georgian territories that are occupied by Russia as integral part of Georgia. They openly call on Russia to respect Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity and to comply with its commitments and signed agreements for conflict resolution. In response, the Kremlin also openly ignores the whole world and continues open militarization of the occupied Georgian territories and its policy of total annexation of these territories.

Russia, with a purpose of gaining trust of local population and effective implementation of its policies in future, is actively studying existing situation on the occupied territories. For this very purpose representatives of various scientific and research institutes and centers are often coming to the region under guise of Russian security services. Their aim is to carry out a complex study of current processes in the region, namely militarization of the regions, and attitudes of local population towards Russian military personnel.

A clear indication of vast proportions of the militarization process in Tskhinvali region is intensive construction works of so-called military settlements and military infrastructure, among them helicopter landing sites, that are already being openly discussed even in the Russian media.

A special attention is being paid to consolidation of contingent of the border armed forces, the main division of which will be stationed in Tskhinvali itself. Divisions will be in every district of Tskhinvali region and 15 subdivisions will be stationed in settlements. Additionally, it is planned to build around 20 military settlements with relevant infrastructure for Russian border service personnel. It is planned to build helicopter landing sites in almost every large settlement and especially on territories bordering Georgian controlled territories that will enable them to simultaneously receive 2-3 helicopters in case of necessity and to increase effectiveness of transfer of additional forces.

Ultimately they are planning to build from 9 to 12 helicopter landing sites. Construction of four of them is already completed. Construction of the remaining five will start in the near future. It should be noted that with regards to that a special attention is paid to Akhalgori district. This direction mainly features in the plans of the future military plans of Russian occupants.

Apart from that they are actively constructing field medical infrastructure in the conflict zone. For this purpose and under the guise of humanitarian events region is being visited by groups of military doctors that have experience of working in the field conditions especially in the North Caucasus.

Brovtsev appointed by Russia as the head of the government of the Tskhinvali regime started to substitute local cadres with those recommended by the Kremlin who are mainly representatives of the Russian security services.

Similar changes were also applied to security services of Tskhinvali region despite the fact that this department had always been governed by Moscow. These changes were applied mainly to ethnic Ossetian employees and caused a big discontent among them.

Distrust of the Russian side towards local cadres and local population is visible in the issue of construction of military facilities. Over 9 thousand workers that are mainly from Arkhangelsk, Tyumen, Rostov, Tomsk and Saint Petersburg are involved in the construction process of military facilities in Tskhinvali region. It should be noted that majority of this contingent are servicemen of construction and engineering divisions of the Russian military forces. That is yet another indication that Russia is not bothered with prosperity of the population of Tskhinvali region.

Without a doubt such policy of distrust towards the local population further aggravates already difficult socio-political and criminologist situation in the region. If we take into account that prior to August 2008 population of Tskhinvali region was mainly engaged in illegal armed formations created by Kokoiti regime and there were no mass surrender of weapons it is easy to understand how these armed people having been left unemployed and uncontrolled are managing to provide for their families. Weapon is the only way to earn a living for many in these conditions of poverty and unemployment. And, on top of harassing Georgian population still left in the region, these people also often go over the border into Georgian controlled territories and are robbing local population. And that by-turn creates highly explosive sections in the conflict zone.

We do not rule out that such development of events was part of plans of Russian militarizes but it's a fact that many in the conflict zone who are armed, unemployed and deprived of income are running uncontrolled. And against this background, Putin's recent statement made in Moscow that "we (Russia) are interested in stability in the region" is yet another example of cynicism of Russian politics.

If we add all the above to events that are taking place in the North Caucasus, namely subordination of the entire region under control of Russian FSB, as well as statement of the head of FSB that supposedly militants are being transferred from Georgia to the North Caucasus, also taking into account that border services are part of the FSB structure and that Russia categorically refuses to let international observers to monitor processes in the conflict zone - the only conclusion with regards to the processes in Tskhinavli region that can be made is that Russian security services are planning another military provocation against Georgia.

Author:
Gogi Maisuradze
"The Club of exsperts"

Peace and prosperity to those seeking the truth

2010-01-09T23:53:00.003+03:00

They say that dishonesty is genetically more active than truth. Thus Russian and Ossetian politicians skilled in lies, disinformation and juggling with a public opinion can present any disinformation as "scientifically proven" and "true" so that it can really convince an uninformed person.

They also say that if you repeat a lie a hundred times it becomes true. Maybe that’s the reason why a certain part of the Russian media is purposefully and with conviction misleading society as though in 1774 not only a part but the whole of historical Ossetia voluntarily joined Russia. Also "Ossetia" in a geographical sense (there was no such state then) contained so-called South Ossetia as well. As it is known, predecessors of the Ossetians - Alans lived much further in the North. Later they were pushed down to the South. Historical truth is that in 1774 three Ossetian communities – of gorges of Allagir, Kurtat and Tagaur – joined Russia. The forth historical Ossetian province of Digor that then was under Kabardian authorities merged with Russia in 1781 (History of N. Ossetian ASSR, Ordzhonikidze 1987, pages 190-192). Naturally, there was not and could not be any mention of "South Ossetia" (no such concept existed then) there for as a part of the Kartl-Kakhetian Kingdom it was annexed by Russia in 1801.
Ossetian that started to settle in Georgia from the middle of the XIX century had no ethno-political territorial unit until 1922. They were just other ethnic minorities (like Armenians, Azeri, Jews, Greek, and Curds etc.). And according to "Caucasian Calendar" of 1900 in the beginning of the XX century only Georgians, Jews and Armenians were living in Tskhinvali.

Let’s see when and how exactly Ossetia started.

The Ossetians have been conducting a step-by-step annexation of lands of their neighboring nations – Georgians, Kabardians, Cossacks and Ingushs over the last 250-300 years. Even today there are forces possessed with a sense of exceptionality of their nation – their “old Arian descend” in Ossetia.

Russian Army officer Schteder wrote in 1871: "the Ossetians border the Ingush and Terek River in the East, Georgians and Imeretians –in the South, Lesken River and big Kabarda -in the West and in the North - small Kabarda".

Exactly the same was a description by Guldenstadt ("Description of Caucasian lands", page 89).

Later Ossetian expansion under a motto of "revival of Great Alania" had been happening at the expense of the robbing the neighboring nations of their territories. Although V. A. Kuznetsov, a Russian writer in his work "Alan Tribes of the North Caucasus" writes: "Alans are not an ethnic concept. It is a collective name. Respectively, thesis about Alan descend of the Ossetians is devoid of all sense".

There were two main components participating in the formation of the "Ossetian nation" local ethnic masses speaking Caucasian (Nakh) languages who anthropologically were part of the broad faced flat headed Caucasian type and sturdy, Iranian language speaking narrow faced long headed Alans. In the end, language of strangers and local physical type were victorious (see "Origin of the Peoples of the Caucasus" by V.P. Alekseyev, Moscow, 1974, page 198). Therefore, it is ungrounded to identify Ossetians with Alans as it would be in case of French and Gauls, Hellenic and Greek.

Even academician N. Marr wrote about Ossetians that "we cannot identify them with Caucasian Alans or more specifically Als as it seems that Alans is one of the forms of a plural of a fundamental Caucasian term..." (N.I. Marr "History of Movement of Japhetic People from South to the North of Caucasus", Newspaper of the Imperial Academy of Science, series VI, Petrograd, No 15, page 1395, citation I. C. Vagapov "Some of Nakh Toponims and Ethnonims with root "A'. "Questions of Nakh Vocabulary", Grozny, 1980, page 72).

Coming from the above "Iranian speaking Alans and Nakhs are two ethnic substance who played a very significant role in the ethno genesis of modern Ossetians especially Iron and Kudar people" (I. M.Sigauri "Essays about State Organza ton of the Chechens from Old Times", Moscow, Publishing House "Russkaya Zhizn", 1997).

We would not have remembered the ethno genesis of Ossetian – strangers who came and the formation of Ossetian nation if the Ossetian scientists on the pages of different publications were not trying for several decades to convince the entire world that they had created Empire of Alans and they are direct heirs to its glory and Caucasian Aryans while other Caucasian nations – its indigenous population have nothing to do with "Great Alania".

History of Ossetian people is one persistent and permanent annexation of territories of neighbouring nations. There is not even one neighbour that they have not taken significant part of their land from. As we already stated these were Georgians, Kabardians, Ingush, Chechens and Cossacks. Notwithstanding that and using lies and falsifications Ossetians are complaining that these people all have territorial claims against them and that they have been living on these land since creation of the universe.

Let us look how Ossetians paid nations of the Caucasus the favor for saving them from extinction threatening them from the hands of Mongols and Tamerlane and gave them shelter on their land. They indeed paid a very high price...

By following a "move along a bit" principle and with support of the Tsarist Russia and Soviet authorities and now already that of the Russian Federation Ossetians have been creating their residence space at the expense of their neighbours.

So let’s look at the Georgian-Ossetian relations and we will mainly use Ossetian sources.

As we know Georgian state (in the historical sources known as Georgian Kingdom – Iberia, Georgia so on) was created before the III century B.C. and consisted of the entire territory of modern Georgia and also territories that are today parts of other countries. Therefore, political and cultural processes happening on its territory should be considered as Georgian and not in the aspect of geography as some of the scientists (mainly Ossetians) would like to present (G.Kokiev, "Essays about Ossetian History", Vladikavkaz, 1926, page 22; History of North Ossetian ASSR, Ordzhonikidze, vol.1, 1987, page 131).

With respect to relations between Georgians and Ossetians the biggest attention should be paid to Shida Kartli - territory where most of the Ossetians live and where neither archeological nor historical sources dated back to Ancient and Middle Ages show the existence of the foreign elements. Sources and descriptions of the later period are also very interesting. Vakhushti Bagrationi, a historian of the first half of the XVIII century writes: "Down Tashiskari and Mount of Likhi and between Argveta and Tiflis there are three Saspaspetos (land of Spaspet - high Constable). On the left there is a Mukhrani Saspaspeto and on the right - Kingdom of Kartli, Above Tiflis and on the South side of River Kura and Trialeti up until Paravani belongs to church hierarch of Mtskheta and it was named Shida Kartli – Zena Sopeli by the sovereign. And they were the first saspaspetos and above all the saspaspetos" ("Description of the Kingdom of Georgia", Tbilisi, 1981, page 121). There is no direct reference to the north border of Shida Kartli. Vakhushti where he describes borders of land of Kartlos (eponym of Kartli) says that the north border of Kartli is the Caucasian Range (CAG, IV, 48). If we look at Vakhushti’s maps we can see that Shida Kartli consisted of Khevi and Dvaleti (Upper side of River Ardon and Fiagdon that today is on the territory of North Ossetia) situated on the north slope of the Caucasian Range. Zena Sopeli - ancient name of Shida Kartli is mentioned in early Georgian hagiographic monuments and also the VII century Armenian geography that describes situation in the IV century. When describing Kartli the Armenian author says that "Aragvi falls into River Kura and that completes the Georgian upper country" (Johann Guldenstadt "Travels in Georgia", vol.1, Tbilisi, 1962, pages 185,267). There are many sources that can be serve as an example that Shida Kartli – Zena Sopeli is historically a Georgian territory.

In the second half of the XIII century during the war between two Mongolian states - The Golden Horde and the Ilkhanate – military units of Ossetians that came from the direction of Derbent and were fighting under the command of the Ilkhanate were standing in Shida Kartli.

Units of Ossetian feudals who were functioning as Mongol soldiers and associates were obliged by their official position to oppose those who were fighting against Nains – nobility of Kartli. But in the time of rivalries inside Kartli units of Ossetians feudals were given an opportunity to "spread their activities". Namely, according to historians, in 1922 when the country was ruled by Eristavis and nobility only "Ossetians started to rob, raid and destroy Kartli and they conquered a city of Gori" ("Kartlis Tskhovreba", vol. 2, Tbilisi, 1959, page 296). According to the same data decisive attack against Ossetian feudals that was started by George the V in the twenties of the XIV century aimed at restoration of internal peace and return of Georgian territories that were lessened as a result of land grabbing. George the V "destroyed and scattered Ossetians, took seized castles and villages away from them". As a result of active measures Ossetian military unit that were running riot on Georgian territories were evicted from Georgia.

Ossetians who survived Mongol and later Tamerlane invasions in XIII and XV centuries found shelter in the mountainous regions of the central Caucasus. Living conditions there were not so agreeable. Tragedy of the Ossetian people was told in more details by Vakhushti Bagrationi: "During invasions of Khans of Genghis their towns and buildings were destroyed and the kingdom of Ossetians disintegrated into parts and Ossetians were fleeing into deep of the Caucasus. The most of the country became a desert and after that Ossetia is called Kabardino-Balkaria" (Vakhushti , Geography of Georgia, Tiflis, 1904, page 153, citation from B. P.Berosov "Migration of Ossetians from Mountains to Plain", Ordzhonikidze, 1980).

In the later period in the search of accommodation and means for existence Ossetians tend to find place in mountainous Georgian villages. Often they used to settle on lands of Georgian feudals as their peasants. Vakhushti writes: "there were many Ossetians registered in the mountainous places. Before them Georgian peasants were settled upon those places but landowners settled Ossetians there and Georgian left for planes because they were significantly depopulated as a result of invasions of enemies" (Vakhushti, "Description of Kingdom of Kartli", Tbilisi, 1941, page 71).

Unquestionable proof of a compact settlement of Ossetians on the Georgian territory is dated by the beginning of the XVII century. According to M.I. Tatishchev, Russian Ambassador that visited Georgian territories of Zaka and Magran-Dvaleti (upper side of Big Liakhvi) was already settled with Ossetians (C. A. Belokurov, "Relations of Russia with the Caucasus", Moscow, 1989, page 508).

Significant information can also be found in "Religious Tolerance of King Luarsab" by Cathalicos Besarion who served in the period between the XVII and XVIII centuries. The author reflects on the period of martyrdom of Luarsab (1622) when there was a very difficult situation with regards to foreign policy. In connection with this the author characterizes situation at the North borders of Kartli. He writes that "King was trying with all means to deter enemy that was invading Georgia: first Ottomans who conquered the Byzantine, later Persians and last neighbouring mountainous people – Ossetians who settled near Georgia and where frequently disturbing Georgians especially in the period from the beginning of summer to winter. They were killing and abducting Georgians some times secretly and some times openly". (S. Kubaneishvili, "Old Georgian Literature", Tbilisi, 1946, page 408).

In the seventies of the 18th century situation someway changed. Arrival of more increased number of Ossetians was noticed in Kartli. The situation of this period is described in diaries of I. Guldenstadt. As opposed to North Ossetia that he refers as Ossetia Guldenstadt characterizes it as a province of Shida Kartli that is populated with Ossetians who are living side by side with Georgians in the mountainous regions of this province. According to Guldenstadt in the seventies of the XVIII century the upper part of the Liakhvi gorge along with Georgians was populated with Ossetians (Travels of Guldenstadt in Georgia, vol. 1, Tbilisi, 1962, pages 277-279; 1964, page 67).

Georgian kings and feudals themselves were interested in settling Ossetians in Georgia. By settling Ossetians in Georgia they were solving two problems - economic and demographic. There are many documents of the second half of the XVIII century confirming that landowners in Shida Kartli were settling Ossetian migrants on the places of former residence of Georgian population (History of South Ossetians in documents and materials (1880- 1846). vol. 2, Stalinir, pages 154-155, G. Kusov, "Poiski Kraeveda". Publishing House "Ir", Ordzhonikidze, 1975).

Later, when Tsarist regime were refashioning territories of peoples living there in order to make governing them more manageable. They were not taking into account ethnic structure and were forming special "okrugs" (district) with military-public governance. Thus "Ossetian Okrug" was created as a territorial-administrative unit although later this territory was remodeled many times. After the February Bourgeois-Democratic Revolution of 1917 National Council and People’s Assembly of South Ossetia were formed which aimed at separating Ossetia as a separate territorial-administrative unit in the form of a national or autonomic unit.

In March 1918 rebellion of South Ossetians happened and it served as provoking force for bloody fighting with Georgians. Raging crowds of Ossetians invaded Tskhinvali from every side and created bloodshed there. The town was destroyed and looted and they completely crushed the Red Guards. And after all this Ossetian want to paint themselves as angels who are oppressed by every neighboring nation who have been laying territorial claims to "poor Ossetians" for "centuries".

Continuing this topic it should be noted that another rebellion of Ossetians aimed at adding of South Ossetia to Russia happened in October 1919 and was supported by the Caucasian regional committee of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks). But the Georgian government crushed this rebellion as well.

In May 1920 South Ossetians started yet another rebellion. They announced about joining of South Ossetia to Russia. The Georgian army again quelled the rebellion. They were forced to be extremely severe towards the Ossetians who rebelled against the Democratic Republic of Georgia. Therefore it can be said with full impartiality that that a goal of orginizers of this rebellion - the Bolsheviks even then was “national self-determination” of Ossetians, establishing Soviet authority there and adding it to the Soviet Russia. More, they even then were considering it an integral part of the Soviet Russia.

So it can be said with certainty that rebellions of 1918-1920 in South Ossetia were aimed at secession of South Ossetia from Georgia and its joining to the Soviet Russia. After establishing the Soviet rule in Georgia issue of awarding South Ossetia a status of autonomy was raised. And after formation of this artificial entity Ossetians are laying claims to creation of a big Ossetia. Where and to whose land? To "their" land in the middle of Georgia – in Shida Kartli? This, my friends, is called chauvinism and more, chauvinism with bared teeth.

Come to your senses people! What happened to you? What is bothering you? Remember (and those who have never read it - familiarize yourself with it) that famous specialist of Iranian linguistics wrote: "historical and language facts are confirming that settlements of Ossetians of Ksani in the Ksani gorge were formed not so long time - around the last 200 years ago. They came fleeing scarceness of land and poverty of some of the North Ossetian mountainous regions and brought mixture of accents and dialects with them". (V. I. Abaev "Ossetian Language and Folklore", Moscow, 1940, page 501).

Dear friends, we do not want to appear too didactic but we cannot not bring an extract from a speech of I. Dzutsev that was published in the 38th issue of the newspaper "Ossetia – Svobodni Vzgliad" on the 26th of July 2005:

"Ossetians, come to your senses!

The Ingush are bad for us, Chechens are terrorists, and Georgians are our enemies. Is there any nation left around us that we do not see as enemy? If even Beslan tragedy did not teach us anything then, I am afraid, we are doomed for loneliness. Let none of us have a hope that in case of aggravation of the situation in Northern Caucasus anybody will come to our help. I am looking months, years ahead and see that "Russia is sliding into abyss!" The Kremlin has no policy on the Northern Caucasus! The situation is getting worse every day. There nothing positive in either economy or politics. The only thing that makes me glad is existence of sensible and politically aware leaders in our society. Undoubtedly personal ambitions will not interfere with their consolidation. It’s not the time for inner fights. We should be united as never before. There is still time to halt collapse of Russia. And taking all the above into account I am in favour of maintaining territorial integrity of Georgia. We do not have anything to fight about with Georgia. Georgians are our brothers after all. Let’s not burn bridges. Let’s not make ourselves opponents of the whole civilized world! Russia is seriously ill! Let us, Ossetians, be careful not to become real refugees from their hands. (As M. Gorki says: "there was a boy, or there was not..." – were Ossetians living there or not). I will leave Russia at any time but I’m not indifferent towards the fate of my relatives living in both North and South Ossetia. Neither Georgia and its authorities nor anybody else is trying to build a big Wall of China between us. They simply want to see Georgia united and undivided and to live in peace and agreement with Ossetians.

Is there something wrong with that?

Georgians do not need Russian bases and that is their right. They desperately need western investments but there will be no investments without properly determined borders. It seems that only Ossetians are responsible for that and nobody else. Such behaviour is unacceptable. We are not gods to decide a fate of the Georgian nation and nobody will forgive us that! Do not give anybody a right to manipulate with you. There are eternal values and one of them is to live in peace with neighbours. And, for us, first of all, these are peoples of Caucasus and not that of Russia! We are Caucasians! Do not forget this! Today we, Ossetians, are like a small child who is hiding behind a step-mother –Russia in the house. And Chechens, Ingushs and Georgians are our neighbours. Until we realize it we might be blown up from time to time and no Russia will be able to help us. Beslan massacre is a clear confirmation of that! Do not rely on anybody other than yourselves otherwise blood will be shed again. For the current Russian leadership we are only savages. Don’t be naive and create illusions of being a chosen nation. It is my duty to tell you all this and then do not say I have not warned. You are the ones to decide your own fate".

That’s it my friends. That’s how every farsighted person thinks! And you – those who were received on the Georgian land with open arms, preserved your language , culture and even have your own scientific and study centres – "in order to maintain your national identity" are expressing a desire to join the your "north brothers" who are completely assimilating you. Would you like some examples? There are plenty!!! If you do not see them you really deserve to be pitied as in the near future an issue of even existence of the Ossetian ethnos can be put under a big question mark. (It will be a right place to remember that there was just one non-Russian School and it was Georgian - school No 1. Why do you think is that?)

Think, Ossetians, and redeem in front of the Caucasian nations (Kabardians, Ingush, Cossacks) in the name of the future of your children and grandchildren. Let God clear your mind and save you!

And in the end, peace and prosperity to those seeking the truth.

Russo-Ossetian joint projects under cover of "revival" of the region

2010-01-09T23:51:00.001+03:00

Since August last year nobody doubts that Russia is planning to completely take root in the Georgian territories that it occupied and fully integrate these regions into its own territory. We will be fully convinced in that if we look at the latest statements by Kokoiti, Medvedev and Putin about the perspectives of the region.

In particular, during his first "work" visit Medvedev announced that "in the future Russia and South Ossetia will carry out joint projects in different fields". And on the 26th of September Putin during the press-conference dedicated to his meeting with Kokoiti in Moscow "proudly" announced that "Russian border service took responsibility upon itself to protect peace in the region. More than 30 agreements and contracts in security, economic and social fields that will strengthen a legislative basis for our co-operation are underway".

As to Kokoiti, he many times announced that "there cannot be two Ossetias... They cannot be split into two... I will do everything in my power to unite South and North Ossetia within Russia...".

It is also notable that according to representatives of the Kokoiti opposition that was voiced even in the Russian media today a real number of inhabitants of Tskhinvali region is just 15 thousand and the majority of the adult males are members of various armed military formations. As to the civil population, the main part of it left the region before the events of August 2008. After the end of the war actions a certain part of the civilian population that remained in the region was compelled to leave their homes due to a very hard socio-economic and criminogenic situation in Tskhinvali region. Most of them are still reluctant to return. But there are exceptions. Osettians who left Georgia after the events in the nineties of the last century started to come back from North Ossetia and settle in Tskhinvali and neighboring Georgian villages of the gorges of Big and Small Liakhvi. This process was encouraged by activization of the Ossetian communities and a resolution of Tskhinvali City Hall that enables so-called South Ossetian citizens to re-register Georgian houses, land and other properties free-of-charge. Yet number of people wishing to return to their homes is minuscule.

Despite such circumstances Kokoiti makes official announcements that there is an intense process of rehabilitation and return of the local population going on. He artificially increases their number just to attract more money and satisfy his ever growing appetite.

In order to show the real situation there we collected information and tried to confirm them using our resources.

First of all, we should draw attention to the real number of inhabitants of Tskhinvali region that today is around 19 000. But permanent residents amount to no more than 15 thousand. The remaining 4 000 are contingent of the Russian Army servicemen stationed there and majority of whom due to absence of the appropriate living conditions have not yet brought their families.

So Russia’s plans to build apartment districts serve a purpose of solving the above problem of accommodation shortages. At the end of this august Iuri Luzhkov, the Mayor of Moscow himself opened so-called "Moskovski" district that was built on the grounds of the bulldozed Georgian village of Tamarasheni and was designed for members of the Russian armed forces and their families. We should also note that Russia plans to build several other similar districts in the region that in the end will turn it (the region) into a Russian settlement and a military base.

In addition, Russians continue intense construction of military units in the villages of Ikoti and Kanchaveti of the Akhalgori district. It also should be taken into account that in conditions of total unemployment of local population more than 800 military engineers and workers are brought from Russia to work in construction and rehabilitation works of bridges, roads and other, mainly military, communication infrastructure. They are the ones who at an intensified pace are building Akhalgori-Tskhinvali motorway and power supply units. It is notable that the separatists are planning to supply electricity and natural gas to Akhalgori directly from Tskhinvali.

After signing of the Russian-Ossetian joint agreement Russia intensified militarization of the region – their military contingent, heavy military hardware and weapons. Russian militaries presented so-called South Ossetian Defence Ministry with modern stationary equipment of coded communication and other technical equipment. They are helping local armed forces in issues of reorganization, military training and learning of new war techniques.

Additionally, there is an increase in numbers of Ossetian armed military formations. In accordance with Kokoiti resolution "internal army" will be created within "South Ossetian" MIA that will be under direct subordination of the Defence Minister, while "militant" armed formations active in Tskhinvali and Java districts will be included into structures of Special Forces so-called "OMON". Combat readiness of all these militarized formations is personally controlled by the de-facto Defence Minister.

We should also note that increase of the separatist military formations is happening at the expense of unemployed citizens coming from Russia and their motive for the arrival is described as protection of "interests of the brotherly Ossetian nation".

Despite the fact that Russian "colleagues" substituted locals previously operating as border service the latter are still carrying out unauthorized "control" of the certain parts of the administrative border. They as many other self-proclaimed armed formations have not been disarmed until today. They are drunk when coming to posts and often fire in the direction of villages and posts situated on the Georgian controlled territories from different kinds of weapons. And that can cause a rise of possibilities of armed provocations in the conflict zone.

As to the Russian border guards they are controlling 90% of the administrative border.

Recently, military discipline in both Russian and local military divisions is in decline. There are a significant increase in numbers of desertions and other crimes and respectively number of military policemen was increased.

We should also note that aiming at quick return of the refugee population of Tskhinvali region and hoping for the support of the Russian banks the local administration is offering them all kinds of benefits to develop a small business – interest-free credits, unhindered issue of wages and pensions and so on. While this year Russian Ministry of Education even allocated limits for tens of Ossetian youngsters to be accepted and study without a fee in different universities of the Russian federation. Only Znauri district received 6 of those limits. One of them was offered to a Georgian youngster who refused to take it.

After analyzing all the above we can conclude the following:

• Russia under the pretext of improvement of socio-economic conditions of the population of the occupied region and rehabilitation of infrastructure and through manipulation of the allocated sums (more than 10 billion Rubles) is conducting a swift construction of military objects (taking into account weaknesses and faults highlighted during the war in August 2008) and is aiming at full militarization of the region in the future.

• Russian military forces deployed in the region need rehabilitated and modern technological infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airfields and so on in order to improve parameters of their operational manoeuvrs. But all this will definitely require using sums that are meant for economic and social fields.

• Coming from its national, military and strategic interests Russia is trying to take a full control of the administrative borders between Tskhinvali region and the rest of Georgia in South Caucasus. And by building military bases, and if we consider recent events in North Caucasus, Russia might be preparing for local military operations in the direction of Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardia.

• Factors of mutual (Russian-Ossetian) interests should be also considered. On one hand, the separatists will feel more secure surrounded by the Russian armed forces, On the other hand, not only the Georgians but also the Ingush have territorial or other claims towards Ossetians. That’s why Ossetians will try their best to convince “brotherly” Russians in their loyalty that is even shown in a newly signed bilateral agreement and unwaveringly fulfill any of their instructions in order to protect “mutual interests”.

• Frequent visits of Russian high rank officials in the region as well as their planned future visits are not only connected to a mere presentation of the newly built objects. They are interested in seeing a real picture on the spot and personally listen to information given by heads of the appropriate departments. All the above is needed to outline and realize much more serious and far-reaching future plans.

Russian Policy in Abkhazia and a Role of the UN in the Conflict Resolution Process

2010-01-09T23:50:00.001+03:00

The first ceasefire agreement since the beginning of the conflict was officially signed on the 3rd of September 1992 in Moscow. It should be noted that the only sides to sign all the official documents were Georgia and Russia. As for the Abkhazian representation, which included separatists as well as representatives of the legitimate government, were there only to accept terms of the reached agreement. That means that even from the beginning Georgia and Russia were recognized as the sides of the conflict.

In the preamble of that Moscow agreement of the 3rd of September 1992 it is especially underlined that both the Russian President and the Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Georgia agree that it is inadmissible to violate territorial integrity of states and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders in any way. As we see at the beginning the Russian Federation and the separatist government did not even doubt the Georgian territorial integrity and its internationally recognized borders.

But today what we are confronted with a different situation - if before Russia supported the separatist regimes unofficially its current position indicates that it is not only breaking the UN resolutions and the agreements reached earlier but is also ignoring the International norms and is pushing for its own forceful methods to be accepted in the world.

Analyzing the agreement of the September the 3rd, 1992 the following main issues can be noted:

1. The territorial integrity of Georgia is indisputable. It states that “it is inadmissible to break the principles of the territorial integrity of the state and its internationally recognized borders in any way …”
2. The agreement was reached “ about a ceasefire and against the use of force between the sides”;
3. A commission was created by the Georgian government in order to ensure the ceasefire, to stop the intrusion of the illegal armed forces and groups in Abkhazia and to oust already existed groups. This commission included Russian and Abkhazian representatives.
4. The Georgian military forces had a responsibility to protect the railway and other specific targets.

Exactly one month later after reaching the Moscow Agreement of the 3rd of September, 1992, illegal armed forces of the Abkhazian separatist regime, Kazak groups, mercenaries from the North Caucasus and the Arab countries gained a full control of Gagra area. The result of this military operation was the first ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population in Abkhazia and the official recording of refugees. As we see The Russian side and representatives of the Abkhazian separatist regime violated all the clauses of the agreement that was designed to provide the conflict resolution. After the fall of Gagra in 1992 the chairman of the UN Security Council made a special announcement on the 8th of October about “a situation in Georgia”, in which he called for the sides to cease the armed confrontation and follow the Moscow Agreement which itself “confirms inviolability of the Georgian territorial integrity, implies ceasing of all military operations and provides the basis for the full political resolution of the conflict”. It should be noted that as the above announcement was made by the UN Security Council and that means that Russia fully agreed to the wording of the announcement.

Despite all that in the aftermath of the Moscow Agreement and also other agreements based on the Moscow Agreement and the UN resolutions were continuously being broken by the Separatist Regime and the Russian side. The latter by supporting the separatists was fueling the conflict instead of resolving it.

Chronology of the Military Operations

The chronology of the military actions in Abkhazia during the 1992-1993 conflict clearly reflects all the violations of the Moscow Agreement by the Separatist Regime and the Russian side after its official signing.

• The 3rd - 5th October, 1992 – The armed forces of the Abkhazian Separatist Regime, Kazak groups, mercenaries from the North Caucasus and the Arab countries gained a full control of Gagra area. The result of this military action was the first ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population in Abkhazia.
• The 3rd November, 1992 - Groups of the North Caucasian and Arab mercenaries made an attempt to take strategic heights in the direction of Shroma-Akhalsheni (the northern surroundings of Sokhumi). The Georgians captured a Syrian citizen after this attack. Afterwards it was confirmed that he was a professional intelligence officer.
• The 5th of January, 1993 - The illegal armed forces of the Abkhazian Separatist regime attempted to break the frontline of Gumista.
• The 16th March, 1993 – The biggest attack took place in the direction of Gumista and Ochamchire. Also, investigative attacks were in place in the direction of Shroma-Akhalsheni. The forces participating in this wide operation included not only the Separatists but the North Caucasian and Arab mercenaries, armed groups from Trans-Dniester Region as well as The Russian Regular Army including parts of the Russian Paratrooper Division situated in Gudauta which was under a direct command of Pavel Grachev, then the Russian Defense Minister. The above-mentioned operation was the first which included the Russian Air Forces, planes of which attacked Sokhumi. Tens of houses were destroyed in different parts of Sokhumi with the result of casualties among the civilian population.
• July 1993 – The Separatist armed forces and the Russian Paratroopers attacked in the direction of Shroma-Akhalsheni and Ochamchire. It was the first time when the Russian Sea Marines were used. Despite big losses the Separatists still managed to take strategic heights near Sokhumi which was the main objective of this military operation.
• The 16th of September, 1993 – The Separatists together with divisions of the Russian Regular Army , who were no longer hiding their involvement and were moving around with the Russian flags on their military vehicles, began a wide-spread operation in the direction of Sokhumi. As by this time the Georgian armed forces in Abkhazia were practically disarmed as a result of the Sochi Agreement of the 27th July, 1993, they were not able to defend Sokhumi. It is to be noted that during the period of the military operations in Abkhazia, Russia used every opportunity to provide a military assistance to the Separatists. They effectively used the UN and the International Red Cross Mission for those purposes. In particular, on the 19th January, 1993 the Russian Government issued a decree that obligated the Defense Ministry of Russia to take humanitarian cargo from Sochi to Tkvarcheli and to provide helicopters with distinctive signs of the International Red Cross to evacuate civilians from Tkvarcheli to Sochi. Naturally, no transport with such signs is subject to control of a carried cargo and that was used by the Russian military forces. They were taking ammunition and personnel along with the humanitarian cargo. Despite the fact that the Georgian side was reporting regularly to the UN representatives about such actions of the Russian militaries the UN failed to take relevant measures. Because such actions from the Russian side was tarnishing the reputation of the International Organizations. The UN observers should have paid more interest to the information provided by the Georgian side but they completely ignored it. Furthermore, when the Georgian police forces stopped a huge column that was heading towards Tkvarcheli in order to check its cargo they were categorically prohibited to do so by the UN Observers. After that, by August 1993 the provision of so called humanitarian cargoes via air and ground from Russia to Abkhazia, in particular to Tkvarcheli became more intense. As a result by September 1993 the separatists had a large amount of ammunition and personnel that they successfully used during their massive attack on Sokhumi. They blocked the railway and motorways connecting Sokhumi and Ochamchire and that in fact decided the fate of the military operation in favor of the separatists.

It should be noted that Moscow Agreement was not the only document that was being violated during this period by the active support of Russia.

During the military actions the UN Security Council issued various announcements and resolutions. They were:

• The Moscow Agreement of the 3rd September, 1993 S/24523.

• The 10th of September, 1992 - the special statement of the of the Chairman of the UN Security Council S/24542.

• The 7th of October, 1992 - the letter of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Chairman of the UN Security Council S/24633.

• The 8th of October, 1992 - the statement of the of the Chairman of the UN Security Council S/24637.

• The 10th of November, 1992 - the letter of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Chairman of the UN Security Council S/24794.
• The 28th of January, 1993 – the statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations about “a situation in Abkhazia, the Republic of Georgia” S/25188.

• The 29th of January, 1993 – the statement of the of the Chairman of the UN Security Council S/25198.

• The 14th of March, 1993 - an agreement about a ceasefire and non-usage of the military forces against each other was reached through the Russian mediation (and on the 16th of September an attack on Sokhumi was carried out using the Russian Air Forces).
• The 5th of May, 1993 - the letter of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Chairman of the UN Security Council regarding the situation in Georgia S/25756.
• The 14th of May,1993 - an agreement about “non-renewal of the military actions and non-usage of the military forces against each other” was reached through the Russian mediation and it was reflected in the UN resolutions that followed. But the Separatist Regime violated the agreement with the active support of the Russians.
• The 1st of July, 1993 - the statement of the Secretary- General of the United Nations about a situation in Georgia S/26023.
• The 2nd of July, 1993 - the statement of the of the Chairman of the UN Security Council S/26032.
• The 7 th of July, 1993 - the statement of the Secretary- General of the United Nations about a situation in Abkhazia, the Republic of Georgia S/26023/ add.2.
• The 9th of July, 1993 - resolution of the UN Security Council 849 (1993)
• The 27th of July, 1993 – another agreement was reached in Sochi through the Russian mediation about a ceasefire in Abkhazia and mechanisms of control ensuring its implementation.
• The 6 th of August, 1993 – The speech of the Secretary- General of the United Nations about the UN Security Council Resolution 849 (1993) S/ 26250
• The 6th of August, 1993 – the resolution of the UN Security Council 854 (1993)
• The 24th of August, 1993 - the resolution of the UN Security Council 858 (1993)
• The 17th of September, 1993 - the statement of the Chairman of the UN Security Council regarding a renewal of the military operations for the purpose of taking Sokhumi S/26463. It is notable that in this statement the Chairman of the UN Security Council not only called for a ceasefire but demanded the return of the conflicting sides to the positions agreed by the Sochi Agreement of the 27th of July 1993. That had not happened.

Unfortunately, the support towards Georgia and a desire of a peaceful resolution of the conflict expressed by the International Organizations were not translated into actions. No sanctions for violating agreement and ignoring The UN Security Council resolutions consided by the International norms were taken towards the Separatists and especially Russia, which should have been a proper mediator.
To say more, the very first resolution of the UN Security Council after the end of the active phase of the conflict in Abkhazia – the military actions - is very interesting. It is to be said that the mentioned resolution was taken almost one month later after Ardzinba’s separatist regime with the support and immediate participation of Russia gained a full control of the Abkhazian territories. Despite the fact that there were relevant photo and video documents showing the participation of the Russian military forces along with the Separatists during the September attack and these documents were duly presented by the Georgian side to the International organizations, and among to the UN, the abovementioned resolution did not even mention Russia’s role in the Abkhazian tragedy.
As the above shows, the International Organizations, mostly the UN should share some responsibility for the ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population carried out by the armed forces of the Abkhazian Separatist regime, mercenaries from the North Caucasus and the Arab countries, as well as Kazaks and the Russian Regular Army, which left more than 350 000 of the entire 530 000 population of Abkhazia homeless and in an undignified existence. The military stage of the conflict ended in 1993 and the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict began. But the problem still remains.
The 4th clause of the memorandum “the Geneva negotiations about a mutual understanding of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict” signed on the 30th of November, 1993 in Geneva openly states that: “The sides consider themselves obligated to urgently solve a problem of the refugees and displaced persons. The sides take an obligation to create conditions on the entire territory of Abkhazia for voluntary, safe and quick return of the refugees to places of their permanent residence. All their houses, land and assets will be given back to their rightful owners. The sides also express their hope that the UN high Commissioner in the matters of refugees will take an active part in the resolution of this problem”. Although this memorandum was produced with the direct participation of representatives of The UN and Russia and signed in their presence, willingness of the UN to take part in the process of the return of the refugees cannot be seen anywhere in the later resolutions of the UN Security Council. Those resolutions only mention the right of the refugees to return. In other words the UN not only failed to take any effective measures for safe return of the refugees but it did not even offer any recommendations.

Inadequate actions of the UN in response to the situation in Georgia should be specifically mentioned. Norms and instructions given to the UN representatives were not relevant to the existing reality. Ignorance of the Caucasian mentality and the ethno-psychological characteristics of local inhabitants and a lack of knowledge of the genesis of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, also non-consideration of both Russia’s treacherous plan and Russia’s , as an interested party , role in the conflict directly and negatively affected the UN activities.

The impression was that their efforts were mainly directed towards maintaining the status-quo between the opposing sides in the conflict region and supporting only the humanitarian and sometimes virtual programs.

So called “punishment operations” of the Separatist Regime towards local population of Gali region with the assistance of so called Collective Peace Forces acting under the aegis of the UN was a permanent fixture over the years and were happening in front of the UN Mission and that shows unsatisfactory activities of the UN mission. Also, it needs to be said that the abovementioned Peace Forces were completely filled with only the military contingent of the Russian Armed Forces and the most of them were military personnel from the North Caucasus and the South of Russia (Kazaks) and participants of the Abkhazian War. At the same time there was a distinct negative influence of the Separatist regime and the heads of the Peace Forces on the UN representatives, that was reflected in their irrelevant response towards crimes (murder, burglary, kidnapping, smuggling, drugs and arms trade, human trafficking) as well as violations of the human rights committed by the Abkhazian militia and the Russian military personnel. The UN representatives looked so powerless in front of the Russians that shooting down of the UN helicopter and kidnapping of the UN Observers were followed by no other reaction than a denouncement.

Also, no appropriate actions arose out of the events in May 1998 in Gali when the part of the local population having returned home at the cost of their lives were forced to leave again. When the population of Gali were persecuted and driven out of their homes, when hundreds of people were shot and burned alive in their houses, when several villages were burned to the ground and all this was happening in front of and most of the times with the direct involvement of the Russian Peace Forces. The UN representatives were only recording such violations. If the Georgian side insisted the best they could get were suggestions issued by the UN. Although multilateral investigative group that was supposed to react to and investigate crimes and other kind of violations of law in the conflict zone already existed, they did not carry out coordinated investigations in Gali region, apart from several isolated exceptions. Only the Abkhazian side and the UN representatives were carrying out investigations under control of the Russian Peace Forces. Deliberate ignoring of the Georgian participation in the investigative group served a purpose of not making real facts available for them. That was the reason why criminal acts taking place in the area in full view of the UN Mission and the Russian Peace Forces reached enormous proportions. Despite the continuous recording by the Georgian side of the negative part that Russia was playing in the conflict, the mandate of the Russian Peace Forces was being continuously extended due to the positive assessment of their role in the UN resolutions.

Unfortunately, today’s situation when Russia has no fear of punishment is mainly generated by a head-in-the-sand position of the International Organizations with regards to illegal acts committed by Russia.
From the above we can say that the UN observers in Abkhazia were under direct control of Russia.

Russia seeing that it can evade punishment during the whole process of the conflict resolution was protecting the Separatist regimes that itself had created and was intentionally violating the UN resolutions and agreements that were reached during different formats of the international negotiations. Furthermore, many formats of negotiations failed as a result of the Russian provocation. Having the UN mandate and the separatist regime to voice the Russian position, Russia was intentionally following a policy of prolonging the conflict resolution process. The UN Observer Mission fearing that a tougher position would result in a collapse of the negotiation process, which was again in Russia’s interests, was not duly firm. Even more, the fundamental issues for the conflict resolution, namely the Georgian territorial integrity and safe return of the refugees, still remain unsolved due to such attitude.

It should be mentioned that the International society only now , after Russia’s veto on the UN Security Council resolution , were convinced that the conflicts in Georgia had been provoked by Russia and the latter never intended to solve them peacefully even having all the necessary levers to do so. During these 17 years the breach of the various ceasefire agreements and the UN Security Council resolutions by the Abkhazian side was very actively and in many cases aggressively supported by the Russian military and political elites.

In addition, there are clauses in the UN Security Council resolutions where countries were called not to provide the Separatist Regime with any support other than humanitarian and especially not the military support. This resolution was signed by Russia but Russia never obeyed it and continued militarization of the region.

Russia’s policy to officially declare its support for the Georgian territorial integrity on one hand but in reality to aspire to full occupation of its territories (Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region) was passing unpunished.
All this created conditions for the August events of 2008 – when the world saw reality – when Russia carried out the full occupation of the conflict zones. Russia unilaterally recognized the separatist enclaves as independent countries, formed diplomatic ties with them, signed agreements about a military co-operation and carried out a full occupation of these regions and by that it violated all the International norms, agreements and the UN resolutions. Tens of reached but unrealized resolutions , a fact that no blame or punishment was taken by those UN representatives in Georgia who were responsible for realization and control of the above decisions, the prolonged and useless processes just for the sake of it and helplessness against a magic power of the Russian veto - all this is a rich soil for planting a seed of rightful doubt in the Georgian society, and especially in the part of it that were the immediate victims of such indifference and criminal negligence. Is this a case of a veiled cupidity? Were the population of the conflict area used for so-called “conflict business” which according to the officially published information is worth hundreds of billions of dollars? Should the UN implement new mechanisms in order to strengthen its fundamental acts and realize the resolutions that already exist?

Vitaly Khripun: "I went to serve, not to engage in lawlessness"

2010-01-09T23:48:00.001+03:00

The third and most recent deserter has caused a new round of information war between Georgia and Russia. It's been two days since Vitaly Khripun's transition to the Georgian side, the circumstances of which the Club of Experts reported on the 21st of December, , but the media still has not overcome the confusion of initial reports of television and news agencies. Against this background, we offer an exclusive interview with the warrant officer of FSB, who itself speaks about reasons for his decision.

- Vitaly, please tell us about yourself and answer a question: how do you come to Georgia?

I was born in April 11th, 1984 in Poltava region. I lived in Murmansk, where my family - mother, 7-year-old half-sister and stepfather still live. Also there I was called up for the army. After the service I worked in a private firm, on a fishing boat. When there the war happened in South Ossetia, they were saying on TV that it was an attack on Russia and that Russia was protecting small Ossetian people, and I decided that I should go there to defend a just cause. Also information was that service in hot spots was well paid, and I was attracted by an opportunity to make a career. I consulted with my uncle, FSB Colonel Igor Grishenko, and he helped me to enroll for special courses. We were being prepared and tested for four months, and then we received appointment. I became a warrant officer and an instructor of reconnaissance groups.

- Is this a contract service?

- Yes, it is a contract service. I was supposed to serve in South Ossetia for two years and after that I would have received a right to request a transfer to another place. Pay was good - over one thousand dollars. They said that I would be promoted and promised good prospects.

- When did you come to the conflict zone?

On December 6th I arrived in Tskhinvali, and from there I was sent to Sinaguri. We lived in Sinaguri but served on the outpost in Perevi. When I was coming, I did not know that it was a territory of Georgia. I thought that I would be defending South Ossetia and Russia.

- What influenced your position?

- Locals helped to understand. There is a mixed population around there - Georgians and Ossetians. From them I found out that we are in Georgia, that the whole of South Ossetia is also Georgia. I was surprised when I heard this not only from Georgians, but also from Ossetians. Generally, I did not expect at all to see a situation that I encountered there. You can feel that there is a bad attitude towards us - Russian soldiers. Especially on the part of Ossetians, because they feel that they are masters and, unlike Georgians, they have plenty of weapons. Georgians might even feed sometimes whereas you should be more careful with Ossetians. Though neither of them likes us. No one can be trusted. All the time in a state of alert. Guys are always tense, they often lose temper. Nobody wants to serve there. Everyone thinks how to leave.

- Can you talk about specific incidents?

- I have not witnessed any fight. General atmosphere is bad. We were forced to humiliate local population, abuse them, extort money, and not let them move around. If they were carrying something - food or firewood – we should have made them pay for carriage. Commanders demanded this. We were told to keep locals in check, no easing up on them. And if someone protested then we should have used force immediately, and if necessary, shoot to kill. There is no law, and you cannot protest. When I objected, I was threatened. They said: "Stay quiet and do whatever you are told otherwise we have a lot of extra rounds of ammunition ...".

- This was the reason for your escape?

- Yes. I came to serve, not to engage in lawlessness. Why can not everything to be honest, according the law? When you blew up the monument, our officers got very angry and demanded stricter attitude towards the population. This was the last straw for me. I have long thought about this and decided that the best thing would be to leave. At night left the outpost, walked towards the Georgian post and surrendered.

- What do you think about your fate?

- We have been told that there is order in Georgia. I heard that two soldiers who have gone before me are settled normally. I want to live in a country where there is no corruption, where the laws are respected. In Tbilisi, I was explained my rights and I have applied for political asylum. This issue is being solved together with the UN. I hope that I will not be given up to Russia. Everything is over for me there - and career and everything. If I get in their hands my life will be impossible. Maybe someday I can return, but not now. Here, I was promised benefits and help with getting work. I have a technical education and I can work so I will be able to earn a living.

Three in one

2010-01-09T19:22:00.003+03:00

Vitali Khripun Talks about Military Arsenal in South Ossetia

Vitaly Khripun, officer of the Russian FSS (Federal Security Service), having left the Russian military unit in South Ossetia and asked Georgia for political asylum, talks about the Russian military arsenal in South Ossetia.
In his interview with the Caucasian Knot Khripun says the Russian military arsenal in South Ossetia is quite large. There is no heavy artillery, though it will be quite quickly brought to South Ossetia in case of danger there.
He says Russian border guards are exerting pressure on population in South Ossetia. Representatives of special services often arrive in villages there and talk to population. People dislike it, though can/t say anything to armed officers.
The officer says Russian officers are taking bribe for everything. According to him, he fled to Georgia because of threats from Russian officers because of his remarks on the corruption.
According to Vitaly Khripun, he met with Russian representatives in Tbilisi for several times, which were persuading him legal proceedings would not be instituted against him if he returned to Russia in two days.
Vitaly Khripun lives in Tbilisi now and is waiting for a refugee status.

John McCain to Visit Georgia Tomorrow

US Senator John McCain will Arrive in Georgia tomorrow, Georgian Foreign Ministry says.
According to the Ministry, McCain will arrive in Batumi along with senators John Barasosa and John Toon.
The two-day visit is aimed at confirming once again the US support for territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.
The visit is also aimed at strengthening the US-Georgia strategic partnership.
The senators will leave Georgia on 11 January.

John McCain to Meet Opposition in Batumi

The opposition will hold a meeting with US Senator John McCain on Monday, Davit Usufashvili, leader of the Republican Party and co-chairman of the Alliance of Georgia, told InterpressNews.
According to him, the meeting will be held in Batumi on 11 January.
‘It is an unofficial meeting. The issues for discussion are not specified yet. Senator McCain has reportedly changed his views in regard to many issues concerning Georgia. So meeting with him will be very interesting’, he said, adding security issues of the country will also be discussed at the meeting.
‘As far as I know the meeting will also be attended by Nino Burjanadze, Levan Gachechiladze, and Giorgi Targamadze. The meeting is organized by the US Embassy to Georgia’, Usupashvili said.
Senator John McCain will arrive in Georgia, namely in Batumi, tomorrow.

Winners and Losers

2010-01-09T00:18:00.002+03:00

Georgia has not only survived, but also it withstands all troubles. I am here now (in the Presidential palace - author's comment), because this is our achievement, the achievement of Georgian people. "- Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia said in summarizing last year. However to this point of view some may disagree. But it is a fact that in 2009 from the Georgian sky Russian military aviation disappeared. Many other minor achievements may be of the little importance for many of us. The year is over ... Many things were revalued, estimated and reasons to think about overcoming of troubles are plenty.
"This was the hardest period. The war and the following occupation, hardest world economic crisis, which touches all world, all regions and as well in addition here was the long internal political destabilization. We endured and we withstand both, "- President said.
In connection with the comments of President, Ramaz Sakvarelidze, political scientist said that the world economic crisis was not in touch with our country, and at the same time during the protest actions the Georgian population showed the highest political culture.
"President did not say that the situation is an ideal one, but he said that the worse might happen, and this worse did not happen. In connections with this Saakashvili underlined the endowment of Georgian people. The world economic crisis severely affected many countries. We even did not notice this process. Despite of this the situation is not an enviable one, but in the circumstances of the world economic crisis we had no such deep problems as in many other countries it was the case. What about the internal destabilization, in this case the population showed such a high political culture, and this is thanks to the opposition witch did not allow the protest actions to be a radical one, "- Ramaz Sakvarelidze said to GHN.
Yes, the 2009 was harder then 2007, when President dissolving the November 7 manifestation discredited own image. The hard one was as well 2008, when in the circumstances of the Russian aggression, President travelled around the world in search of the support. Having the territories lost and the generals fled from the battlefield, it is no surprise that one part of the Georgian society is very angry, and the protest is expressed in many different ways.
But President managed to turn some oppositionists to own supporters. He dissolved the "United Opposition" and some of them even tried to leave the opposition. The opposition noted many times that President played using wrong methods. He played dirty game against the opposition. But this people, (opposition) forget that no government will recede easily. But opposition as well appeared to be a week one; it did not respond with the same force. Even more, President said that the protest action was staged by the Russian special services FSB.
We gave to the society a chance to take a decision; we stay aside from the events. The society was severely traumatized after August war. In fact the protest actions were dissolved by the society itself and it called the protesters to the wisdom. Fortunately they could not implement the project "Tbilisi a dead city" and they will never do this. President said that many politicians are trying to establish a close and warm relations with Kremlin, it is a hard accusation, but it is a fact as well.
This makes the society to be disposed nihilistically towards the opposition. Moreover the fact is that the government suppressed one part of the opposition and manipulates with it.
"For the last period of time I am spending more time with the opposition, then with the majority and this is very useful for me. Almost all political forces were present at the Security Council's sitting. Almost all participated in the work under the elections code. Maybe someone of the oppositionists say that they dislike the elections code, but they did not refused to take part in the elections, and consequently they accept it, " - President said.
We only can suppose that the President is right and simply he said far less then he could say and knows far more then expressed.
However in this respect Ramaz Sakvareliadze, political scientist said: "Opposition is in a very hard situation. Despite of the fact that the opposition is not accepting the new elections code it has no choice but to participate in elections. Otherwise it will appear out of the game, out of the politics."
So the things will be repeated again. In the near future at the third day of the local self governance elections opposition will talk again about the falsified elections. Again the protest actions will be held.

But how many times the same things will be repeated again and again?

For the last period President did not criticize any more the opposition in disrespectful way. Maybe this is because he changed his attitude towards them and respects own opponents. This is to be said in his favor.

But again I would like to repeat that after the August war I was waiting and did not hear from him the only phrase: "I resigned!"
Unfortunately as well Zurab Nogaideli, former Prime Minister did not said to Vladimir Putin: "What future for my homeland?" After all this I am sure that I prefer the defeated soldier of my poor country to the ex-Prime minister dressed up in Pierre Carden's suit. Moreover, I would say Putin is to be respected more then some of our politicians as he defends the interests of own country, own "Empire".
"So, what future for my country?" - Politicians not asking such question to any Russian official are reconciling with the existing poor situation.
This question should be asked to know what intentions have for the future Kremlin in respect with Tbilisi.
Is it expected any positive steps from Russian Federation in connection with Georgia, or this country is for Russia as a province from which it takes agricultural goods and wine, and cheers with the glass of our own wine our enemies.
We get already that the Russian political establishment loves Georgia, but without Georgians. Yes they love it, they love our land, The Georgian as a geographical unit. They love as well Abkhazia in the same way, which is now the "recognized" independent country - province of Russian Federation.

Fou In One

2010-01-09T00:08:00.008+03:00

John McCain to take part in Energy Summit in Batumi

US Senator John McCain will visit Georgia.
According to the given information, McCain will take part in the International Energy Summit to be held on 14 January in Batumi.
McCain’s visit is affirmed by the embassy of US in Georgia. Though the embassy will later spread the exact date and programme of the visit.

Airzena’s Plane Flew to Moscow

Airzena’s plane has already flown to Moscow.
The first charter flight from Tbilisi to Moscow performed by Airzena today, after a year and a half pause, had 85 passengers. Minimal price of the ticket was 170 Euros.
The plane will land at Domodedovo airport. Return tickets are also sold according to the spread information.
Charter flights Tbilisi-Moscow-Tbilisi will be performed by Airzena for more two days. In case of permission from Russian aviation authority, flight will be performed on 16, 20 and 24 January.
Airzena was authorized to operate charter flights on 8, 9 and 10 January on 31 December.
The last flight was operated by Airzena on 8 August 2008.

Verdict Against the Accused in Mukhrovani Military Mutiny Postponed to be Declared until 11 January

It was postponed to declare the verdict against the accused in Mukhrovani military mutiny until 11 January.
It was scheduled to declare the verdict for today, though judge of Tbilisi Civil Court Jemal Kopliani listened to the final words of only the four of the accused.
Levan Amiridze, Zurab Bzishvili, Kakhka Kobaidze and Giorgi Chalatashvili didn’t pleat guilty in their final words.
The trial was attended by one of the leader of Movement for United Georgia Eka Beselia and representatives of Human Rights Protector NGOs.
Procedural agreement was formed with the accused Sandodze and he was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment.
20 people are left accused in the case not pleading guilty. They are accused in disobedience, mutiny and failure to inform about the crime. Public prosecutor’s office demands to imprison them from 4 to 30 years.
Public prosecutor’s office demands 30 years prison sentence for Koba Otanadze; 18 years prison sentence for Shota Gorgiashvili, 29 - for Levan Amiridze. Accuser demands 14 years and 6 months prison sentence for Koba Kobaladze.
Mukhrovani mutiny took place on 5 May, 2009.

Giorgi Baramia States Abkhazians Legalizing Houses Left by Georgians is Anti Georgian Action

Chairperson of Autonomic government of Abkhazia Giorgi Baramia states that Abkhazians legalizing the houses left by Georgians is the next Anti-Georgian action.
As InterpressNews was told by Abkhazian media centre, Baramia stated about it while commenting about Abkhazians making inventory of Georgian houses in Abkhazia.
Baramia assesses that such actions perpetrated by the separatists is violation of legal norms and may be viewed as expropriation or confiscation of private property by separatists.
‘it is within interests of separatists like Russian occupants to legalize the houses left by Georgian population, as they will be then given to the Russian occupants, namely to the families of the so called Russian frontier officers in Gali and its regions. It is done to deprive refugee population from their legal right to demand their houses,’ Baramia stated.

EUMM Calls for Talks on Detained Persons

2010-01-07T16:08:00.001+03:00

EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) is “trying hard to find out the details” involving arrest of a South Ossetian man by the Georgian police on January 4, Hansjörg Haber, head of EUMM said on Wednesday.

“So far, the picture is unclear with conflicting reports of what exactly happened,” he said, adding that the mission was looking into “what can be done to resolve the situation in the interests of all concerned.”

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that the police detained Genadi Pliev, who was described as “a member of [South] Ossetian illegal gang”, in Nikozi, the village close to the breakaway region’s administrative border. It said that Pliev was armed with a firearm and hand-grenades.

But the breakaway region’s authorities said that Pliev, who they said was “an employee of the state guard service”, was “kidnapped” by the Georgian police from Tskhinvali outskirts, “about 400-500 meters deeper from the South Ossetian state border.”

“We will continue to look into this [case] in the coming days,” Haber said in a written statement.

“Meanwhile, this case, following recent cases of detentions on both sides of the administrative boundary line, raises wider issues concerning freedom of movement, security, and detainees.”

“Ultimately, with goodwill, detainees on both sides should be able to return to their homes,” he added.

Haber called on Tbilisi and Tskhinvali to hold a meeting in frames of Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism early next week to address these issues.

On January 5 monitors from EUMM paid their first ever visit to Tskhinvali to discuss issues related with detention of Genadi Pliev. Monitors also visited the spot where the breakaway region’s authorities alleged Pliev’s detention took place.

EU Monitors Visit Tskhinvali over Detained S.Ossetian Man

2010-01-07T16:07:00.001+03:00

During their first ever visit to Tskhinvali on January 5 monitors from EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) met with representatives of the breakaway region’s authorities and Russian military to discuss arrest of a South Ossetian man by the Georgian police on January 4.

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that the police detained Genadi Pliev, who was described as “a member of [South] Ossetian illegal gang”, in Nikozi, the village close to the breakaway region’s administrative border. It said that Pliev was armed with a firearm and hand-grenades.

But the breakaway region’s authorities said that Pliev, who they said was “an employee of the state guard service”, was “kidnapped” by the Georgian police from Tskhinvali outskirts, “about 400-500 meters deeper from the South Ossetian state border.”

EU monitors were shown the spot where, according to the South Ossetian side, Pliev was arrested by the Georgian police.

“For the time being we have no precise conclusion” about the incident, EUMM spokesperson told Civil.Ge on January 6.

She said that EU monitors also met with the arrested man, as well as with his relatives in Tskhinvali. Some reports from the South Ossetian sources said that Pliev could have been wounded during the arrest, but EU monitors did not confirm that and said Pliev was “relatively in good condition.”

Merab Chigoev, deputy envoy of the South Ossetian leader for post-conflict resolution issues, said that Tskhinvali “invited EU monitors on the South Ossetian territory as an exception case” to allow them to look into the circumstances of this particular incident.

EU Monitors In South Ossetia To Discuss Man's Detention

2010-01-07T16:05:00.001+03:00

The EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia has entered Tshkinvali for the first time to discuss the detention of a South Ossetian man by Georgian police, RFE/RL's Georgian and Russian Services report.

Boris Chochiev, South Ossetia's presidential envoy on postconflict settlement, invited five EUMM representatives to Tskhinvali, where they met on January 5 with officials from Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region and Russian military authorities.

South Ossetian officials said they invited the EU monitors "as an exception" to let them examine the circumstances of the case of Gennady Pliev. They have previously refused EUMM requests to enter South Ossetian territory.

The Georgian Interior Ministry confirmed today that Pliev, a South Ossetian resident who also has a Russian passport, was arrested on charges of illegal arms possession on January 4.

South Ossetian authorities say Pliev was kidnapped by Georgian special forces in Tskhinvali, which is controlled by South Ossetian and Russian military forces.

But Georgian authorities say Pliev was arrested after he approached a Georgian police post near the city armed and in a drunken state. Pliev has reportedly been sentenced to two months of preliminary detention.

South Ossetia and Georgia's second breakaway region of Abkhazia declared their independence in August 2008.

Russia recognized their independence and Russian soldiers have been guarding the two self-proclaimed republics' border since then.

Three In One

2010-01-07T10:36:00.007+03:00

Georgian parliament to defect from CIS PA on January 22

Georgian parliament will officially defect from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on January 22-the chairperson of the CIS parliamentary assembly, Russian MP Sergei Mironov has announced.
According to Mironov, Georgian parliament submitted the statement about leaving the organization on July 22. The regulations of the organization stipulate that the membership to the organization will be suspended after 6y months since official statement about defection.

Onishchenko: no progress in talks about lifting embargo on Borjomi

Russia`s chief sanitary official Gennady Onishchenko says there is no progress in the negotiations about lifting embargo on Georgian mineral water Borjomi in Russia - Onishchenko touched the problem at his recent televised interview on RTVI Channel.
Onishchenko said no technical problems were present for the return of Borjomi on Russian market; however, the key problem was the absence of will of the Georgian side.

Only Russian codes used in Abkhazia

Georgia`s breakaway Abkhazia has completely uprooted the code for international telephone calls, imposed by Georgian Telecommunication System.
Abkhaz and international telephone codes were recently changed from Georgian to Russian prefixes, however, up to 2010 both Georgian and Russian codes could be used for making international codes.
Now Russia has officially allocated special codes 840 and 940 to Abkhazia.
Georgian authorities have assessed the fact as an open aggression by Russia towards Georgia and call for international response to the illegal act

Orthodox Church Celebrates Christmas on January 7

2010-01-07T10:26:00.002+03:00

Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on January 7. Solemn services were held in Orthodox church at night.
Patriarch of Georgia Illia the Second started Christmas solemn service together with St. Synod members and priests at St. Trinity temple at 23:00. Christmas epistle was also read in the temple.
Christmas ended 40 day fast that. This is a time of reflection, self-restraint and inner healing in the sacrament of confession.

Traditional Christmas ‘Alilo’ march will start from Republic Square from 14:00.
The theatrical march will be analogical of last years’ march, a spokesman of the Patriarchate told InterpressNews.
Participants of the march will pass Rustaveli avenue, Freedom Square, Pushkini street and the Patriarchate, where they will meet with the Patriarch, who will give them sweets.
Aftermath, they will go to the Trinity Cathedral through Baratashvili bridge.
People will give sweets and presents to the march participants on the way. All the sweets and presents will later be handed over to children in orphan houses.
The ‘Alilo’ tradition dates back from the 5-6th centuries. Its celebration was resumed a few years ago.

January 4 - Ilia ll’s Birthday

2010-01-03T13:19:00.003+03:00

January the 4th is Ilia ll’s birthday.
His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia ll (Irakli Shiolashvili) was born in Vladikavkaz on January 4 1933, in the family of Giorgi Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili and Natalia Kobaidze.
After finishing the 22nd secondary school in Vladikavkaz, in 1952, he continued his study at the theological academy in Moscow.
The student Ilia the second was tonsured a monk with the name Ilia by Catholic Patriarch of Georgia Melkisedek III in Tbilisi.
He graduated from the theological academy in 1960 with the first grade diploma.
On August 25, 1963, Father Ilia was consecrated as Bishop of Shemokmedi and Vicar by the Georgian Patriarch Ephrem II. Ilia the second was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Sukhumi and Abkhazia in 1967.
On December 23, 1977 upon the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch David V, Metropolitan Ilia was elected the new primate of Georgian Orthodox Church. Ilia the second was enthroned on December 25, 1977 in Svetitskoveli cathedral.

Soso Tsiskarishvili: Medvediev probably wishes to review Lars check-point and airways communication restoration in one package

2010-01-03T13:13:00.001+03:00

Soso Tsiskarishvili, political scientist was impressed with the declaration of Dmitry Medvediev, Russian President. He said, it seems like the Russian President suggested to the Georgian side to review the Lars Customs check-point and the restoration of air communication in one package.
‘When the president was asked about the restoration of air communication between Russia and Georgia, he connected this question, with the restoration of Lars customs check point. So, this makes me to suppose that these two questions will be reviewed in one package, " - Tsiskarishvili said to GHN. He commented that for Georgia these two questions are having different meaning to decide. And it is not in our interests to decide them both in one view, at this stage.
Political scientist as well noted that the perspectives of annulment of the visa regime and the return of Georgian goods to the Russian market were noted unclearly in Russian President's statement.
We remind you that Russian president declared that he does not see any obstacles in the question of opening of upper Lars customs check-point, and in the restoration of direct air communication with Georgia. He as well said that the time will come when the visa regime between Russia and Georgia will be annulled. These declarations were transmitted via the forum organized by news agency "Ria Novosti" for the European and Asian media.

Two In One

2010-01-03T13:10:00.001+03:00

New Year Holiday was Calm in Tskhinvali

The New Year holiday was calm in Tskhinvali region, Res news agency says quoting the so-called Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tskhinvali.
‘There were no serious violations of law or public order. And there were fewer shootings in the air at New Year night. However, three people were detained by the police’, the Ministry said.
The Tskhinvali regime is working in emergency regime, which will last till 5 January.

Russian Telephone Codes to be Used in Abkhazia

Russian telephone codes will be used in Abkhazia from 2010.
Russian codes have been used in Abkhazia along with the Georgian ones for half and a month, though it was just a testing, Eduard Filia, General Director of ‘Abkhazsviaz’ told InterpressNews.
According to him, only Russian codes will be used in Abkhazia from 2010.

Foreign Ministry Responds to Russian Statement on Location of 3 Border Boats at Abkhazian Seashore

2009-12-07T21:41:00.002+03:00

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia responds to the statement of the Russian side about locating three border boats at the Abkhazian seashore by 7 December.
‘According to the Russian statement, the boats will be located in the town of Ochamchire, Abkhazia, the aim of which would be protection of the sea border of the ‘republic’. We remind Russia that the international law does not recognize Abkhazian territorial waters. Consequently, the Russian action might be regarded as piracy aimed at enhancing occupational military contingent on the occupied territories of a sovereign state’, the statement of the Georgian side says.
According to the statement, the abovementioned action of the Russian side would increase danger to peace and stability not only in South Caucasus, but in Black Sea region and its adjacent courtiers too.
The statement about locating three border boats near Ochamchire was made yesterday by the deputy chief of the Abkhazian border department of the Russian federal security service, Oleg Frolov.
‘The boats will ensure security of ships heading to Abkhazian ports and the naval border of the republic’, Frolov noted.
A naval base of the Abkhazian department of the Russian federal security service is planned to be established in Ochamchire.

Georgian Foreign Ministry Responds to Sergey Lavrov’s Accusations

2009-12-07T21:36:00.001+03:00

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has responded to accusations of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about Georgia not fulfilling the international commitments, namely the Sarkozy agreement.
Nino Kalandadze has stated such kind of accusations from the Russian side are not new, namely Russia had made similar statements before the August war too.
According to her, the accusations are not enough ground for alarm, though carefulness is necessary to prevent provocations.
‘We should not leave these statements without attention, given the enhancement of Russian military troops on the occupied territories. Georgia has to do its best to draw the international community’s attention to these facts’ Kalandadze stated.
The Georgian side states that Sergey Lavrov’s accusation on strengthening of attacking armament by Georgia is false and it has been confirmed not only by the Georgian side, but the international monitoring mission as well.
Besides, the Georgian side assumes it is necessary to involve Russia in issues of international security, as it will serve as one more leverage for the international community in order to negotiate with Russia in a dialogue format.
‘The accusation was aimed at creating an icon of an enemy from Georgia’, Nino Kalandadze said.

Ombudsman Calls on Tskhinvali Regime to Release Giorgi Archvadze Immediately

2009-12-07T21:24:00.001+03:00

The Georgian Ombudsman calls on the Tskhinvali regime to release Giorgi Archvadze immediately.
The Tskhinvali regime keeps one more Georgian juvenile in custody, InterpressNews was told by a spokesman for the Ombudsman’s Office.
Giorgi Archvadze has been in custody for five months already.
Representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office met with family members of Giorgi Archvadze in the city of Gori on 5 December. They have confirmed that Giorgi Archvadze disappeared from the city of Gori on 5 July. 3 weeks later, he called his relatives and told he was in Tskhinvali.
Reportedly he was detained on the charge of illegally crossing the border.
The information on the detention has also been confirmed by Giorgi Romelashvili and Aleko Tsabadze, released by the Tskhinvali regime on 2 December.
According to family members, Giorgi has health problems.
The Ombudsman of Georgia calls on the Georgian government as well as the international community to make steps for the immediate release of Giorgi Archvadze.

Occupants Actively Building Roads for Military Purposes

2009-12-07T21:23:00.002+03:00

A team of military engineers of the Ministry of Defense of Russia is working in occupied Akhalgori district, ‘the Club of Experts’ told InterPressNews.
The occupants are planning to extend a road of Akhalgori-Orchosani, which requires construction of several bridges, and engineering group has already carried out the necessary measurement work.
In addition, for expansion and development of a bypass road linking Tskhinvali to Akhalgori, the occupants brought military engineering divisions into the gorge of the river Mejuda. Troops are divided into brigades and are working by rotation in around-the-clock mode.
Akhalgori region, where the largest number of manpower and military equipment is deployed in field conditions, is the most militarized area in the occupied Tskhinvali region, the experts say.

AGAINST THE SALE OF MISTRALS TO RUSSIA

2009-12-06T16:22:00.001+03:00

We, European citizens of the countries neighbouring Russia, wish to express our misgivings about the French government's intention of selling "Mistrals" to Russia.

According to Vladimir Vysotsky, the commander of the Russian Navy « A Mistral-type vessel will significantly increase the fighting and maneuvering capabilities of the Russian navy. During the events of August 2008 (the Russo-Georgian war), this ship would have enabled the Russian fleet in the Black Sea to carry out its mission in 40 minutes instead of 26 hours».

We want to remind the French government that, in violation of an agreement signed with the President of France, Russia is still occupying parts of Georgia.
The Russian leaders have repeatedly threatened to dismember the Ukraine and to intervene in neighbouring states in defence of "Russian-speaking" citizens. Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of the Kremlin's Security Council, has recently stated that

"in critical national security situations, one should not exclude a preventive nuclear strike against the aggressor",

and that Russia is revising the rules for the employment of nuclear weapons to repel conventionally armed attackers,

"not only in large-scale, but also in a regional and even a local war."

This year Russia simulated an air and sea attack on Poland and Lithuania during military exercises.
Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Putin openly stated his intention to annex Georgia to the Russian Federation.

Taking into account these worrying developments, as well as the fact that the Russian leaders are not subjected to any control from their citizens, and that an arbitrary regime is always dangerous for its neighbours, we ask the French government to remember its responsibility for peace and to renounce the sale of "Mistrals" to Russia in the name of European solidarity.

http://www.gopetition.com/online/32574.html

Georgian National Communications Commission Fined Some Russian TV Companies

2009-12-06T16:20:00.001+03:00

Georgian National Communications Commission fined some Russian TV Companies once more.
The commission informs that ‘ОРТ’, ‘НТВ’, ‘ТВ-Центр’, ‘Россия’ and ‘Култура’ are broadcasted in the occupied territory of Georgia without license, what is violation of article 1441, (part 4, 5, 6) of Code of General Administration of Georgia and violation of the 6th article of law on occupied territories of Georgia.
National Commission of Georgian communications fined TV Companies ‘ОРТ’, ‘НТВ’, ‘ТВ-Центр’, ‘Россия’ and ‘Култура’ and demanded to stop broadcast on the territory of Georgia without permission. Public Broadcasting of Russian Federation ‘ОРТ’ has been fined GEL 1 000 000 for the third time. ‘НТВ’, ‘ТВ-Центр’, ‘Россия’ and ‘Култура’ face fine of GEL 500 000 GEL.

Georgian army defended Georgia from Russian aggressors

2009-12-05T18:45:00.000+03:00

BBC Movie Georgia Russia

2009-12-05T18:38:00.001+03:00

Dimitri Rogozin: Work of Russia-NATO Council returned to positive current

2009-12-05T11:41:00.002+03:00

The work of Russian-NATO Council returned to the positive stream. This declaration made today Dimitri Rogozin, permanent representative of Russian Federation in NATO. "All protests and blocks are repudiated, " - Rogozin said. He said as well that all principal corrections for Russian Federation are accepted.

"Three documents from which one is a working program for 2010, the second is a review of
The future dangers and the refining of the Russian-NATO Council's work and change of its structure at this stage are frozen, " - Rogozin said.
He defined that the "frozen" documents mean that "if before the end of the day no country will
breach the procedure, then these documents will remain as a final version and at the tomorrow's Foreign Minister's meeting they will be considered namely in such reading".

Foreign Ministry Responds to Russian Statement on Location of 3 Border Boats at Abkhazian Seashore

2009-12-05T11:37:00.001+03:00

Released Boys: We were beaten at the first day of detention

2009-12-03T18:51:00.001+03:00

Yesterday night juveniles kidnapped from Tirdznisi by occupational regime were
interviewed by Tskhinvali occupational regime in Shida Qartli regional police.

Boys said that they were beaten at the first day of detention, but after this no such happening occurred.
Giorgi Romelashvili and Aleko Tsbadze said that they were provided with medicines and food.
"We had not weapons, but they put them in our bags at the time of our detention, " - Romelashvili said.
"Two boys are suffering from illnesses - lungs, heart..," - Tsabadze one of the detained said.
Last night boys were visited by EU monitoring mission.

Secessionists to Prosecute Georgian Citizens

2009-12-03T18:50:00.001+03:00

Secessionists will prosecute Georgians kidnapped by them. On December 2 the court trial of 4 kidnapped juveniles will be held. On December 3, - 6 Georgians will be prosecuted kidnapped from Lamiskhana. Eduard Kokoity leader of Ossetian secessionists declared in his meeting with Thomas Hammerberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, that Georgia has in detention more then 40 "S. Ossetian citizens".

"Georgia has in detention more then 40 South Ossetian citizens, and we have no information about them, " - Kokoity said during his meeting with Thomas Hammerberg.
According to the information of leader of Ossetian secessionists, after the well known war in August of 2008 the so called S.O. passed to Georgia 86 people, but Georgia in turn passed to Ossetia only 7 people.

Moreover, leader of Ossetian secessionists said that "Georgian citizens being in S.O. will be liable under the law for the illegal border crossing."

Thomas Hammerberg arrived to S.O.

2009-12-03T18:48:00.001+03:00

Thomas Hammerberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for HR arrived to secessionist S.O. Commissioner already had a meeting with so called Human Rights Defender - Devud Sanakoev and with the episcope of so called Allania eparchy - Father Giorgi.

According to the Ossetian side information, the talks touched issues of Georgian detained persons and as well the lost citizens of so called S.O. The Ossetian side as well underlined that the talks as well touched an exchange of detained persons between Georgia and Ossetia.

They as well informed that Hammerberg said that "it is difficult to estimate the real situation when one is distant from this."

"One of the problems is that the mass media is far from the preconceived judgment, obviously it does not reflect a real situation and is biased. I tried to understand the real meaning of the facts and actions. What about the victims of such situations, there are the cases when people were detained even before the war and sentenced, and there are as well lost people, " - Hammerberg said. He believes that many of them are not alive.

"At the same time Hammerberg did not gave any facts in connection with this, he only said that people which are imprisoned are not those who are counted as lost, " - the Information Committee informs. "But if this is so in fact, it is very important to investigate cases and to punish, those who are guilty. As well corpses have to be found to pass them to relatives, " - Hammerberg said. Hammerberg hopes his visit will resolve the strained situation.
"We are obliged to do two things - to reduce the tension and to provide the defense of rights of people, " - Hammerberg said. He informed that he has suggestions which can help to move from the frozen point. The so called S.O. Committee of information informed that episcope Giorgi agreed with Hammerberg in the question that it is necessary to start an investigation and to reveal those high ranks who are depriving the life from people.

"The problem is in the nationalistic position of Georgian government. We wish to exchange hostages painless and fast. We are interested in ethnical stability. I hope that your visit will help to resolve the problem peacefully, "- Episcope Giorgi said.

NATO Ministerial to Discuss Situation on Occupied Territories of Georgia

2009-12-03T18:46:00.001+03:00

The NATO ministerial of foreign ministers will discuss the situation on occupied territories of Georgia.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, NATO-Georgia commission session is scheduled to be held within the frameworks of the ministerial.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Grigol Vashadze, has already left Athens for Brussels to attend the ministerial. He will be the main reporter at the NATO-Georgia commission session. Aftermath, Mr Vashadze will leave Brussels for Rome.
Besides, a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is scheduled for 4 December.

Separatist Abkhazia Appeals to Ecuador for Recognition of Independence

2009-12-03T18:45:00.002+03:00

Separatist Abkhazia has appealed to Ecuador for recognition of its independence.
The Russian media spreads the information on the basis of a statement made by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Maxim Ghvinjia.
Reportedly the Sokhumi delegation, paying a working visit to Ecuador, handed over a letter on the demand of recognition of Abkhazia’s independence, as well as materials about Abkhazia’ history and the conflict with Georgia, to President Rafael Korea.
Maxim Ghvinjia is currently holding meetings in Ecuador in regard to the above-mentioned issue.

Putin not Going to Depart from Politics

2009-12-03T18:42:00.002+03:00

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is not going to depart from politics.

‘You won’t get it’ – it was Putin’s answer to a proposal on departing from politics and ‘living quietly’.
Vladimir Ptuin has been answering people’s questions for two hours.
The programme ‘Talks with Vladimir Putin’ is being broadcasted live by TV-companies Russia and Vesti, as well as radios ‘Maiak’ and the Voice of Russia.

Davit Bakradze Hopes France to Take Peace Protection into Account when Deciding on Selling ‘Mistral’ to Russia

2009-12-03T18:41:00.001+03:00

Parliament Chairman Davit Bakradze hopes France will take into account peace protection in the region when making a decision on selling the ship ‘Mistral’ to Russia.
According to Mr Bakradze, for Georgia it isn’t just a ‘commercial deal’. The Georgian side has already informed France and European partners concerning the issue, he added.
Davit Bakradze noted that a letter regarding the issue had already been ready by the chairman of the parliamentary committee of foreign affairs and would be sent to the French parliament in the nearest days.
Vladimir Putin stated during his visit to Paris last week that purchase of ‘Mistral’ isn’t excluded. On a question ‘what is the guarantee that Russia won’t use the ship against Georgia’ he answered Russia would use the ‘Mistral’ where it considers is necessary.
Following the statement by the Russian Prime Minster, Georgian MPs criticized France quite severely.

Thomas Hammerberg Met Public Defender of Tskhinvali Mode

2009-11-30T19:57:00.002+03:00

Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammerberg met Public Defender Tskhinvali mode Davit Sanakoev. Information and printing word committee of Tskhinvali informs about it.
Episcope of Alania Giorgi also took part in the meeting. They discussed the issue of the citizens of Georgia and the so called South Ossetia who are detained or considered missed.
Hammerberg consider that a lot of people regarded missed are not alive now.
‘Both sides have detainees. There are problems in exchanging the detained due to the post conflict tension,’ Hammerberg stated adding that he has proposals that may break the ice.
Hammerberg noted that if he fails to achieve success, or outcomes of the work are minor, this factor will obstacle continuation of his activity.
Thomas Hammerberg visited Tskhinvali today. Key aim of his visit is release of the 4 under-aged Georgians abducted on 4 November.

Georgian MFA Assesses Abduction of Ramaz Makasarashvii as Another Provocation by Russian Occupants

2009-11-30T19:55:00.002+03:00

This criminal fact is yet another purposeful provocation by Russian occupation forces, the main goal of which is to extremely aggravate the situation on the territories adjacent to the occupied regions of Georgia and to keep local population under constant harassment’ Foreign department reports.
Despite numerous attempts of the international organizations and efforts of Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Thomas Hammarberg, who is currently on his visit to Georgia, to make Russia to respect norms and principles of international law, Russian occupants continue to proceed with the established by themselves dirty practice of kidnapping. It should be noted that the occupants still hold four minor citizens of Georgia captive.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses its strong protest over these criminal acts committed by the Russian side that represent the gross violation of the 12 August seize-fire agreement and the universally recognized norms and principles of international law. The Georgian side demands insistently to immediately release the Georgian citizens and to stop that or those destabilizing and provocative acts from the Russian side.
Given the aforesaid fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia will submit a Note to the Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia for passing it to the Russian side.
Ramaz Makasarashvili abducted on 29 November is taken to the territory controlled by Russian occupation forces and separatists.

Eduard Kokoity agreed to allow parents of detained juveniles to Tskhinvali

2009-11-30T19:50:00.001+03:00

Eduard Kokoity, leader of the secessionists agreed to allow the parents of 4 detained juveniles to enter Tskhinvali and to meet with its children. This information is disseminated by Ossetian mass media. What about the release of the juveniles, Kokoity refused to release kidnapped from Tirdznisi boys. Kokoity declared this before his meeting with Thomas Hammerberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

"In the South Ossetia there is Supremacy of Law, the Rule of Law, and all who will breach the law will be punished. From the detained one's underage are only two. The Georgian side falsifies the fats and lies, and the international organizations are biased, " - Kokoity said.

Delegation from Russian Duma Arrived to Tskhinvali

2009-11-30T19:49:00.003+03:00

To the secessionist South Ossetia the RF Duma delegation arrived. The delegation is headed by the Evgeniy Serebrennikov, chairman of the Committee of Defense and Security.

So called S.O. Press Committee informs that the Russian delegation meet with the so called Ossetian MPs. They discussed the issues of mutual cooperation and aid.
"We have one task: we have to restore the Republic on the level of a Parliament and we have to provide the normal conditions for work and living, " - Evgeni Serebrennikov said.

Baltic States parliamentary assembly once more declared about its support to Georgia

2009-11-30T00:04:00.001+03:00

In the capital of Lithuania, in Vilnius the sittings of the Baltic States Assembly and sittings of the Council of Ministers was hold. In these meetings the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly take part as well; it was chaired by Davit Bakradze, chairman of Georgian Parliament. The Lithuanian same opened with the photo exhibition showing the august war disaster. Spokesmen of Lithuanian and Georgian parliaments addressed to the audience with a speech at the photo exhibition. The 28-th assembly of the Baltic States was opened with the participation of Georgian Parliamentary delegation. At the assembly Davit Bakradze took the floor as a representative of Georgia and GUAM chairman country. It was underlined that the importance of cooperation of Baltic States assembly and GUAM is on the agenda. Bakradze said that GUAM had a hard political way ahead and for its development it is very important to have an agreement with the Baltic Assembly. In the frames of the Baltic States 28-th assembly two documents were signed: the joint statement of GUAM and Baltic States Assembly and the statement of the Baltic States Parliamentary Assembly delegation about the existing situation in Georgia. The Baltic Assembly once more upheld the territorial integrity of Georgia.

Hammerberg commented about kidnapped juveniles

2009-11-30T00:02:00.001+03:00

Thomas Hammerberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights commented about kidnapped juveniles in Tirdznisi. "Children have to be released. It is a very hard work; there are too much problems, but the negotiations pending, "- Hammerberg said when he was not allowed to enter Tskhinvali. He as well commented that he will inevitably enter Tskhinvali, however it is not known when it will be. We remind you that the European Commissioner planned to arrive today to Tskhinvali for negotiations for release of juveniles detained by occupational regime in Tirdznisi. However he was not allowed by the puppet regime to enter the conflict region.

European Council Commissioner for Human Rights not let in Tskhinvali

2009-11-29T23:52:00.002+03:00

European Council Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg has not been let in Tskhinvali region by Russian occupants and representatives of the marionette regime. Thomas Hammarberg had been waiting for their decision in the Georgian village of Ergneti for several hours, Rustavi-2 informs. Finally, representatives of the Tskhinvali marionette regime arrived at Ergneti village to meet with the commissioner. During the short meeting, several shots were heard, after what Hammarberg left the territory. The European diplomat says, he is not going to refuse to enter Tskhinvali town and see there the four Georgian teenagers, abducted from the village of Tirdznisi, Gori district , on November 4. `This is a hard work. There are a lot of problems. But the question is, whether those, who hold them would accept this and the conditions, of course. But, I think, they should be released. I ask that. The negotiations are going on, nothing is fixed yet, but I`m not going to give up. I am going to continue this until result is achieved`, Hammarberg said. European Council Commissioner for Human Rights went to the town of Gori from Ergneti village. He is holding meeting with the governor of Shida Kartli Region there. Hammarberg`s visit intends to hold talks with representatives of the Tskhinvali marionette regime on release of the four Georgian underage citizens. He will also meet parents of the abducted children.

What Is Russia Doing Againist Georgia

2009-10-06T09:07:00.000+03:00

Gori (Georgia) after russians attack

2009-10-06T09:02:00.000+03:00

Russian Aggression in Georgia

2009-10-06T08:54:00.000+03:00

Russia VS Georgia war

2009-10-02T23:37:00.001+03:00

What Russians have stolen in Georgia

2009-10-01T01:15:00.002+03:00

Russia prepares to invasion in Usa! Third world war is begin

2009-10-01T01:12:00.002+03:00

Truth about Russian invasion and why you should care!

2009-10-01T01:10:00.000+03:00

Tskhinvali Our pain

2009-10-01T01:09:00.001+03:00

war georgia vs russia! stop russian agression in georgia!

2009-10-01T01:08:00.001+03:00

The Evil Empire vs. Georgia - the Truth about the Conflict

2009-10-01T01:05:00.000+03:00

Dmitry Trenin - NATO hardly will accept Georgia in the numbers

2009-09-19T00:21:00.001+03:00

According to the director of the Moscow centre Carnegie Dmitry Trenina, the NATO hardly will accept Georgia in the numbers.
As Trenin has declared «European Voice» By contrast, most Georgians want to join NATO, but the alliance is unlikely to admit a state whose internationally recognised borders would put it in danger of a direct conflict with Russia, which no longer recognises them.
South Ossetia has probably been lost to Georgia forever as a result of Georgia's reckless attack, and Abkhazia had seceded a decade-and-a-half earlier.

At Session of Europe Council To Consider Georgia’s Problem

2009-09-19T00:20:00.000+03:00

One of the basic questions at autumn session of Europe Council in Strasbourg will be conditions which have developed in year after war between Russia and Georgia.
According to information bureau of the Council of Europe in Georgia, at autumn session three basic questions will be considered. In particular, it is a global problem of climate change, year after end of the Russian-Georgian war and elections of the new secretary general of the Council of Europe.
Besides, the requirement presented by 72 members of assembly in connection with revision of mandates of the Russian delegation will be considered

MFA of Georgia - At Geneva negotiations by Russia the hard line has been fixed extremely

2009-09-19T00:19:00.000+03:00

According to MFA of Georgia, on 7th round of the Geneva negotiations has been fixed by Russia and its puppet modes the extremely rigid and unconstructive.
«Despite rigid and unconstructive Russia and its puppet modes, fixed on the seventh round of the Geneva negotiations, the Georgian party will actively continue to participate in negotiations that as soon as possible there was an admission of the international organisations and observers on occupied territories, an arrangement there peace-making and police forces, performance of all points of the agreement on cease-fire, deocupation the countries both safe and worthy returning of refugees», - is told in the statement.
As they say in the statement, «co-chairmen on November, 11th, on the next round of negotiations, will present the specified information and the extensive document on the international mechanisms of safety».
Participants of the Geneva discussions have agreed that 8th round of negotiations will take place on November, 11th.

75.2 % interrogated negatively estimate appointment of Bacho Akhalaia as the Minister of Defense

2009-09-16T09:56:00.002+03:00

There is changes ministry of defense the new minister is bacho axalaia who has not a good piar in georgian people and there is reaction of people about new minister

On newspaper interrogation «Kviris a Palitra» from September, 7-10th on a theme: «As though you have estimated appointment of Bacho Akhalaji to a post of the Minister of Defense?» 402 readers have responded.

Results was:
1. Positively 4.1 %
2. Negatively - 75.2 %
3. Have found it difficult to answer - 20.7 %

Paata Davitaia – Moscow’s Agreement with Sukhumi and Tskhinvali is Preparation for Military Aggression Against Georgia

2009-09-16T01:28:00.001+03:00

Vice speaker of parliament of Georgia Paata Davitaia assesses military cooperation of Moscow with Sokhumi and Tskhinvali regimes as preparation for military aggression against Georgia.
He says that it is alarming that according to the agreement, construction of Russian military bases is planned in Gudauta and Tskhinvali.
Davitaia says that deployment of Russian armed forces in such amount indicates Russian preparation for aggression against Georgia.
Vice speaker states that all international organizations must be informed that Russia violates quotes of armament in Caucasus and continues aggression against Georgia.

Georgian Foreign Department Makes Announcement about Russian Military Plans

2009-09-16T01:27:00.000+03:00

Foreign department of Georgia sates that ‘Representatives of the Russian side are constantly accusing the Georgian side of purchasing arms and military build-up that obviously does not correspondent to the reality.
Based on this disinformation, Russia insists that the international community should impose an embargo on the military cooperation with Georgia. The fact, however, is that Russia is itself engaged in arms race and the Russian plans mentioned above provide another example to substantiate this point. It is noteworthy that the Russian side makes no secret of its militarist designs saying that it is getting prepared for military assault operations similar to the aggression carried out against Georgia in August 2008.
Taking note of the foregoing, the Georgian side calls on the international community and all parties involved in the tender to consider well all aspects of the possible use of new armaments by Russia and then decide on their cooperation with Russia in the field of arms supply’, – MFA reports.

Medvedev Hopes N.Korea to Stop Nuclear Tests

2009-09-16T01:26:00.001+03:00

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday he hopes North Korea will pay attention to international appeals to stop nuclear tests and launches – Ria Novosti reports.
Medvedev told participants of the Valdai discussion club that Russia, which boasts long-term relations with the communist state, is ready to make a contribution to North Korea's disarmament.
‘We cannot turn a blind eye to developments [in North Korea] and cannot but think about what may happen if Korean long-range missiles get nuclear warheads,’ he said.
‘North Korea is a difficult partner,’ he also said, adding that a global consolidated position on the North Korean nuclear problem was necessary.
The communist state quit international talks and announced the restart of its nuclear program after the UN Security Council condemned its April 5 long-range missile launch. The Security Council imposed tougher sanctions on the North after it conducted its second nuclear test in May.
Pyongyang has in recent months maintained that it will only discuss its nuclear program with Washington.
Washington has been unresponsive to Pyongyang's request so far, demanding the North return to international talks involving the two Koreas, Russia, China, Japan and the United States.

Russia Agains Georgia Or .......

2009-09-16T01:14:00.000+03:00

Russia…is as high as a Hollywood speedballer from its victory. Putting the two together in the same room — speedballing Russia and violently bad-tripping America — is a recipe for serious disaster. If we’re lucky, we’ll survive the humiliating decline and settle into the new reality without causing too much damage to ourselves or the rest of the world. But when that awful moment arrives where the cognitive dissonance snaps hard, it will be an epic struggle to come to our senses in time to prevent the William Kristols, Max Boots and Robert Kagans from leading us into a nuclear holocaust which, they will assure us, we can win against Russia, thanks to our technological superiority.

That Was No Small War in Georgia — It Was the Beginning of the End of the American Empire

Tskhinvali, South Ossetia — On the sunny afternoon of August 14, a Russian army colonel named Igor Konashenko is standing triumphantly at a street corner at the northern edge of Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, his forearm bandaged from a minor battle injury. The spot marks the furthest point of the Georgian army’s advance before it was summarily crushed by the Russians a few days earlier. “Twelve Georgian battalions invaded Tskhinvali, backed by columns of tanks, armored personal carriers, jets, and helicopters,” he says, happily waving at the wreckage, craters, and bombed-out buildings around us. “You see how well they fought, with all their great American training — they abandoned their tanks in the heat of the battle and fled.”

Konashenko pulls a green compass out of his shirt pocket and opens it. It’s a U.S. military model. “This is a little trophy — a gift from one of my soldiers,” he says. “Everything that the Georgians left behind, I mean everything, was American. All the guns, grenades, uniforms, boots, food rations — they just left it all. Our boys stuffed themselves on the food,” he adds slyly. “It was tasty.” The booty, according to Konashenko, also included 65 intact tanks outfitted with the latest NATO and American (as well as Israeli) technology.

Technically, we are standing within the borders of Georgia, which over the last five years has gone from being an ally to the United States to a neocon proxy regime. But there are no Georgians to be seen in this breakaway region — not unless you count the bloated corpses still lying in the dirt roads. Most of the 70,000 or so people who live in South Ossetia never liked the idea of being part of Georgia. During the violent land scramble that occurred after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Ossetians found themselves cut off from their ethnic kin in North Ossetia, which remained part of Russia. The Russians, who’ve had a small peacekeeping force here since 1992, managed to keep the brewing conflicts on ice for the last 15 years. But in the meantime, the positions of everyone involved hardened. The Georgians weren’t happy about the idea of losing a big chunk of territory. The Ossetians, an ethnic Persian tribe, were more adamant than ever about joining Russia, their traditional ally and protector.

The tense but relatively stable situation blew up late in the evening of August 7, when on the order of president Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s army swept into South Ossetia, leveling much of Tskhinvali and surrounding villages and sending some 30,000 refugees fleeing north into Russia. Within hours, Russia’s de facto czar Vladimir Putin counterattacked — some say he’d set a trap — and by the end of that long weekend the Georgians were in panicked retreat. The Russian army then pushed straight through South Ossetia and deep into Georgia proper, halting less than an hour’s drive from Saakashvili’s luxurious palace. All around me is evidence of a rout. A Georgian T-72 tank turret is wedged into the side of a local university building, projecting from the concrete like a cookie pressed into ice cream. Fifty yards away you can see the remains of the vehicle that the orphaned turret originally was part of: just a few charred parts around a hole in the street, and a section of tread lying flat on the sidewalk. Russian tanks now patrol the city unopposed, each one as loud as an Einstrzende Neubauten concert, clouding the air with leaded exhaust as they rumble past us.

But listening to Colonel Konashenko, it becomes clear to me that I’m looking at more than just the smoldering remains of battle in an obscure regional war: This spot is ground zero for an epic historical shift. The dead tanks are American-upgraded, as are the spent 40mm grenade shells that one spetznaz soldier shows me. The bloated bodies on the ground are American-trained Georgian soldiers who have been stripped of their American-issue uniforms. And yet, there is no American cavalry on the way. For years now, everyone from Pat Buchanan to hybrid-powered hippies have been warning that America would suddenly find itself on a historical downslope from having been too reckless, too profligate, and too arrogant as an unopposed superpower. Even decent patriotic folk were starting to worry that America was suffering from a classic case of Celebrity Personality Disorder, becoming a nation of Tom Cruise party-dicks dancing in our socks over every corner and every culture in the world, lip-synching about freedom as we plunged headfirst into as much risky business as we could mismanage. And now, bleeding money from endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we’re a sick giant hooked on ever-pricier doses of oil paid for with a currency few people want anymore. In the history books of the future, I would wager that this very spot in Tskhinvali will be remembered as both the geographic highwater mark of the American empire, and the place where it all started to fall apart.

I first visited Georgia in 2002 to cover the arrival of American military advisers. At the time, the American empire was riding high. A decade after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia seemed to be devolving into an anarchic and corrupt failed state, while the U.S. just kept getting stronger. Within months of President George W. Bush’s swearing-in, Time ran a column boasting that America didn’t need to accommodate Russia anymore because it had become “the dominant power in the world, more dominant than any since Rome.” That same year we invaded Afghanistan without breaking a sweat. The New York Times magazine proclaimed: “The American Empire: Get Used to It.” A new word, hyperpower, was being used to describe our history-warping supremacy.

The military advisers were dispatched to Georgia ostensibly to train that country’s forces to fight local Al Qaeda cells, which everyone knew didn’t exist. In reality, we were training them for key imperial outsourcing duties. Georgia would do for the American Empire what Mumbai call centers did for Delta Airlines: deliver greater returns at a fraction of the cost. They became a flagship franchise of America Inc. It made sense for the Georgians, too: Their erratic and occasionally violent neighbor Russia wouldn’t fuck with them, because fucking with them would be fucking with us — and nobody would dare to do that.

The imperial masterminds who fixated on Georgia as an outsourcing project must have figured we’d score a two-fer by simultaneously winning strategic control of the untapped oil in the region and also managing to stick a giant bug up the raw southern rim of our decrepit old rival Russia.

To enact this plan, America deftly organized and orchestrated the so-called Rose Revolution, which I witnessed in Tblisi in 2003. Saakkashvili’s predecessor, Eduard Shevardnadze, was judged unreliable, so in a multilayered soft putsch that used every lever of influence at our disposal, the U.S. replaced him with Saakashvili, a Columbia-educated hothead who speaks perfect neocon. In the Western media, the Rose Revolution was portrayed as 1776 redux (starring Saakashvili as George Washington with a permanent five o’clock shadow). A more perfect vassal for George W. Bush’s foreign policy could not have been found than “Misha,” as he is fondly known. He stacked his cabinet with young right-wing fanatics, and made sure he had a coterie of mountain-biking American advisers with him at all times. This crew included John McCain’s chief foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann, whom Misha paid more than $1 million in lobbying fees.

This project in Georgia was just a high-profile example of a broader Bush strategy. All around Russia’s southern border, America laid claim to former Soviet domains. After 9/11, Putin infuriated many of his army commanders and security chiefs by agreeing to let the U.S. set up bases in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for the Afghan invasion. Once the Taliban was removed from power, America decided that it felt like staying. After all, who was going stop us? Given the sorry state of their affairs, the Russians certainly weren’t. So by 2002, Putin was stuck with American pie dripping down his cadaverous bloodless face. But after years in which Russia rebuilt itself on the back of soaring commodity prices (today it’s the world’s largest producer of oil), our advantages in global power politics have started to tilt Putin’s way. Slowly and quietly he got American forces thrown out of Uzbekistan and all but sidelined in Kyrgyzstan. And then, here in Georgia, he seized the opportunity to really hammer home his point.

During my visit to Georgia in 2003, if someone had told me that in five years American military advisers would be hightailing it from their main base in Vasiani to avoid getting slaughtered by advancing Russian forces, I would have slapped him with a rubber chicken for insulting my intelligence. Yet there they were: gasping for air in the lobby of the Tblisi Sheraton, insisting off the record that the conflict was all the Georgians’ fault, not theirs.

Why Misha decided to attack is still a mystery. He claims he was forced to level Tskhinvali to preempt a Russian invasion, but that doesn’t make military sense, and has since been debunked by both Georgians and OSCE monitors on the ground; others believe that he struck because, with Bush on his way out, he thought this would be his last chance to regain control of South Ossetia. Another theory popular among journalists and pundits is that the notoriously “hotheaded” (some would say “mentally unstable”) Saakashvili was suckered into his doomed invasion by a clever Russian ruse, part of Putin’s plan to punish the West for recognizing Kosovo and other crimes of imperial insensitivity. Personally, I’d vote for number two. (Putin has offered an alternative hypothesis: that Misha intentionally sparked a war in order to boost John McCain’s prospects in the U.S. election.) Prior to the offensive of August 7, Georgians cut off Russian television and Internet sites in South Ossetia, then rained Grad rockets and artillery on the capital and surrounding villages. The early-hours blitz was, as one Ossetian told me the day before, “shock and awe.” At least half the population fled into Russia. People I spoke to in the refugee camps, mostly women, were still in a daze — they told of fleeing their burning villages under fire, of Georgians raping and murdering, of grenades thrown into civilian bomb shelters, of tanks running over children. (It was impossible to corroborate these individual stories, as is generally the case in trying to sift fact from inflamed rumor in refugee camps.)

Reliable casualty counts for the broader conflict are still all but impossible to get, but as of late August the Russians admit having lost 64 soldiers, and the Georgians a combined 215 soldiers and civilians. In both cases, the real number is probably much higher. On the civilian front, Ossetian sources claim that 1,500 were killed in the Georgian assault — Putin called it a “genocide” — but many Westerners dismiss that figure.

Privately, however, American advisers and defeated Georgian commanders admit to “total defeat.” Indeed, Arkady Ostrovsky of the Economist, a British reporter who has long been close to Saakashvili, told me that on the day of the cease-fire, the Georgian leader spoke of shooting himself, and was only dissuaded when word came of a supportive statement by Condi Rice. “It was sad to watch,” Ostrovsky told me. “I should have been more critical of Saakashvili back when it might have counted. A lot of us should have.”

That’s exactly the kind of full-spectrum smackdown the Russians were aiming for. And Konashenko wants us all to see it, so he offers to take me and some other reporters to the city of Gori in occupied Georgia. Russia seized control of the city at the end of hostilities, essentially cutting its foe in two and leaving it exposed to Vladimir Putin’s whims. “We’ll show you Gori — the city is spotless,” Konashenko says cheerfully. “We could have destroyed it, but we didn’t. Of course, there’s a little bit of damage here and there”

The next morning, I head toward Georgia in the back of a Russian army truck, winding through the countryside of South Ossetia. Many villages have been burned and completely leveled. In the minority ethnic- Georgian communities, the sour odor of death hangs in the air, as those who survived the Ossetians’ reprisal attacks had little time to bury their dead friends and relatives.

When we arrive in Gori, the locals seem unnerved by our presence. They shy away as aggressive reporters point cameras and pursue them along the cobblestone streets for a quote. At first, some say that they are grateful that the Russian forces are there to protect them from marauding Ossetian and Chechen irregulars, who had swept through parts of Georgia murdering civilians and looting homes before the Russians arrived. After a half hour, the Georgians we talk with get used to our presence. A few summon the nerve to quietly pull me aside and whisper things like, “Are the Russians ever going to leave?” and “We don’t have any information here. Is this going to be Russian territory forever?”

In Gori’s vast central square there is shattered glass on the sidewalks, but as Konashenko promised, the city is largely intact. It is also starkly empty, as if a virus or neutron bomb had wiped out the civilian population. Most of the city’s inhabitants have long since fled to Tblisi, along with the soldiers.

As we hop out of the army trucks, one of the Russian commanders points to a limp banner flying at half-mast over the polished-granite administration building on the far side of the square, “You see?” he says. “The Georgian flag is still flying. This is Georgian territory — we’re not annexing it like the media says.” This kind of boast, conquering a country and then making a big noble show of respecting its sovereignty, was something that had once been reserved for America’s forces. How quickly history has turned here.

The other Western journalists fan out for some atrocity hunting, digging for signs that the Russians might have dropped a cluster bomb or massacred civilians. The foreign-desk editors back home have been demanding proof of Russian evil, after largely ignoring Georgia’s war crimes in South Ossetia. It’s a sordid business, but the reporters are just following orders.

After an hour in the 90-degree heat, I head over to the city’s central square, where I stumble across a stunning spectacle: dozens of Russian soldiers doing a funky-chicken victory dance in the Georgian end zone. They’re clowning around euphorically, shooting souvenir photos of each other in front of the administration building and the statue of Stalin (Gori’s most famous native son) while their commanders lean back and laugh. I approach Lieutenant Colonel Andrei Bobrun, assistant commander of the Russian land forces’ North Caucasus Military District — the roughest neighborhood in Western Eurasia — and ask him how he feels now, as a victorious military leader in a proxy war with America.

“I have never been so proud of Russia — magnificent Russia!” Bobrun crows, an AK strapped over his shoulder. “For twenty years we just talked and talked, blabbed and blabbed, complained and complained. But we did nothing, while America ran wild and took everything it could. Twenty years of empty talk. Now Russia is back. And you see how great Russia is. Look around you — we’re not trying to annex this land. What the fuck do I need Georgia for? Russia could keep this, but what for? Hell, we could conquer the whole world if we wanted to. That’s a fact. It was Russia that saved Europe from Genghis Khan. Russia could have taken India and the Middle East. We could take anything — we took Alaska, we took California. There is nothing that Russia could not take, and now the world is being reminded again.”

“Why did you give California back?” I asked. It has always baffled me why a country would abandon prime coastal real estate for the frozen swamps of Siberia — I always assumed it was because the Russians were ashamed when they found themselves holding onto a chunk of this planet as perfect as California: like B-list nerds who successfully crash a Vanity Fair Oscar party, but within minutes of their little triumph, skulk out of the tent out of sheer embarrassment, knowing they never belonged there in the first place.

“We gave it all back because we don’t need it,” Borisov boasted, puffing out his chest. “Russia has enough land, what the hell do we need more for. But if others want to start something, this is what will happen. Russia is back, and I am so proud.”

As the day wore on, the Kremlin press pool organizers finally rounded us up, and we headed back again along the same victory trail. It was on this second visit to ruins of Tskhinvali, as dusk approached and the violence seemed to already acquire a kind of abstract tone, that I started to realize that I was looking at something much bigger than the current debate about Russian aggression or who was more guilty of what — pulling the camera much farther back on this scene, I understood that I was looking at the first ruins of America’s imperial decline. It’s not an easy thing to spot. It took years after the real collapse for Russians to finally accept that awful reality, and to adjust accordingly, first by retrenching, not overplaying an empty hand, slowly building up without making any loud noises while America ran wild around the world bankrupting itself and bleeding dry.

And now it’s over for us. That’s clear on the ground. But it will be years before America’s political elite even begins to grasp this fact. In the meantime, Russia is drunk on its victory and the possibilities that it might imply, sending its recently-independent neighbors into a kind of frenzied animal panic. Experience has taught them that it’s moments like these when Russia’s near abroad becomes, once again, a blood-soaked doormat in the violent epochal shifts — history never stopped here, it just froze up for a decade or so. And now it’s thawing, bringing with it the familiar stench of bloated bodies, burned rubble, and the sour sweat of Russian infantry.

We have entered a dangerous moment in history — America in decline is reacting hysterically, woofing and screeching and throwing a tantrum, desperate to prove that it still has teeth. Which it does — but not in the old dominant way that America wants or believes itself to be. History shows that it’s at this moment, tipping into decline and humiliation, when the worst decisions are made, so idiotically destructive that they’ll make the Iraq campaign look like a mere training exercise fender-bender by comparison.

Russia, meanwhile, is as high as a Hollywood speedballer from its victory. Putting the two together in the same room — speedballing Russia and violently bad-tripping America — is a recipe for serious disaster. If we’re lucky, we’ll survive the humiliating decline and settle into the new reality without causing too much damage to ourselves or the rest of the world. But when that awful moment arrives where the cognitive dissonance snaps hard, it will be an epic struggle to come to our senses in time to prevent the William Kristols, Max Boots and Robert Kagans from leading us into a nuclear holocaust which, they will assure us, we can win against Russia, thanks to our technological superiority. If only we have the will, they’ll tell us, we can win once and for all.

President Mikheil Saakashvili’s Visit to USA begins Next Week

2009-09-13T23:08:00.002+03:00

Georgian delegation headed by President Mikheil Saakashvili will pay visit to New York Next Week.
President will take part in work of 64th session of UN’s General Assembly. Speech of Mikheil Saakashvili is planned in UN on September 24th. He will emphasize situation after war with Russia. Foreign Minister of Georgia Grigol Vashadze will also set out for USA with the president.
General Debates are annually held in UN General Assembly with participation of leaders of different states. Session will be officially opened on September the 15th; debates will start from September the 23rd.
Visit of president of Georgia to USA will last till September 25th.

NATO Invites Russia To Monitor Georgian War Games

2009-06-20T20:44:00.001+03:00

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization Wednesday invited Russia to send observers to alliance war games in Georgia next month in an effort to assuage Moscow's concerns about the maneuvers.

"If Russia chooses to send observers, that is something that I think the alliance would look on quite positively, as a way of diminishing possible misunderstandings or concerns," NATO spokesman James Appathurai said.

"Russia should see, and if it sends observers will see, that in terms of numbers of soldiers on the ground, in terms of what they're doing...this is doing nothing but contributing to international security," he said.

Russia has described the military maneuvers in NATO-hopeful Georgia, set to run from May 6 to June 1, as "provocative," but Appathurai said the exercises involved only a few hundred troops.

"We're talking about 400-450 troops training to defend against a terrorist attack. This I think should be clearly no threat to anybody," he told reporters in Brussels.

Tuesday, Russia informed NATO that it was pulling out of a high-level military meeting on May 7, but didn't link the move to its concerns about the exercises, an alliance spokeswoman said.

NATO froze top level talks with Russia after it sent troops into Georgia last August and subsequently recognized the independence of the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Meetings of the NATO-Russia Council - the forum where the world's biggest military alliance and Moscow work together on security challenges and air their many differences - have only recently resumed at an informal level.

In Helsinki, Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze said Tbilisi had a right to conduct military exercises with NATO as it sees fit.

"Those exercises pose no threat to anybody and it's again a sovereign right of other countries to participate or not to participate," he told reporters.

Vashadze said Moscow had stationed some 15,700 troops close to Georgia's borders and that his country had "more ground to be hysterical than the Russians."

Russia and Georgia have been at loggerheads since fighting their brief war.

Moscow has been extremely wary of any cooperation between NATO and the pro-Western government in Tbilisi, where leaders have long striven for membership of the E.U. and the military alliance.

The exercises have been planned since the spring of 2008 and are set to involve about 1,300 people from 19 NATO and partner countries at a training center 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the Georgian capital.

Apart from anti-terror training, they will include "table top" exercises aimed at better coordinating forces from a headquarters.

EU `regrets` Russian veto on Georgia UN mission

2009-06-20T20:41:00.001+03:00

The European Union on Thursday said it regretted Russia`s decision to veto the extension of a United Nations observation mission in Georgia, calling it a blow to stability. The 27-member bloc `regrets Russia9s decision,` made on Tuesday, not to renew the observation mission`s mandate in the fragmented country, EU countries said in a joint statement.

The move `further complicates the already volatile situation in the region and is clearly not in the interest of the civilians in this conflict zone,` the statement said.

Russia`s refusal to allow UN observers to remain in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia means that the EU is now the only international body to have an observation mission on the ground.

Russia invaded Georgia in August last year to support the independence of Abkhazia and its fellow breakaway region, South Ossetia. Moscow subsequently recognized the formal independence of both regions.

The EU condemned the invasion and insisted that the two regions are legally part of Georgia.

Peace talks between Georgia, Russia and the breakaway zones are currently going on in Geneva.

UN Observer Mission to be closed within 3 to 6 months

2009-06-20T20:38:00.002+03:00

UN observer mission in Abkhazian conflict zone will be closed within 3 to 6 months.
Agency ‘Apsni Press’ informs that Foreign Minister of Sokhumi puppet mode Sergey Shamba stated about it after the meeting with UN special envoy Joseph Stephanidis.
‘Closing UN mission is a long process and may last within 3 to 6 months. We still have possibility to discuss issues of closing the mission and hold meeting. What about observation activity, we don’t discuss the issues, as UN observer mission ends’, - Shamba stated.
Shamba thanked the mission for 16-year-old work.
UN observer mission mandate expired on 15 June in Abkhazian conflict zone.
Russia vetoed the UN mandate extension on UN Security Council Session.

Boris Chochiev To Meet Geneva Consultations’ Co-Chairmen

2009-06-20T20:35:00.002+03:00

Meeting between Geneva consultations’ co-chairmen and so-called president’s representative of Tskhinvali regime Boris Chochiev was held in Tskhinvali-informs “Itar-Tas”.
At the meeting Chochiev stated, that the first problem for Tskhinvali is security, non-use of force and “stolen citizens of South Ossetia”.
“Today USA, Ukraine and Israel openly declare, that are intended to arm Georgia. On the day of parliamentary elections we avoided several acts of terrorism.
Everything says that Georgia is busy with preparation of acts of terrorism and provocations instead of discussion memorandum about non-use of force.”-stated Chochiev.
Geneva consultations’ co-chairmen, including OSCE president’s representative Khristopolus Kharalampos, UN generally secretary’s representative Iohan Verbek and UE special representative Pier Morel, are in Tskhinvali.
The next round of Geneva consultations on Caucasus Security issues is arranged for the 1st of July,

Alexander Lomaia - Dictate One State’s Desicion On UN Security Council is Indignative Fact

2009-06-20T20:34:00.000+03:00

Dictate One State’s Desicion On UN Security Council is Indignative Fact-stated Georgian ambassador in UN Alexander Lomaia at the Security Council sitting.
Georgia is indignated by the fact that Security Council desicion was conditioned by one state’s resistance.
“This step is not a separate action, but part of a big strategy, which Russia began before the occupation of Georgian territory last summer. Russia carries out blocking of the international missions’ in Georgia. OSCE mission stopped to operate on Russia’s initiative month ago.”-designated Lomaia.
According with his statement, UE observation mission got special role in this situation, but after UN mission’s expiration, it will be too complicated to inform international society about the situation in the Conflict zone.
“After several ethnic cleaning in Georgia, half million of population pin theit hope on international society, to continue struggle for justice.In this situation Russia still continues abrogation of international norms and the cease-fire agreement.This led Russia to be in self-isolation.”-stated Lomaia.
The votes divided in the following way: 10-supporter; 1- against and 4- abstained; Security Council permanent members- USA, France, Great Britain- supported draft resolution, China and Security Council temporary members-Libya, Viet-Nam and Uganda, refrained from voting.
Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin announced before the vote that the extension of the mission with the same format was absurd because it no longer met the new reality, meaning the recognition of Abkhazia`s independence by Russia.
Accordance with this decision, the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Georgia expired at 8 a.m. yesterday.

International observers to arrive in Tskhinvali

2009-06-20T20:32:00.001+03:00

The representatives of the European Union, the OSCE and the UN are expected to arrive in the capital of Georgia`s breakaway region of Tskhinvali today and meet with the separatists leaders to agree the details of the next round of Geneva consultations. The Geneva talks
The representative of the separatist regime, Boris Chochiev voiced the claims of his government. He said Pier Morell, Johan Verbeke and Kharlampos Khristopulos would arrive in Tskhinvali by the vehicles of the Georgian side, while they had been offering to provide their transportation to the conflict region themselves.

CoE reporters concerned over Russian veto of UN mission in Georgia

2009-06-19T19:25:00.001+03:00

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) rapporteurs on the consequences of the war between Georgia and Russia, Luc van der Brande (Belgium, EPP/ CD) and Mátyás Eörsi (Hungary, ALDE), as well as Corien Jonker (Netherlands, EPP/CD), rapporteur on the humanitarian consequences of this war, today jointly expressed great concern that Russia had vetoed the continuation of the mandate of the UN Observer Mission to Georgia (UNOMIG) and its work in the breakaway region of Abkhazia.

`Without a UN Mission, Abkhazia is in danger of slipping into a human rights black hole," the rapporteurs stated.

"UNOMIG has had over 15 years of experience in the region. This experience must not be lost," they continued, calling specifically on Russia to show flexibility in order to find a solution for international human rights and monitoring presence in Abkhazia.

Regretting that repeated Assembly demands to ensure the continuation of the work carried out by the UN Observer Mission in Georgia had not been heeded, the PACE rapporteurs called on all parties to think about the people and not the politics.

"Without UNOMIG in Abkhazia there will be no independent human rights protection and monitoring, and an almost complete lack of any international presence. Those who will suffer are the people, and particularly those living in the Gali region," they added.

"No one wants a further exodus from the Gali region, but without human rights protection guarantees and monitoring, this exodus will become a real risk", the rapporteurs concluded.

Russia may reduce its military contingent in Abkhazia, South Ossetia

2009-06-19T19:22:00.001+03:00

Russia plans to reduce its military contingent in Georgia`s conflict regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russian Chief of Staff of Armed Forces, Nikolai Markov has said. According to him, Russia had planned to have 3,700 soldiers in the military bases in Georgia`s both regions, however, Markov says this is too much, as Abkhazian and South Ossetian governments have their own forces too and they will be able to solve their problems themselves.
`Our forces are there to stabilize situation and protect the integrity of the republics,` Makarov said.

Bagapsh thanks Russia for its veto on UN mission in Georgia

2009-06-19T19:18:00.000+03:00

Abkhazian separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh has thanked Russia for its veto on the extension of the UN mission in Georgia. The leader of the puppet regime says he has nothing against the organization itself, but adds that he will never support the resolution in which Abkhazia is mentioned as the part of Georgia.
`We`ll find other ways for imposing contacts with UN and other international organizations,` Bagapsh announced at the session of his security council, where the separatist foreign minister has also expressed his position. Sergey Shamba said that absence of UN in this region meant freedom in stationing armed forces.
`Now we can cooperate with Russia without obstructions. This is very important for Sokhumi, because we see Russia as the main warrant of peace in Abkhazia,` Shamba said.

International observers to arrive in Tskhinvali (Tsxinvali)

2009-06-16T21:36:00.002+03:00

The representatives of the European Union, the OSCE and the UN are expected to arrive in the capital of Georgia`s breakaway region of Tskhinvali today and meet with the separatists leaders to agree the details of the next round of Geneva consultations. The Geneva talks will be held on July 1.
The representative of the separatist regime, Boris Chochiev voiced the claims of his government. He said Pier Morell, Johan Verbeke and Kharlampos Khristopulos would arrive in Tskhinvali by the vehicles of the Georgian side, while they had been offering to provide their transportation to the conflict region themselves.

Abkhaz separatists voice new ultimatum

2009-06-15T23:10:00.002+03:00

Abkhazian separatist minister of foreign affairs, Sergey Shamba has voiced yet another ultimatum to the United Nations Organization. Shamba says, the Abkhaz side does not urge the UN to recognize the independence of the republic of Abkhazia, but they are insisting that Abkhazia was not mentioned as the part of Georgia in any other document by the UN Secretary General.
Abkhaz separatist minister voiced this demand at the meeting with the UN Secretary General`s special representative Johan Verbeke in Sokhumi.
The UN Security Council will adopt the resolution on Georgia on June 15.

Russian singers sang for their soldiers in Abkhazia

2009-06-15T23:08:00.002+03:00

Abkhaz separatists have celebrated the Day of Russia at the Gudauta military base. They arranged a stage for Russian soldiers and performed a concert. Popular Russian singers, Lev Leshenko, Oleg Gazmanov and Aleksandr Marshall sang to encourage the soldiers of the occupants` army. The event was organized by the club of Russian Orthodox Maecenas. They presented the soldiers with the collection of prayers for soldiers.

Trial against Georgian crime boss in Moscow delayed

2009-06-15T23:06:00.002+03:00

Trial brought against Tariel Oniani has been delayed. He had to be sent to custody today. The Georgian-born crime boss was been arrested by Russian militia in Moscow. Reportedly, his bodyguards were also arrested. Oniani is suspected of organizing a kidnapping of a Georgian businessman, whom the kidnappers had captured for two days demanding 250,000-dollar ransom from his family. The hostage has been released, however, the abductors continued with intimidating the family.

Tariel Onian has lived in Europe since 90-ies. Spain`s police conducted a large-scale special operation against him in 2005, but Oniani managed to escape. He returned to Russia in 2006 and took the citizenship of the Russian Federation.
Tariel Oniani has been wanted by Interpol for many years.

UN Security Council to discuss extension of UNOMIG

2009-06-15T23:03:00.001+03:00

The UN Security Council assembles today to discuss the extension of the UNOMIG mandate. The organization`s website reports that the Security Council will also will adopt a corresponding resolution.
The details of the mandate are expected to be defined in accordance with the #1866 Security Council resolution. Recommendation from Secretary-General`s report must be foreseen.
The last report by the Secretary General on Georgia the term `Abkhazia, Georgia` is no longer mentioned. This has caused a serious protest of Georgia. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili stated that Georgia is not going to compromise and trade about Georgian territorial integrity.
According to the president, Georgia aims to preserve international missions, but Russia puts a question to make a compromise about Georgia's territorial integrity. `This will not happen, as Georgia will never compromise about territorial integrity` Saakashvili said.
President also underlined that Georgia arranged intensive consultations with UN Security Council permanent members and he does not remember resembling support from 1993.
`Either a resolution confirming respecting Georgian territorial integrity and punctually confirming that every square meter of Abkhazia is component part of Georgia, or UN mission mandate prolongs technically, the third version is excluded.` Saakashvili said.

Separatists urge UN to be neutral in Abkhazia

2009-06-15T23:02:00.002+03:00

The foreign minister of the Abkhazian puppet regime, Sergey Shamba says they are not against the extension of the UN mission presence in Abkhazia, however, urge the international organization to keep neutral position in the conflict region.
The separatist minister underlined in a telephone interview with the Rustavi2 that they do not demand recognition of Abkhazia`s independence from the organization; however, call upon its members to abstain from making biased formulation of in the resolution, which the UN Security Council is to adopt today.
`We welcome the extension of the UN mandate in Abkhazia, however, we underline that the organization must be neutral in Abkhazia. Demonstrating support for any side is unacceptable today. We see no problem in demonstrating unbiased approach to the problem; however, the organization, which openly supports only Georgia, will not operate in Georgia. We`d like the international society to know that we do not need UN in Abkhazia if the organization takes previous position in Abkhazia,` Shamba has said.

Dmitry Medvedev – Current Georgian Political Regime Committed Crime and we Won’t Have Any Connection with it

2009-06-15T12:55:00.002+03:00

President of Russia assesses situation around Abkhazia and the so called South Ossetia as a result of ‘irresponsible criminal’ policy of Georgian government.
Russian president pledges to continue economic and military support to Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia, South Ossetia in the future. Dmitri Medvedev was questioned about Russia’s plans for these regions in an interview with the central Channel of China.
‘This is our choice and we are not going to change these projects, no matter if anyone likes this or not,’ Dmitry Medvedev said.
Medvedev has also commented on the position of the United States on this problem and said that Russia saw nothing dramatic in this, because every country was authorized to make decisions on similar issues independently.
‘If not these stupid actions, life would be different. Several dangerous actions were carried out, what resulted in victims. As a result, Russian federation had to protect its citizens, citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We recognized these independent states aftermath’, - Medvedev stated and added that ‘this step of Moscow was humanitarian and moral obligation’.
Russian president ruled out any kind of dialogue with the current leadership of Georgia and said that negotiations would be possible only in case the government was changed in Georgia.
‘We consider that political regime committed crime and we’ll have nothing common with it. But it is natural that after the elections, to be held in Georgia by all means now or late, if the government is selected that will be able to negotiate with Russia and the closest neighbors Abkhazia and South Ossetia, we’ll get back to discussing different issues’, - Medvedev stated.

Sokhumi not to Let UN Mission if Their Conditions are not Considered

2009-06-15T12:52:00.001+03:00

Sokhumi puppet mode does not intend to let the mission to Abkhazian territory if their conditions are not considered.
The so called foreign minister of Sokhumi regime Sergey Shamba stated to InterpressNews about it. He says that Abkhazian side demands ‘Abkhazia, Georgia’ not to be mentioned in the mission name.
He says that Russian side, member of UN Security Council, is aware of Abkhazian position and considers it legal demand and Russia will support this demand on the council session. Shamba states that if Georgia refuses to new mandate, Russia and Sokhumi won’t by it.
The UN Security Council assembles today to discuss the extension of the UNOMIG mandate and adopt a resolution. As general secretary’s report says, recommendations in the new resolution must be considered. The last report by the Secretary General on Georgia the term ‘Abkhazia, Georgia’ is no longer mentioned.

Eduard Kokoiti To Reorganize His Government

2009-06-14T19:52:00.001+03:00

Ckhinvali puppet regime leader Eduard Kokoiti begins reorganization of his government, Ckhinvali information and press committee informs.
“Instead of decide population’s assistance issues and try to ease tension, many officials abuse their official condition. I want to say, that at the same time of parliament’s work new government will be formed”- said Kokoiti.
He also stated that he will control the process of private houses restoration and it’s financing. Till the end of the year 250 houses aEduard Kokoiti To Reorganize His Government
Tbilisi. June 12. InterpressNews- Ckhinvali puppet regime leader Eduard Kokoiti begins reorganization of his government, Ckhinvali information and press committee informs.
“Instead of decide population’s assistance issues and try to ease tension, many officials abuse their official condition. I want to say, that at the same time of parliament’s work new government will be formed”- said Kokoiti.
He also stated that he will control the process of private houses restoration and it’s financing. Till the end of the year 250 houses are planned to be restored.

Suxumi Regime to Return Geneva Consultations

2009-06-14T19:42:00.000+03:00

Suxumi puppet regime is possible to return to Geneva consultations.
Information agency “ Apsni press” informs, about this leader of regime Sergei Bagapshi declared at the so-called Parlaiment.
Although, Bagapshi stated, that Suxumi will return to consultations only if discussions will not procrastinate.
“Geneva discussions fortune is depended on UN’s new mandate, but today positive tendency evaluating Abkhazia- related situation from International concord is noticed”, -declared Bagapshi.
Bagapshi says, that Suxumi has no faith in Europena Union observers and Abkhazian side agrees European Union observers participation in meetings, which is going to hold in June after UN mission’s new mandate is defined.
International consultations final round was held in May 18-19. At 18th of May Russian and South Ossetian puppet regime’s delegation left the sitting, Abkhazian side refused to preset at the sitting because of belated report of UN genera secretary. Although, after publication the report at 19th of May returned at the sitting.
The next round is set for the 1st of July

U.S. Department of State Refuses to Recognize Legality of So called Parliamentray Ellection of South Ossetia

2009-06-14T19:36:00.002+03:00

The United States regrets the decision to hold so-called “elections” in the South Ossetia region of Georgia on May 31, 2009.
The following is tstaed in the statement of U.S Department of State published on the offcial site of the Department.
‚The United States regrets the decision to hold so-called “elections” in the South Ossetia region of Georgia on May 31, 2009, and recognizes neither the legality nor the results. This represents a step away from a peaceful and negotiated solution to the conflict. The U.S. reiterates its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.’ – the official statement of U.S Department of State reads.
So Called South Ossetia held on Sunday its first parliamentary elections. The ruling Unity party garnered 46.38% of the vote, so called local election authorities said citing preliminary results after all the ballots had been counted.