Georgian-South Ossetian conflict

[Federate]

The Ossetians are evacuating children to Russia... something is cooking there.

-------------------

South Ossetia evacuates children
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44886000/gif/_44886671_georgia_226_170_2.gif

The breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia says it is evacuating children to neighbouring Russia, amid renewed violence.

The authorities said they had started to put children on buses to take them out of the conflict zone, but it is not clear how many children have left.

Georgia said the decision was worrying, as it could be a sign the separatists were preparing for more violence.

Six people died on Friday when South Ossetia's capital came under fire.

The Russian-backed separatists and the Georgian authorities blamed each other for starting the fighting.

Tensions have risen in South Ossetia and Georgia's other breakaway region, Abkhazia, after Russia announced it would establish official links with the separatists.

Georgia's government says Russia is supporting and inciting the separatists to create instability as part of its attempts to stop Georgia joining Nato, says the BBC's Matthew Collin in Tbilisi.

It also accuses Russia of acting to maintain the Kremlin's influence in this former Soviet region, our correspondent says.

'Full-scale war'

The separatists said three of their militiamen were killed by Georgian sniper fire and three civilians died when the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali was shelled on Friday night.

South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity accused Georgia of "attempting to spark a full-scale war", and said he was ready to mobilise volunteer fighters if the situation deteriorated further.

The Georgian interior ministry told the BBC that the separatists had provoked the violence by opening fire first, and troops had responded.

It said snipers were not involved and that populated areas were not shelled.

Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili also said that South Ossetian forces had blown up a Georgian police car with a mine earlier on Friday, injuring six policemen.

Friday's overnight fighting was the worst violence in South Ossetia for several years.

Skirmishes have erupted frequently along the border, with the two sides accusing each other of starting them.

South Ossetia fought a war to break away from Georgia during the collapse of the USSR at the beginning of the 1990s.

It has remained de facto independent, backed by Russia which has about 1,000 peacekeeping troops stationed there.

Georgia has been seeking to restore its control over both South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7539282.stm

[yerazhishda]

Armenia needs to mobilize Javakh amidst this chaos!

[Federate]

This preceded the previous event
-----------------------------

Georgia, S. Ossetia talk war after 6 die in clash

TBILISI, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia said on Saturday it was evacuating children to Russia and accused Georgia of targeting civilians after six people died overnight in a shootout with Georgian forces.

Stoking fears of war in the volatile Caucasus, separatist president Eduard Kokoity said he was ready to mobilise his region's men and take volunteers from the Russian republic of North Ossetia and other Caucasus republics to fight Georgia.

South Ossetia broke away from Georgia after a bloody war in the early 1990s. Russia has sent in a peacekeeping force, which Moscow says is needed to avert a new war.

South Ossetia said on its website, cominf.org, that the death toll had risen overnight from three to six people and armed clashes continued through the night on the outskirts of the separatist capital, Tskhinvali.

It said shooting came from three ethnic Georgian villages, but Georgia blamed the separatists for provoking the clashes.

The commander of Georgia's peacekeeping force in the region, Mamuka Kurashvili, was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying South Ossetian peacekeepers shot at a Georgian village and suspected Russian peacekeepers of taking part.

Georgian peacekeepers and police officers returned fire and repelled the attack, he said.

Georgia's Interior Ministry said nine civilians in the Georgian villages in South Ossetia were injured, while Tskhinvali said up to 15 were injured on its side, up from seven reported on Friday. Kokoity put the number of injured at 13.

"This is another attempt by the separatist side to involve Georgia in a military conflict," Georgia's state minister in charge of re-integration, Temur Iakobashvili, told reporters in Tbilisi before leaving to visit the shootout area.

"The Georgian side was forced to return fire," he added.

Later, Iakobashvili said South Ossetian leaders refused to meet him for talks, and he called for more peacekeepers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).



CHILDREN'S CAMPS

On the separatist website, Kokoity accused Georgia of deliberately targeting young South Ossetian men with sniper fire and aiming artillery fire at Tskhinvali residential areas.

Children were being evacuated in buses from the Tskhinvali area to children's camps in the Russian border region of North Ossetia, the site said.

A spokesman for the Georgian Interior Ministry, Shota Utiashvili, denied use of snipers and weapons capable of hitting Tshinvali's "peaceful quarters" in televised remarks.

Russia's foreign ministry, in a separate statement, urged both sides to show restraint and said it was taking "energetic measures" to prevent an escalation of the armed conflict.

Russian news agencies quoted the a spokesman for the Russian defence ministry as saying Russian peacekeepers were not involved in the exchange of fire.

The commander of Russia's paratroop force, celebrating Russia's annual Paratroop Day, turned up the rhetoric, saying his men were ready for deployment to South Ossetia to back up the peacekeepers, Interfax reported.

"A decision to deploy extra forces is the purview of the Security Council and president, but in any case Russia will not allow harm to come to its citizens residing in South Ossetia," the news agency quoted Valery Yevtukhovich as saying.

Georgia, which has irritated Russia by aspiring to join NATO, has accuses Moscow of seeking to annex South Ossetia and another rebel region, Abkhazia.

Russia has rejected the blame and accused Tbilisi, which views restoring control over the breakaway provinces as a top national priority, of artificially stoking the crisis to find a pretext for seizing the regions by force. (Additional reporting by Melissa Akin in Moscow; Editing by Richard Meares)

From: http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL279875._CH_.2400

[Federate]

Armenia needs to mobilize Javakh amidst this chaos!
I agree but it's a big risk to involve the state of Armenia publicly. It should be done by the United Javakhk Alliance with underground support from Armenia.

[Armanen]

I agree but it's a big risk to involve the state of Armenia publicly. It should be done by the United Javakhk Alliance with underground support from Armenia.


Yes, and I some members of the ARF, Artsakh War Veterens and formers members of ASALA should get involved too.

[To_Es_El_Qo]

Yes, and I some members of the ARF, Artsakh War Veterens and formers members of ASALA should get involved too.

First we need an internal stability. That’s why HHSh’s leftovers, including the head, should be buried. Also, unless there is a major war breakout in Georgia with Russia’s involvement from N / NE, and we have the Russian’s blessing, this will not happen. The war is knocking the door, I hope we’ll get the blessing though.

[Federate]

So what does everyone think, would Russia support Armenians in Javakhk? I think it would be there but not be as strong as their support for Abkhazia and Ossetia simply for the fact that it has a border with both of those entities and does not have one with Javakhk.

I wish we had a border with Russia, everything would be much simpler.

[crusader1492]

My feeling is that the Armenians of Javakh have learned well from their Artsakh brothers. In short, I'm sure the organization, coordination and all necessary men and hardware are ready to go if the need for self-defense arises.
Georgia's best bet to keep Javakh in their political borders would be to gradually (over time) force Armenians out as the Azeris did in Nakhichevan (by intitutionalized discrimination and governmental neglect). Conversely, if Georgia starts becoming impatient and overtly violent, they can say goodbye to Javakh as Armenians will fight back and win.

[crusader1492]

A little Javakhk history and why it belongs to Armenia...


ARA PAPYAN: PRESENT-DAY GEORGIA HAS NO RIGHT TO JAVAKHK

Present-day Georgia has no right to Javakhk, for no agreement on state border was signed between Armenia and Georgia after the war in 1918, said Ara Papyan, head of Modus Vivendi center, historian and former Armenian Ambassador to Canada. "The issue of borders in the South Caucasus should be resolved on the basis of the international law, through implementation of Woodrow Wilson's arbitral award and the principles proposed by the League of Nations on February 24, 1920," he said. "Decisions of the Communist Party's Central Committee on Karabakh and Javakhk should not determine Armenia's borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Leaders of modern Georgia eye the soviet era as period of foreign occupation." If someone questions the Paris conference's decision on Armenia, this person questions the entire legal and political system of Europe and Middle East, according to him. "A special commission dealing with the problem of Armenian borders said in its report that all territorial disputes should be considered by the League of Nations. Javakhk's annexation to Georgia was a result of occupation regime," Papyan said. The Armenian-Georgian war for Javakhk started on December 5, 1918 and was stopped after British interference on December 31. An agreement signed in Tiflis in January 1919 stated that the northern part of Borchalinsky district passed on to Georgia, the southern part passed on to Armenia while the middle (Lori and Zangezur) was announced a "neutral zone" and was under control of British governor-general. After establishment of the soviet rule, Javakhk issue was raised again. Overwhelming majority of the province stood for joining Armenia. A final decision was taken at the plenary session of the Caucasus Bureau and was forwarded to consideration of the Georgian Communist Party's Central Committee, which decreed that "taking into account Akhalkalaki's political and economic ties with Tiflis, the proposals of our Armenian comrades is unacceptable." After the end of WWI, Armenia and Turkey signed the Treaty of Sevres which envisaged Armenia's commitment to Woodrow Wilson's arbitral award determined borders with Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan. According to the award, Armenia was supposed to get Armenian-inhabited Transcaucasian regions, thus bringing its territory to 110 thousand km2.

[Armanen]

So what does everyone think, would Russia support Armenians in Javakhk? I think it would be there but not be as strong as their support for Abkhazia and Ossetia simply for the fact that it has a border with both of those entities and does not have one with Javakhk.

I wish we had a border with Russia, everything would be much simpler.


If Russia were already at war with georgia over Abkhazia and S. Ossetia then I think the Russians wouldn't mind seeing a 3rd front open up for the georgians. At the same time though Russia (and other world/regional powers) doesn't want to see Armenia become too powerful, cause then we will have more options, yet I think we should be more focused on how official baku and ankara would react. I think if Armenia got directly involved with helping the Armenians of Javakh, as in we sent our armed forces into Javakh then the azeri scum would most likely take advantage and attack. But all of this is highly theoretical, so let's just support our brothers and sisters in Javakh in any way they need, and lets see what happens in following months.

[crusader1492]

If Russia were already at war with georgia over Abkhazia and S. Ossetia then I think the Russians wouldn't mind seeing a 3rd front open up for the georgians. At the same time though Russia (and other world/regional powers) doesn't want to see Armenia become too powerful, cause then we will have more options, yet I think we should be more focused on how official baku and ankara would react. I think if Armenia got directly involved with helping the Armenians of Javakh, as in we sent our armed forces into Javakh then the azeri scum would most likely take advantage and attack. But all of this is highly theoretical, so let's just support our brothers and sisters in Javakh in any way they need, and lets see what happens in following months.

I think Russia would love to have a common border with Armenia (a country under its thumb). In that case, they would have direct access to Iran and in turn, yield more global influence.
With that said, if a war breaks out, not only would Russia give Armenia its blessing to open up a third front, but it will activiy help in the struggle.
This logic also applies to Iran whose interests lie with Russia and conversely, against NATO candidate, Georgia.

[Federate]

This logic also applies to Iran whose interests lie with Russia and conversely, against NATO candidate, Georgia.
Incidentally, Georgian-Iranian relations don't look so well according to this article from 2 months ago

------------------
Iran can use Georgia’s vulnerability if Saakashvili continues pushing pro-West policy

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ During past several years, relations between Iran and Georgia tensed periodically over a number of foreign-policy circumstances. However, they remained unnoticeable and never transformed into open confrontation, according to an Armenian expert.

“With Mikhail Saakashvili coming to power, Tbilisi and Tehran have experienced various political and diplomatic problems,” Eduard Abrahamyan, director of Mitq analytical center, writes in “Current stage of Iranian-Georgian” article.

“The latest scandal burst out when Georgia, demonstrating its devotion to the United States, detained members of Iranian diplomatic mission in January, accusing them of holding nuclear talks with Russia in the Georgian territory. At that time, official Tehran urged immediate release of its citizens and threatened Georgia with de jure recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence,” the article says.

“Another factor is delivery of Iranian gas to Georgia. Iran can take advantage of Georgia’s vulnerability if Saakashvili goes on pushing pro-West policy. Investment agreements can also be used as a tool of pressure. In aspiration to engage in resolution of conflict in the Caucasus, Iran can watch the issue in the light of U.S. increasing U.S. influence and its allies in Georgia and Azerbaijan,” it says.

From http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26570

[ARAKH]

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[Federate]

My Terrain, we already have a thread on the Georgia and South Ossetia conflict. Before opening up a new thread everytime you want to post something, could you take 2 seconds of your time and search the forum for a thread where your info would be suitable to post in? Thanks.

I found one for you on the topic of Georgia and South Ossetia: http://forum.armenianclub.com/showthread.php?t=11207

[crusader1492]

I'll move it for him and we can continue the discussion in that thread...

[crusader1492]

Originally posted by MyTerrain:


http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26791

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The threat of war between Georgia and its breakaway region of South Ossetia is becoming increasingly real, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

The conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia has intensified after the rebel region’s territory was shelled late on Friday and early on Saturday, as a result of which six people were killed and 13 wounded. South Ossetia accused Georgian forces of shelling its territory while Georgia blamed the separatists for provoking armed clashes.

"The situation in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict area, which sharply aggravated on August 1-2 as a result of mass mortar shelling of residential quarters in Tskhinvali, which claimed human lives, remains extremely explosive. The threat of large-scale combat operations between Georgia and South Ossetia is becoming ever more real," the ministry said on its web site.

South Ossetia declared its independence from Georgia following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Hundreds died in the bloody conflict that followed. The pro-Western Georgian leadership has said it is determined to bring the region, along with another breakaway republic, Abkhazia, back under central control.

South Ossetian authorities on Sunday accused Georgia of moving its troops close to the separatist region’s borders, saying that an artillery battalion and two mortar batteries from the 4th motorized brigade of the Georgian Defense Ministry had started movement from the army base in Georgia’s eastern town of Gori towards the separatist republic’s capital, Tskhinvali.

Georgia rejected the reports as being untrue.

South Ossetia leader Eduard Kokoity said on Saturday he was ready to mobilize men in the separatist republic and take volunteers from other Caucasus republics to fight Georgia.

In its statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry also urged both conflicting parties to show restraint and prevent the use of force in the conflict area.

"The parties should act in the spirit of goodwill and focus their efforts on settling the crisis situation and prevent its recurrences," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, it is important to resume the negotiation process in the format of the Mixed Control Commission for the solution of the South Ossetian conflict and hold extraordinary working meetings between representatives of the conflicting parties, RIA Novosti reports.

[crusader1492]

I'd like to hear some thoughts about possible "silver-linings" if war between Russia/South Ossetia and Georgia becomes a reality.

The first though that comes to mind is that a resounding Tblisi defeat would echo loudly to the rest of GUAM countries who might think of solving their "territorial problem" by force.
I suppose the opposite is true too (i.e. a Tblisi victory would embolden the likes of Azerbaijan)

[Federate]

The first though that comes to mind is that a resounding Tblisi defeat would echo loudly to the rest of GUAM countries who might think of solving their "territorial problem" by force.
I suppose the opposite is true too (i.e. a Tblisi victory would embolden the likes of Azerbaijan)
I agree. Azerbaijan is studying Tiflis' every move... we saw this by its recent planned acquisition of those Israeli Hermes spy drones. Georgia bought them and used them and now Azerbaijan is going to do the same. I also read in an article not so long ago that Azerbaijan is ready to send "reinforcements" to Georgia in the case of war.

[Federate]

Georgia and S Ossetia to hold talks

Georgian and South Ossetian officials have agreed to hold direct talks on Thursday for the first time in a decade amid tensions in the mountain province.

"There is an agreement to hold a meeting in Tskhinvali on August 7," Marina Salukvadze, the reintegration minister's spokeswoman said, referring to the capital of unrecognised South Ossetia.

In a separate development, Georgia's foreign ministry said the Georgian deputy foreign minister will meet his Russian counterpart in Moscow later this week to discuss the situation in South Ossetia.

The move comes after a senior Russian diplomat warned Moscow would defend Russian citizens living in South Ossetia, while a South Ossetian official said militias in the region were preparing for war.

Children evacuated

South Ossetia has evacuated hundreds of women and children to Russia over the past few days after six people were killed on Friday by sniper and mortar fire from Georgian positions, the breakaway province's government said.

Jonah Hull, Al Jazeera's correspondent in North Ossetia, said many of the women and children seeking shelter and safety are situated around the city of Vladikavkaz.

"They're being housed in school and college buildings, the schools vacated of course for the summer holidays.

"They're getting pretty basic care, and simply don't know how long they'll be here," he said.

Georgia has denied readying for war and said there is no major evacuation.

Russian support

South Ossetia broke away from the rest of Georgia after the Soviet collapse of 1991 in a conflict that killed thousands of people.

Russia has given the separatist province diplomatic and economic support, including granting citizenship to most of its residents.

"If events develop in the worst possible way, with the use of force, Russia will not be able to stand by, seeing as Russian citizens live in South Ossetia," Yury Popov, the Russian ambassador at large, said.

Tensions between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian region, Abkhazia, have soared in recent months since Moscow announced it was boosting ties with the separatists.

Meanwhile, South Ossetian officials said militia volunteers from southern Russia were beginning to arrive in the separatist province in preparation for a possible conflict.

Dmitry Medoyev, a spokesman for South Ossetia's leadership, said in Moscow: "We are getting offers of help from the north Caucasus and from the Cossacks of southern Russia."

Medoyev also said that South Ossetia could block oil shipments through Georgia in the event of conflict, without giving further details.

From http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2008/08/20088515351536287.html

[Federate]

Georgia to start war against South Ossetia by September

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Georgia will start war against South Ossetia by September, said Eduard Kokoyty, the South Ossetian President.

"We have irrefutable evidence that large-scale operations will be launched by September. Saakashvili's plan is being developed," he said, RIA Novosti reports.

From http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26816

[North Pole]

That pro-American freak Michael Saakashvili just lost his mind....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Saakashvili_n_bush.jpg


Georgia starts bombarding South Ossetia

Georgia is reported to start bombardment of South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali and villages near the border. At least 3 people are said to be injured.

Georgia is reported to start bombardment of South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali and villages near the border. At least 3 people are said to be injured.

"Around half past twelve the bombardment of Tskhinvali started. We don’t know who is shooting. It sounds like mortar and artillery fire, we can hear very loud explosions. On Wednesday night the curfew was introduced for the capital of South Ossetia," Mahmoud Kanbar, correspondent of RT's Arab Language sister channel Rusiya Al-Ayum, reported from South Ossetian capital.

Reports throughout Wednesday suggest there have been a number of border shootouts between Georgian special forces and the South Ossetian military, using small arms and heavy artillery. Georgia is offering direct talks with South Ossetia, but the separatist republic insists that Russia and North Ossetia should also be involved.

The leader of the self-proclaimed republic, Eduard Kokoity said the situation is “very serious”.

”Georgia has tried to build a fortified structure, a block post near the Nuli village. Our reaction to such actions will be very tough because we see them as bandits who open fire on our civilians,” he said.

“Russia is putting in a great deal of effort to promote the idea of peace talks. We treat such initiatives with understanding and believe they are necessary. But we insist on the talks including Russia and North Ossetia. We will not hold one-to-one discussions with Georgia,” Kokoity said.

VIDEO -- http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28571/video

READ MORE -- http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28571

[Federate]

Looks like the American agent received orders to stop.

----------------------

Georgia offers S Ossetia ceasefire

http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images//2008/8/7/20088716223572580_5.jpg

Georgia has offered South Ossetian separatists an immediate ceasefire following days of heavy fighting.

Following clashes on Thursday, Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia's president, said he had ordered Georgian forces not to return fire.

In a televised address, Saakashvili said: "I offer you an immediate ceasefire and the immediate beginning of talks."

He repeated an offer of "full autonomy" for the breakaway region.

Jonah Hull, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Moscow, described the offer as an "olive branch".

"It was turning into a situation where we were waiting and wondering which side would back down first.

"It seems that Georgia is offering here some sort of an olive branch. It's certainly an admission and a sign of just how serious things have become in South Ossetia," he said.

"It's also a sign perhaps of how unwilling Georgia is to be drawn into a full-scale conflict, knowing very well that that would jeopordise its cherished chances of joining Nato."

Fighting between Georgian soldiers and forces from the breakaway region of South Ossetia wounded up to 20 people on Thursday.

Both sides blame each other for the conflict.

Casualties

The de facto government in Tskhinvali, the South Ossetian capital, said that 18 people had been wounded by Georgian fire.

Marina Salukvadze, a spokeswoman for Temur Yakobashvili, the Georgian re-integration minister, said two Georgian servicemen were also wounded after attacks on Georgian positions by South Ossetian forces.

Tensions over South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian region, Abkhazia, have been rising since Russia said it was establishing formal ties with the separatists.

A Russian envoy has arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital.

South Ossetia said that six people had died in fighting over the weekend.

From http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2008/08/200887153834382644.html

[To_Es_El_Qo]

Georgia starts storming South Ossetian capital despite ceasefire

Firing resumed in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone. Georgian troops one-sidedly breached the ceasefire declared by both sides several hours ago.

Approximately at 11:30 p.m. Moscow time fire was opened from heavy artillery from the side of the Georgian villages of Ergneti, Nikozi against the city of Tskhinval, the Defense Ministry of South Ossetia announced on Thursday. A REGNUM correspondent reports that Georgian troops have started storming the city.

To remind, several hours ago, the Georgian and the Ossetian side agreed on a ceasefire till tomorrow talks, as on Friday an emergent meeting of the Georgian State Secretary for Reintegration Temur Yakobashvili and Ossetian Deputy Prime Minister Boris Chochiyev.

http://www.regnum.ru/english/accidents/1037974.html


South-Ossetian-Georgian ceasefire comes to a prompt end
Shelling is said to have resumed in the South-Ossetian-Georgian conflict zone. Reports say the capital of Georgia's breakaway republic Tskhinvali has come under heavy fire. There are reports of victims on both sides.

Strikes are being carried by large-calibre weapons. Reports say the center of Tskhinvali has been hit hard, and electricity to the city has been cut.

The President of South Ossetia Eduard Kokity claims Georgia has started to storm the city.

Georgia says it was forced to break the ceasefire, orderd by President Saakashvili earlier in the day, after South Ossetia opened fire.

Tbilisi claims the resumption of shelling comes after heavy strikes on several Georgian villages from South Ossetia.

Earlier Georgia and its breakaway republic of South Ossetia had declared a temporary ceasefire in order to hold talks, which Russia had agreed to mediate.

http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/28629

[North Pole]

Georgia attacks S. Ossetia!....

..........BREAKING NEWS.............

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:24:19 GMT

Georgia has attacked the region of South Ossetia and clashes are taking place near the regional capital Tskhinvali.

The statement was made by the Georgian Interior Ministry on Friday.

"An attack is underway, clashes are taking place outside Tskhinvali," Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utyashvili told AFP. This news came within hours of reports that Georgia and South Ossetia had agreed to meet Friday for talks.

According to officials, up to 12 people were killed and more than 20 injured during Thursday's clashes. "Tskhinvali is being shot at by mortar and heavy weapons from the Georgian villages of Nikozi and Ergneti and some houses are burning," RIA Novosti reported quoting an official speaking for Ossetia's Ministry of Emergency Situations.

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=65912&sectionid=351020606



From BBC:

Heavy fighting in South Ossetia

Georgian forces and South Ossetian separatists have been exchanging heavy fire just hours after agreeing to a ceasefire and Russian-mediated talks. Fighting broke out after a brief lull in a day of heavy fighting in which 12 people were reportedly killed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7546639.stm


Saakashvili lost his mind....

[KarotheGreat]

NP it's much worse the Georgians are storming the capital now.

[yerazhishda]

TOP NEWS FROM THE BBC...
source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7546639.stm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44902000/jpg/_44902687_fighting_ntv_afp226b.jpg
South Ossetian troops have been trading heavy fire (Russian TV grab)


Heavy fighting in South Ossetia

Georgian forces and South Ossetian separatists have been exchanging heavy fire just hours after agreeing to a ceasefire and Russian-mediated talks.

Fighting broke out after a brief lull in a day of heavy fighting in which 12 people were reportedly killed.

Russian media reported that hundreds of fighters from Russia and Abkhazia were heading to aid the separatist troops.

Russia, which has close ties with South Ossetia, has claimed Georgia is ready to overrun the breakaway province.

Moscow-based Interfax news agency quoted the head of Russia's province of North Ossetia, Taimuraz Mamsurov, as saying: "Hundreds of volunteers from North Ossetia are on their way to South Ossetia. We cannot stop them or prevent them from going."

It also quoted Sergei Bagapsh, the head of Georgia's other breakaway province of Abkhazia, as saying: "About 1,000 Abkhaz volunteers are leaving for South Ossetia."

Meanwhile, the head of Georgian peacekeepers in South Ossetia said they were going to "restore constitutional order" to the region.

"We had demanded that [the separatists] sit at the negotiating table but all of this was met with a backwards reaction and there was constant shooting," said Brig Gen Mamuka Kurashvili.

'Perfidious step'

Earlier, South Ossetian rebel leader Eduard Kokoity told Interfax that Georgia had launched an all-out attack on the town of Tskhinvali, in what he called "a perfidious and base step".

Up to 10 Georgian soldiers died in Thursday's clashes, the Georgian interior ministry told AFP news agency.

Separatist authorities claimed on their website two civilians had been killed after coming under Georgian attack.

Days of fierce conflict have raised fears of a new war in the volatile Caucasus.

In a televised address, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili earlier called for the bloodshed to end, but also warned the separatists not to try Tbilisi's patience.

A truce was later announced, with emergency talks set for Friday, but by nightfall, both sides were trading heavy fire.

Georgia accuses Russia of arming the South Ossetian authorities - who have been trying to break away since the civil war in the 1990s. Moscow denies the claim.

President Saakashvili has vowed to restore Tbilisi's control over South Ossetia and another breakaway province, Abkhazia.

The Ossetians have traditionally had good relations with Russia, and North Ossetia is part of the Russian Federation.

Russia is hostile to Georgia's ambition to join Nato and has accused Georgia of building up its forces around the breakaway regions, where Russian peacekeeping troops are deployed.

*****************

What does this mean for Armenia? What does it mean for Javakh if South Ossetia gains sovereignty? If it doesn't? What does this mean for Russian-Armenian and Georgian-Armenian relations?

[KarotheGreat]

TOP NEWS FROM THE BBC...
source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7546639.stm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44902000/jpg/_44902687_fighting_ntv_afp226b.jpg
South Ossetian troops have been trading heavy fire (Russian TV grab)


Heavy fighting in South Ossetia

South Ossetian troops have been trading heavy fire (Russian TV grab)
Georgian forces and South Ossetian separatists have been exchanging heavy fire just hours after agreeing to a ceasefire and Russian-mediated talks.

Fighting broke out after a brief lull in a day of heavy fighting in which 12 people were reportedly killed.

Russian media reported that hundreds of fighters from Russia and Abkhazia were heading to aid the separatist troops.

Russia, which has close ties with South Ossetia, has claimed Georgia is ready to overrun the breakaway province.

Moscow-based Interfax news agency quoted the head of Russia's province of North Ossetia, Taimuraz Mamsurov, as saying: "Hundreds of volunteers from North Ossetia are on their way to South Ossetia. We cannot stop them or prevent them from going."

It also quoted Sergei Bagapsh, the head of Georgia's other breakaway province of Abkhazia, as saying: "About 1,000 Abkhaz volunteers are leaving for South Ossetia."

Meanwhile, the head of Georgian peacekeepers in South Ossetia said they were going to "restore constitutional order" to the region.

"We had demanded that [the separatists] sit at the negotiating table but all of this was met with a backwards reaction and there was constant shooting," said Brig Gen Mamuka Kurashvili.

'Perfidious step'

Earlier, South Ossetian rebel leader Eduard Kokoity told Interfax that Georgia had launched an all-out attack on the town of Tskhinvali, in what he called "a perfidious and base step".

Up to 10 Georgian soldiers died in Thursday's clashes, the Georgian interior ministry told AFP news agency.

Separatist authorities claimed on their website two civilians had been killed after coming under Georgian attack.

Days of fierce conflict have raised fears of a new war in the volatile Caucasus.

In a televised address, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili earlier called for the bloodshed to end, but also warned the separatists not to try Tbilisi's patience.

A truce was later announced, with emergency talks set for Friday, but by nightfall, both sides were trading heavy fire.

Georgia accuses Russia of arming the South Ossetian authorities - who have been trying to break away since the civil war in the 1990s. Moscow denies the claim.

President Saakashvili has vowed to restore Tbilisi's control over South Ossetia and another breakaway province, Abkhazia.

The Ossetians have traditionally had good relations with Russia, and North Ossetia is part of the Russian Federation.

Russia is hostile to Georgia's ambition to join Nato and has accused Georgia of building up its forces around the breakaway regions, where Russian peacekeeping troops are deployed.

the ceasef-fire has already been broken the fighting is still continuing and russian troops are almost in ossetia as are many volluntiers and abkhazia also said they'll jon the war.

[Federate]

Look at the intensity in this video of the fighting.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7548611.stm

[yerazhishda]

I wonder why the American media has been ignoring this dire situation.

Compare www.cnn.com to www.bbc.com. Among CNN's Latest news is "Lost Boy" to Carry Olympic Torch" and "Mega-preacher's wife sued". All the way at the bottom is a small mention of the Georgian disaster. I'm surprised at the prevalence of gossip over real news.

[aray]

Maybe because America is the one who approved this war?

I am disappointed on Russia’s reaction on this. This whole thing is like a slap in the Russia’s face. UN Security Council meeting request? That’s all? This is really strange. Tskhinvali was attacked by heavy artillery, now tanks and aviation with 5 SU 25s attacking the city. If they give up the city, there will be not much left of South Ossetia. I guess gorilla war would be the only option.

I wonder why the American media has been ignoring this dire situation.

Compare www.cnn.com to www.bbc.com. Among CNN's Latest news is "Lost Boy" to Carry Olympic Torch" and "Mega-preacher's wife sued". All the way at the bottom is a small mention of the Georgian disaster. I'm surprised at the prevalence of gossip over real news.

[yerazhishda]

Maybe because America is the one who approved this war?

I am disappointed on Russia’s reaction on this. This whole thing is like a slap in the Russia’s face. UN Security Council meeting request? That’s all? This is really strange. Tskhinvali was attacked by heavy artillery, now tanks and aviation with 5 SU 25s attacking the city. If they give up the city, there will be not much left of South Ossetia. I guess gorilla war would be the only option.

Abkhazia will be coming to reinforce SO troops in about a day or so. Russia will probably give their "peace-keeping" troops the OK to defend against the Georgians. Russia may send a couple of Migs over SO but the Georgians might see this as an act of aggression so I highly doubt it. In summation, don't say it's over when it's just begun.

[Illuminator]

OK time to break up Georgia!!!!

Javakhk arise and throw the Georgians out!!!! Everyone ready?

Damn, they are announcing they took over the capital city and NOTHING is being done???

[yerazhishda]

This is what I've been saying. Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Javakh all need to work together to cause so much havok that Saakashvilli will be running around like a chicken with his head cut off!

Where is Tashnag and why aren't they mobilizing fedayees in Javakh?!

[Illuminator]

http://img.rian.ru/i/t.gif http://img.rian.ru/i/t.gif http://img.rian.ru/i/t.gif http://img.rian.ru/images/7052/24/70522424.jpg World (http://en.rian.ru/world/)

Georgia launches major attack on rebel province despite ceasefire -2


10:08|08/ 08/ 2008http://img.rian.ru/i/b_print.gif (http://en.rian.ru/world/20080808/115886945-print.html)

(Updates in paras 5-7, adds Georgian statement in paras 9-11)
MOSCOW, August 8 (RIA Novosti) - The Georgian military attacked the capital of breakaway South Ossetia on Friday with tanks and infantry and bombed a village, despite a ceasefire declared by Georgia, the separatist government said.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had declared a unilateral ceasefire late on Thursday, soon before the UN Security Council gathered for an emergency meeting amid fears of full-scale war breaking out in the region.
The South Ossetian government said Georgian tanks and infantry attacked Tskhinvali, and that a large part of the city has been destroyed. Over 15 civilians have been killed, several buildings are on fire in the city center, and the local parliament building has burned down, the government said.

The rebel administration also said Georgian Su-25 Frogfoot attack planes have bombed the South Ossetian village of Kvernet as well as a humanitarian aid convoy.
At the Security Council session, Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin called on the council to intervene to stop violence in the region.

The Kremlin said Russia's leadership is also holding emergency talks on the conflict, and is considering urgent measures to end the violence.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev "is heading a meeting to discuss a series of urgent measures to stop the violence in South Ossetia, to protect the civilian population and Russian citizens in the conflict zone, considering that Russian peacekeepers have a mandate there, and to safeguard Russian interests in the region," the Kremlin press service said.

A correspondent for Georgia's Imedi radio said Tskhinvali has now been seized by Georgia, but the report has not been confirmed by other sources.
Georgian Prime Minister Vladimir Gurgenidze said Georgia will continue its military operation until peace is established.

"The goal of Georgia's actions in the conflict zone is to establish peace in the region. And we will not stop until we have attained this goal," he said.

He said the country would offer an amnesty to South Ossetia's leaders, and provide over $35 million in reconstruction aid for province.

[HayotzAmrotz]

We also should be sending volunteers to help Ossetians. Yes, I know it's a brazen move and equals to spitting on Gerogia's face but I personally believe that SPIT is long, long overdue. In the past decade Georgia's attitude towards our people has worsened dramatically, it's more than about our churches, it's more than about our rights, it's about our land, our Homeland. Georgians are trying to brake the balance in Javakhq and sooner or later we MUST deal with them or we will lose Javakhq, it is as simple as that. Plus, we should never forget that during Artsakh war there were hundreds of Ossetian volunteers on our side. http://forum.armenianclub.com/showthread.php?t=10496&highlight=Ossetia

[yerazhishda]

Georgia clashes reignite war fears
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7547888.stm
08/07/2008 16:29

Georgia accuses Russia

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44901000/jpg/_44901815_rustroopsap226b.jpg
Georgia accuses Russian peacekeepers of helping the rebels


The Georgian Minister for Reintegration, Temur Yakobashvili, said it was the separatists who were trying to drag Georgia into a dangerous new conflict.
Georgia accuses Russian peacekeepers of helping the rebels

He also blamed Russia for equipping and financing separatist forces.

"Russia has to take full responsibility for arming these secessionists, for providing them not only with weapons but money," he said.

"They have to share the blame for shelling civilians and instigating war and instability."

Georgia's pro-Western government believes Russia has been fuelling the separatist conflict in South Ossetia and the country's other breakaway region, Abkhazia, as part of its attempts to stop Georgia joining Nato.

Georgia claims that its former Soviet masters in Moscow are using the separatists as pawns in a much larger political game.

The Kremlin does not want the Western military alliance to extend its reach further into the former Soviet Union.

Tensions have escalated in both South Ossetia and Abkhazia since Nato countries agreed in April that Georgia would, at some unspecified date in the future, become a member.

Russia has peacekeeping troops in the breakaway regions. The separatists see them as a guarantee of their security, but Georgia increasingly views them as an occupying force.

Moscow has also given most people in both regions Russian passports, and has vowed to defend its new citizens if war breaks out - raising fears of a much more deadly confrontation.

*********************************

Is Saakashvilli trying to intimidate Medvedev/Putin? How will you feel when Russian tanks roll into your country, Mr. Saakashvilli? You were supposed to be the "guiding light" of Georgia after the corruption that immediately followed the Rose Revolution. Too bad you turned out to be just as corrupt as Georgia's other gangster-politicians.

[Federate]

Moscow has also given most people in both regions Russian passports, and has vowed to defend its new citizens if war breaks out - raising fears of a much more deadly confrontation.
LOL, wow. Freakin' brilliant plot on the part of Moscow.

[Federate]

Russia seems to have entered the war to some degree.

-----------------------------------
Georgia Says Russian Fighters Bomb Georgian Villages (Update1)

By Greg Walters
http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images//2008/8/7/20088717554893360_5.jpg
Aug. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Four Russian fighter jets entered Georgian airspace and bombed the towns of Gori and Kareli, bringing the two former Soviet republics closer to war over the breakaway region of South Ossetia, the Georgian Interior Ministry said.

Three Russian military convoys entered South Ossetia and engaged Georgian forces around the regional capital Tskhinvali, ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili said by telephone today from the capital Tbilisi. A spokeswoman for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said no one was available to comment on the Georgian statement immediately.

``It's emerging to become an international conflict now,'' Utiashvili said. ``There are casualties from our side, but the exact numbers are not known yet.''

South Ossetia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s and exists now as a de facto independent state with Russian peacekeepers and economic support. Georgia, a U.S. ally that wants to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, accuses Russia of stoking tensions in South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia.
http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images//2008/8/7/2008872142471371_5.jpg
Russia's Foreign Ministry today condemned a ``massive attack'' overnight by Georgian troops on Tskhinvali and called on Georgia to return to ``civilized means'' of ending the conflict. ``The Russian Federation will continue efforts aimed at preventing further bloodshed and putting the situation in South Ossetia back on a peaceful footing,'' the ministry said in a statement on its Web site.

Utiashvili said Georgian forces are not shelling the capital ``to avoid casualties.''

The United Nations Security Council failed to pass a resolution on South Ossetia during an emergency meeting called by Russia, Agence France-Presse reported, citing diplomats in New York.

From http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=anBgc4pUpLUw&refer=home

[Illuminator]

8.08.2008 - 11:52
Цхинвал находится под страшнейшим обстрелом

Массированный, интенсивный обстрел Цхинвала продолжается. Город находится под страшнейшим обстрелом. Мирное население столицы РЮО-Цхинвала находится в укрытиях в своих домах, у некоторых уже нет даже этой возможности, так как их дома разрушены. В городе на даннный момент находится еще много детей, женщин и стариков. По имеющейся на данный момент информации, несмотря на продолжающиеся военные действия, город не взят грузинскими войсками и продолжает сопротивление. Грузинские вооруженнные формирования взяли курс на полное уничтожение осетин и делают все для того, чтобы стереть с лица земли осетинские населеннные пункты.

Народ Южной Осетии в который раз надеясь на Россию, просит у нее помощи перед лицом фашизма и полного уничтожения со стороны Грузии. Ни в чем не виновные граждане Южной Осетии, граждане России гибнут в своих домах. И точное число погибших установить невозможно.
Версия для печати (http://cominf.org/2008/08/08/print:page,1,1166477933.html)


===============

8.08.2008 - 11:52 [Tskhinval] is found under the [strashneyshim] firing The concentrated, intensive firing Of [tskhinvala] continues. City is found under the [strashneyshim] firing. The innocent civilians of the capital Of [rYuO]-[Tskhinvala] is located in the shelters in its houses, some already do not have even this possibility, since their houses are destroyed. In the city at the [dannnyy] moment are found still many children, women and old men. According to the existing at the given moment information, which are in spite of continued military actions, city it is not undertaken by the Georgian troops and continues resistance. The Georgian [vooruzhennnye] formings took course on the complete destruction of [osetin] and is done everything in order to erase from face of the earth the ossetic [naselennnye] points.

The people of South Osetia in which once hoping in Russia, requests in it aid before face of fascism and complete destruction from the side of Georgia. In nothing not the guilty citizens of South Osetia, the citizens of Russia perish in their houses. And the precise number of those been killed cannot be established.
Version for the press

[HayotzAmrotz]

A brief but a very accurate description of how it started, who started it and how the Russian peace keepers ended up in South Ossetia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVpRr4JL5Eo

(in Russian)

[HayotzAmrotz]

Beautiful South Ossetia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZuC0VVQlqM&feature=related
The vast majority of Caucasus is behind Ossetians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRxnXoJISF8&feature=related

[Supreme]

Come on Russia, what are you waiting for! BOMB THE GEORGIAN SCUM!

[Supreme]

http://streaming.visionip.tv/Russia_Today

Here you guys watch Russia Today live and in English...their covering the conflict very well

[KarotheGreat]

Why aren't the Armenians in Javakh taking there chances and declaring independence. When the abkhaz open a second front and we can open a third and the Russians a fourth front.

[Supreme]

Why aren't the Armenians in Javakh taking there chances and declaring independence. When the abkhaz open a second front and we can open a third and the Russians a fourth front.

Well it was obvious the attack on the Armenian's in Javakh a few weeks was a pre-text to this war and it was also done in order to stop any new separatists from forming.

I agree though. If Georgia attacks Abkhazia, Armenians should definitely stand up in Javakh.

[HayotzAmrotz]

I agree though. If Georgia attacks Abkhazia, Armenians should definitely stand up in Javakh.

Glad you mentioned Abkhazia because this attack on South Ossetia (SO) is all about Abkhazia. That's right, Abkhazia. Georgians are gauging Russia's response in SO and so far everything goes by Georgia's plan, which is: Attack and occupy SO then scream at Abkhazians "Look how your Russian friends let the Ossetians down, now come to the table and let's talk or else!"

But what these fukhead Georgians don't realize is that Abkhazia is NOT South Ossetia. Abkhazia, unlike SO, is rich and armed to the teeth. If Georgia attacks them it will be the end of Georgia. Firstly, the occupied South Ossetia will rise and start to harass Georgian occupational forces - the long nights of hit and runs would begin and continue until Georgians leave. Secondly, one week after an attack on Abkhazia, Russia will step in and declare to the world (and not just to those fukhead Georgians) that enough is enough, from now on Russia will defend its citizens anywhere in the world starting right now in Abkhazia (95% of its population are Russian citizens). This will not mean that Russian MiG's will bomb Tbilisi, what it will mean is that Russia will get its Special Forces to organize and coordinate an extreme assault on Georgia from inside Abkhazia, when I say "extreme" I mean fast, very fuking FAST. Faster then America can say "UN Security Council". Literally in a day or two Georgians will be so fuked that they will cross en masse into Turkey and Azerbaijan for help.

As for our beloved Javakhq I'd say the people of Javakhq should clame freedom as soon as the opportunity comes and before it is gone.

[Illuminator]

Georgians getting arses kicked.

Российские войска входят в Цхинвали

Колонна российской бронетехники входит в Цхинвали, передает ИТАР-ТАСС со ссылкой на власти Южной Осетии. Осетинские ополченцы уничтожают грузинскую бронетехнику в центре города. Как сообщил один из ополченцев, отрядам югоосетинской обороны удается уничтожать грузинскую бронетехнику и вытеснять грузинские формирования с севера на юг города. Госкомитет по информации и печати Южной Осетии сообщил, что грузинская авиация наносит удар по Цхинвали.

[Supreme]

Glad you mentioned Abkhazia because this attack on South Ossetia (SO) is all about Abkhazia. That's right, Abkhazia. Georgians are gauging Russia's response in SO and so far everything goes by Georgia's plan, which is: Attack and occupy SO then scream at Abkhazians "Look how your Russian friends let the Ossetians down, now come to the table and let's talk or else!"

But what these fukhead Georgians don't realize is that Abkhazia is NOT South Ossetia. Abkhazia, unlike SO, is rich and armed to the teeth. If Georgia attacks them it will be the end of Georgia. Firstly, the occupied South Ossetia will rise and start to harass Georgian occupational forces - the long nights of hit and runs would begin and continue until Georgians leave. Secondly, one week after an attack on Abkhazia, Russia will step in and declare to the world (and not just to those fukhead Georgians) that enough is enough, from now on Russia will defend its citizens anywhere in the world starting right now in Abkhazia (95% of its population are Russian citizens). This will not mean that Russian MiG's will bomb Tbilisi, what it will mean is that Russia will get its Special Forces to organize and coordinate an extreme assault on Georgia from inside Abkhazia, when I say "extreme" I mean fast, very fuking FAST. Faster then America can say "UN Security Council". Literally in a day or two Georgians will be so fuked that they will cross en masse into Turkey and Azerbaijan for help.

I agree. Abkhazia is no SO. Its a larger de facto state thats heavily armed and suppiled by the Russians compared to SO's 5000 active troops.


As for our beloved Javakhq I'd say the people of Javakhq should clame freedom as soon as the opportunity comes and before it is gone.

Only problem is the Javakh Armenian is probably not well armed or even armed at all.

But one good thing has came out of this. It gave Russia a good wake up call. Hopefully Russia will retaliate and protect its allies. This can be good for allies of Russia like Armenia.

[yerazhishda]

UPDATE-UPDATE-UPDATE
EARLIER STORY FOUND HERE:
http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews\Top-Headlines\20080808\Georgia-South-Ossetia.xml&cat=topheadlines&subcat=&pageid=1

Georgia says it shot down 2 Russian aircraft
Friday, August 08, 2008 12:29:44 PM


Georgia's Interior Ministry spokesman says that Georgian forces have shot down two Russian combat planes.

Shota Utiashvili says the planes were downed while they were raiding Georgian territory, but wouldn't give their type or any further details.

Russia's Defense Ministry denied an earlier Georgian report about one Russian plane downed. It had no immediate comment on the latest claim.

Georgia launched a massive attack Friday to regain control of South Ossetia, using heavy artillery, aircraft and armor. Russia's television reported that a convoy of Russian tanks rolled into South Ossetia.

[yerazhishda]

Russian tanks enter South Ossetia (AKA Georgia gets gang-raped by Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia)
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7548715.stm


Russian tanks head towards South Ossetia

Russian tanks are moving towards the capital of Georgia's separatist region of South Ossetia, which has been under heavy bombardment from Georgian forces.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakasvili said 150 Russian tanks and other vehicles had entered South Ossetia.

Georgia is reported to have said any involvement of Russian forces in the conflict will result in a state of war between the two countries.

Russia says it is sending reinforcements to support peacekeepers.

Reports from Georgia claim Russian jets have attacked an airport near Tbilisi.

Nato, the US and the EU have all called for an immediate end to hostilities.

At least 15 civilians are reported dead [I feel bad that the poor citizens are caught up in this political chess-game, but their gov't thought it could intimidate Moscow...], as well as several Russian peacekeepers based in Tskhinvali.

Georgia's president told CNN: "Russia is fighting a war with us in our own territory."

Mr Saakashvili, who has called on reservists to sign up for duty, said: "This is a clear intrusion on another country's territory."

"We have Russian tanks on our territory, jets on our territory in broad daylight," Reuters new agency quoted him as saying.

"I must also tell you that Georgian forces have downed two Russian jet fighters over Georgia's territory."

Russia rejected claims its fighters had attacked Georgian targets and that any had been shot down.

The Russian defence ministry told Interfax news agency that reinforcements for Russian peacekeepers had been sent to South Ossetia "to help end bloodshed".

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has promised to defend Russian citizens in South Ossetia.

"I must protect the life and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are," Interfax quoted him as saying. "We will not allow their deaths to go unpunished. Those responsible will receive a deserved punishment."

Residents of Tskhinvali were reported to have been sheltering in basements as massive explosions rocked the city. Georgian jets also targeted separatist positions. Both sides blamed each other for breaking an earlier ceasefire agreed on Thursday.

Georgian Foreign Minister Ekaterine Tkeshelashvili told the BBC the present situation was calm as Georgian troops were observing a unilateral ceasefire which started at 1100GMT.

She said they wanted to ensure that any civilians who wanted to leave the conflict zone could do so safely.

Russian troops

An amnesty has also been extended to any separatist fighters willing to lay down their arms, she said. SOUTH OSSETIA TIMELINE
1991-92 S Ossetia fights war to break away from newly independent Georgia; Russia enforces truce
2004 Mikhail Saakashvili elected Georgian president, promising to recover lost territories
2006 S Ossetians vote for independence in unofficial referendum
April 2008 Russia steps up ties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia
July 2008 Russia admits flying jets over S Ossetia; Russia and Georgia accuse each other of military build-up
7 August 2008 After escalating Georgian-Ossetian clashes, sides agree to ceasefire
8 August 2008 Heavy fighting erupts overnight, Georgian forces close on Tskhinvali

On reports of Russian forces moving into South Ossetia, she said the Russian Federation's efforts to get involved militarily had to be stopped.

International Red Cross spokeswoman Anna Nelson said they had received reports that hospitals in Tskhinvali were having trouble coping with the influx of casualties and ambulances were having trouble reaching the injured.

Irina Gagloyeva, a South Ossetian official in Tskhinvali, described the scene in the besieged city overnight after the Georgian military action started.

"Virtually all the people of the city are in shelters, myself included. It started at midnight, and has barely stopped for a minute," she told the BBC. "Can you hear? That's rockets. All my windows have blown out. Thirty-five thousand residents of our capital have become the hostages of Georgian fascism."

A spokesman for the Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia told Interfax news agency that Georgian shells directly hit barracks in Tskhinvali, killing several peacekeepers.

Georgian Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze said Georgia had simply run out of patience with attacks by separatist militias in recent days and had had to move in to restore peace in South Ossetia.

"As soon as a durable peace takes hold we need to move forward with dialogue and peaceful negotiations," he told reporters.

Russian passports [These passports seem to come up again and again!]

Georgia accuses Russia of arming the separatists who have been trying to break away since the civil war in the 1990s. Moscow denies the claim.

Russia called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to respond to the crisis, but members failed to agree on a Russian statement calling on both sides to renounce the use of force.

The BBC's James Rodgers in Moscow says Russia has always said it supports the territorial integrity of Georgia but also that it would defend its citizens. Many South Ossetians hold Russian passports.

Hundreds of fighters from Russia and Georgia's other breakaway region of Abkhazia are reportedly heading to aid the separatist troops.

China, where the Olympic Games opens on Friday, called for worldwide truce during the sporting event.

**************************

"I must protect the life and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are. We will not allow their deaths to go unpunished."

Dmitry Medvedev
Russian President

[RSNATION]

It appears that Russia is now pouring troops, tanks and artillery into the region as well as making bombing runs well inside Georgia. They need to hit the Georgians ten-fold.

The Georgians certainly took the offensive and made some initial gains but they'll no doubt be thrown back by a Russia counter-attack. The Georgians have made their point but now the Russians will make theirs. The US is too bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan to help Georgia and beyond scolding Russia, the Europeans will do nothing. It is all up to Russia at this point and entirely their choice.


Russia must win in order to achieve the following:

1. Show they are still the #1 power in the Caucasus region and call the shots.
2. Make NATO and the US think twice about how they are going to approach Russia in the future; will NATO be encouraged by a Russian failure or will the back away from the Caucasus if the Russians are victorious.
3. Demonstrate that they will not fail their allies in the region; Armenia, Abkhazia and Ossetia. They've already failed Adjaria.
4. Regain their powerful image that the Chechnya conflict took away and re-build their military's battlefield morale.


We all know that a Russian defeat {essentially a retreat from the Caucasus} will be doom for Armenia. The conflict will already hurt Armenian due to the fact that transit from Russia to Armenia via Georgia will no be closed for indefinitely.

Once they Georgians start experiencing reversals on the battlefield, which they most certainly will, the Abkhazians should strike the Georgian held areas of Abkhazia a regain them.

I'm not sure now is the time to do anything in Javakh {unless Georgian really gets thumped}. Though I know the Armenians in Javakh are armed, organized for the most part and very have very unfriendly relations with the Georgians, they need time to really organize.

Looking at a map, if they Armenians in Javakh, and the Abkhaz strike Georgia and win, Georgia is screwed. The Armenians will then control the flow of Baku-Ceyhan and they could eventually push towards the Black Sea coast and link up with Abkhazia. This will permanently solve the blockade issue, force the Turks out of Georgia {they have an air force base there}, and put a stop to the oil flow unless it is on their terms.

[RSNATION]

i think this is what russia wanted.. wait for georgia to get really aggressive, and then fly in.

georgia are truelly xxxxed

I agree. They have awoken a sleeping giant.

[RSNATION]

It appears that Russia is now pouring troops, tanks and artillery into the region as well as making bombing runs well inside Georgia. They need to hit the Georgians ten-fold.

The Georgians certainly took the offensive and made some initial gains but they'll no doubt be thrown back by a Russia counter-attack. The Georgians have made their point but now the Russians will make theirs. The US is too bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan to help Georgia and beyond scolding Russia, the Europeans will do nothing. It is all up to Russia at this point and entirely their choice.


Russia must win in order to achieve the following:

1. Show they are still the #1 power in the Caucasus region and call the shots.
2. Make NATO and the US think twice about how they are going to approach Russia in the future; will NATO be encouraged by a Russian failure or will the back away from the Caucasus if the Russians are victorious.
3. Demonstrate that they will not fail their allies in the region; Armenia, Abkhazia and Ossetia. They've already failed Adjaria.
4. Regain their powerful image that the Chechnya conflict took away and re-build their military's battlefield morale.


We all know that a Russian defeat {essentially a retreat from the Caucasus} will be doom for Armenia. The conflict will already hurt Armenian due to the fact that transit from Russia to Armenia via Georgia will no be closed for indefinitely.

Once they Georgians start experiencing reversals on the battlefield, which they most certainly will, the Abkhazians should strike the Georgian held areas of Abkhazia a regain them.

I'm not sure now is the time to do anything in Javakh {unless Georgian really gets thumped}. Though I know the Armenians in Javakh are armed, organized for the most part and very have very unfriendly relations with the Georgians, they need time to really organize.

Looking at a map, if they Armenians in Javakh, and the Abkhaz strike Georgia and win, Georgia is screwed. The Armenians will then control the flow of Baku-Ceyhan and they could eventually push towards the Black Sea coast and link up with Abkhazia. This will permanently solve the blockade issue, force the Turks out of Georgia {they have an air force base there}, and put a stop to the oil flow unless it is on their terms.


The pkk have already shown how easy it is to disrupt Baku-Ceyhan after blowing up a section of the pipeline this week.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has promised to defend Russian citizens in South Ossetia.

"I must protect the life and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are," Interfax quoted him as saying. "We will not allow their deaths to go unpunished. Those responsible will receive a deserved punishment."

YES! That's what I'm talking about. :D

[yerazhishda]

YES! That's what I'm talking about. :D

The irony is all the more heightened with that quote because you know neither he nor his cronies give a s'hit about "Russian citizens". They just want a chance to 1) embarrass Georgia in front of the world stage and NATO and 2) re-establish Caucasian dominance.

[yerazhishda]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Mikhail_Saakashvili%2C_Davos_%28cropped%29.jpg

EPIC FAIL

[crusader1492]

I wonder why the American media has been ignoring this dire situation.

Compare www.cnn.com to www.bbc.com. Among CNN's Latest news is "Lost Boy" to Carry Olympic Torch" and "Mega-preacher's wife sued". All the way at the bottom is a small mention of the Georgian disaster. I'm surprised at the prevalence of gossip over real news.

I'm not suprised at all. The media's job is to keep the masses dumbed down.

Anyway, I'm seeing now (a day late) that they are finnaly "covering" the conflict...albeit with a pro-Georgian spin. It's really pathetic.

[yerazhishda]

its pethetic, buts its just reward for the 'effort' georgia have put into relations with the west. but thats about all the benefits they are set to recieve.

edit: who else is excited aobut all this. this is huge in the context of not only our region but the world. we can only hope bloodshed is at a minimum

I'm very excited as well for the same reason. I am very excited to see what this means for the area and to see Georgia put in its' place. Hopefully, civilian casualities will be kept to a minimum as this is not their war but a war of personalities (mainly Saakashvili trying to act like the big boy in town). I have a Georgian-Armenian friend who lives/works in the US and I hope that his family is safe.

[aray]

Guys, let’s not get too excited yet. We don’t know implications of this yet. Unless Georgia downfalls, I don’t see any benefit for us. It looks like SO will be retaken, however Georgia is already calling on America to protect the country against “Russian aggression”. Does any body sees possibility of NATO “peace keeping forces” stationing in Georgia.

Some sources say that Russian warplanes took off from Armenia to bomb Marnauli airport.

[HayotzAmrotz]

The irony is all the more heightened with that quote because you know neither he nor his cronies give a s'hit about "Russian citizens". They just want a chance to 1) embarrass Georgia in front of the world stage and NATO and 2) re-establish Caucasian dominance.

Wrong.

As someone who had extensive dealings with Russians on diplomatic level I can assure you that Russian State does care about all of it's citizens when they are in trouble overseas. There are many examples when Russia has gone to great lengths for their countrymen, and South Ossetians and Abkhazians, who are genuinely Russian citizens by the book of the law, are no exceptions.

Russia did not wanted this war at all. At this stage Russia was quite happy with the de-facto independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and most impotantly with the stability in the region. Georgia was the one that wanted the war. They wanted it in order to satisfy the most important criteria for NATO membership - the internal stability. Georgians envisiged a quick win over SO followed by a bloodless solution for Abkhazia through negotiations which they hoped to start immediately after an embarassing defeat of SO. The next round of NATO talks are in December and that date is Saakashvili's deadline to fix both issues. However, if Russia decides to FUK them then by December Georgia as a country may not even exist!

Russia does not need to "re-establish Caucasian dominance". Russia has, have and always will rule supreme in Caucasus because Russia is part of Caucasus. US, NATO and Turkey will never be allowed to set foot in that region, they don't belong there whatsoever, not even Turks with their couple of turkchi ethnic groups living in Caucasus can lay a claim.

[Federate]

Good news folks.

--------------------------

Georgia says Russian aircraft bombed its air bases

By MUSA SADULAYEV, Associated Press Writer 21 minutes ago

DZHAVA, Georgia - Georgia's Foreign Ministry says that Russian aircraft have bombed Georgian military air bases, inflicting some casualties.

The ministry says that a Russian raid Friday on the Marneuli air base destroyed several Georgian military aircraft and inflicted unspecified casualties. It said that the Russian aircraft also bombed another base in Bolnisi.

Rustavi 2 television said that four people were killed and five others wounded at the Marneuli air base in Georgia.

The Foreign Ministry said the bombing was another evidence of Russian aggression against Georgia and asked the global community to help end it.

More here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080808/ap_on_re_eu/georgia_south_ossetia

[RSNATION]

A VERY GOOD ANALYSIS


ANALYSIS-Georgia takes gamble with move on rebels
Fri Aug 8, 2008 10:48am EDT

By William Schomberg

LONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Georgia's bid to re-take its rebel region of South Ossetia by force is a gamble by its leader that he can still count on Western support as he tries to thwart Russian efforts to regain influence over the ex-Soviet republic.

Analysts said the escalating conflict risked far-reaching consequences for a region that has become a test of the post-Cold War balance of power as well as a key energy transit point for Europe which needs oil and gas from Asia.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was welcomed by the West as a fresh, reform-minded leader when he led a revolution in 2003 and was elected the next year, making NATO membership his priority as he tried to escape the orbit of Moscow.

But James Nixey, an analyst at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, said Saakashvili had worried Western capitals with his tendency to overreact when provoked.

That was shown when he used force last year to quash anti-government protesters and again now in the conflict in South Ossetia, he said.

"He is in big danger of losing the cachet he built up for himself in being pro-Western and the restraint he has often shown in the face of provocation by Russia," Nixey said.

"If he is going to start a war, he is going to lose the support of a lot of friends in the West."

Long-standing tensions over South Ossetia exploded on Friday when Georgia tried to assert control over the region with tanks and rockets, and Russia sent forces to repel the assault.



NO GUARANTEE OF WESTERN CAVALRY

Analysts said Saakashvili's gamble in launching military action against the rebels could trigger a David-and-Goliath war between his country and the its powerful neighbour Russia, and it was far from certain that the West would come to his rescue.

"He has had plenty of warnings from the West that it won't pull any chestnuts out of the fire for him so I don't think he can count on the cavalry riding in," said Fraser Cameron of the EU-Russia centre in Brussels.

NATO and the European Union expressed serious concern about the fighting on Friday and urged all sides to halt the violence.

But Tomas Valasek, director of foreign policy at the Centre for European Reform, said Saakashvili had little choice but to take decisive action.

He said Russia's growing influence in South Ossetia and in another breakway region, Abkhazia, was steadily undermining Georgia's hopes of joining the NATO military alliance and putting itself firmly in the Western camp.

"At the end of the day the Georgians realise that time is not on their side and they could not let South Ossetia and Abkhazia become even more messy and Russian influence even stronger," he said.

Georgia's ambition of joining NATO was put on hold three months ago when alliance members were split at a summit between supporters of accession for Georgia and Ukraine and other countries which feared such a move would antagonise Russia.

Neither country was offered a membership plan but they were told instead they would join NATO in the future.

Analyst Nixey said Saakashvili could be jeopardising his country's chances of getting into the alliance: "Ultimately his NATO ambitions could go out of the window."

Strategic Forecasting Inc., based in the United States, said Georgia represented "the hottest flashpoint in Western-Russian relations" as it was the easternmost foothold of Western power.

"What is being decided here is whether bordering Russia and simultaneously being a U.S. ally is a suicidal combination. Whichever way this works out, the dynamics of the entire region are about to be turned on their head," it said in a note.

(Editing by Robert Hart)

[Federate]

Most direct video of the war yet!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFEkDkoOi1U

[North Pole]

America has no clue what she is getting into.... :D



............BREAKING NEWS............

The game is OVER, Yanks! :D :D


http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/027bcpy3u58s5/610x.jpg

3 hours ago: In this image, made from television , what Russian Channel 1 claims, a convoy of Russian tanks moving towards Tskhinvali in the South Ossetian enclave in Georgia on Friday, Aug. 8, 2008.

Russia's Defense Ministry says it has sent reinforcements to its peacekeepers deployed to South Ossetia to help end bloodshed. Georgian officials confirmed that the Russian convoy had crossed the border and was advancing toward Tskhinvali. Georgia launched a massive attack Friday to regain control over South Ossetia, using heavy artillery, aircraft and armor. South Ossetian officials said at least 15 people were killed Friday and an unspecified number were wounded.


http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,1264226,00.jpg



Medvedev orders humanitarian aid for South Ossetia

http://img.rian.ru/images/11437/56/114375694.jpg

19:58 | 08/ 08/ 2008


MOSCOW, August 8 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered that humanitarian aid be provided to people affected by the ongoing conflict between Georgia and its breakaway region of South Ossetia, the Kremlin said on Friday.

Georgia launched a large-scale offensive against the province during the night, using tanks, combat aircraft, heavy artillery and infantry.

"The president has instructed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu and Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by the escalation of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict," the Kremlin press service said.

According to various reports, a large part of the republic's capital, Tskhinvali, has been destroyed. South Ossetian authorities are reporting numerous civilian casualties. There are also casualties among peacekeepers.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "A Russian humanitarian convoy has come under fire. Panic is growing among the local population, and the number of refugees is increasing. There are reports of ethnic cleansing in some villages... The situation is ripe for a humanitarian catastrophe."

A mobile hospital will leave Moscow for North Ossetia, a Russian republic bordering South Ossetia, at 22:00 (18:00 GMT), an emergencies ministry spokesperson said. An Il-76 aircraft will deliver medical equipment as well as doctors, psychologists and rescuers totaling 60 personnel.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080808/115905829.html

[RSNATION]

Russia forces on edge of South Ossetia capital: website


THE GEORGIANS ARE RETREATING

Fri Aug 8, 2008 1:03pm EDT Email | Print | Share | Reprints | Single Page|


MEGVREKISI, Georgia (Reuters) - Russian armored vehicles have entered the northern edges of the capital of the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia, the separatists' press service reported on its website on Friday.

"Russian armored vehicles have entered the northern suburbs of Tskhinvali," the website cominf.org reported, adding that Georgian troops had started to retreat.

Moscow said its troops were responding to a Georgian assault to re-take the breakaway region, and Georgia's pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili said the two countries were at war.

Russia would cut air links with Georgia from midnight on Friday, the Russian Transport Ministry said.

Saakashvili told BBC World television Russia had been massing troops on the northern border of Georgia for months.

" They have been calling it training exercises, but they have not been concealing the fact that they are training these troops for use inside Georgia," he said.

"The way the escalation went was we came first under extensive artillery barrage from the separatists ... but in the end I was told that Russian armored vehicles started to cross the Georgian border. And that was exactly the moment when I had to take this decision to fire back."

The United States on Friday asserted its support for Georgia's territorial integrity and urged an immediate ceasefire. NASTO and the European Union have joined calls for a halt to fighting.

State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos also said the United States was sending an envoy to the region "to engage with the parties in the conflict."

U.S. President George W. Bush discussed the situation with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where world leaders were attending the opening of the Olympic Games, the White House said, giving no further information.

MORE THAN 1,000 DEAD

A South Ossetia minister said more than a thousand people had died in overnight shelling by Georgian forces of their capital Tskhinvali, Russia's RIA news agency reported.

"According to our information, as a result of the night-time shelling of Tskhinvali ... the number of fatalities is more than a thousand," Nationalities Minister Teimuraz Kasaev told the news agency by telephone.

A senior Georgian security official said Russian planes had bombed the Vaziani military outside the Georgian capital Tbilisi. The Interior Ministry said later three Georgian soldiers were killed.

Political analysts saw Georgia's bid to re-take its rebel region of South Ossetia by force as a gamble by its leader that he could still count on Western support in a clash with Russia.

"He is in big danger of losing the cachet he built up for himself in being pro-Western and the restraint he has often shown in the face of provocation by Russia," said James Nixey, analyst at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London,.

"If he is going to start a war, he is going to lose the support of a lot of friends in the West."

Saakashvili, who wants to take his small Caucasus nation into NATO, has made it a priority to win back control of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another rebel region on the Black Sea.

The issue has bedeviled Georgia's relations with Russia, angered by Tbilisi's moves towards the Western fold and its pursuit of NATO membership.

"ETHNIC CLEANSING"

As fighting raged, the roar of warplanes and the explosion of heavy shells resounded more than three km (two miles) from Tskhinvali. Many houses were ablaze.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the Georgians of driving people from their homes. "We are receiving reports that a policy of ethnic cleansing was being conducted in villages in South Ossetia, the number of refugees is climbing, the panic is growing, people are trying to save their lives," he said in televised remarks from the ministry.

The crisis, the first to confront Russian President Dmitry Medvedev since he took office in May, has flared in a region emerging as a key energy transit route, and where Russia and the West are vying for influence.

It dented sentiment on Russia's benchmark equity index, which fell more than 4 percent to a 14-month low while the rouble lost more than 1 percent against a basket of currencies.

Medvedev vowed to defend Russian "compatriots" in South Ossetia, where most people have been given Russian passports.

"We will not allow their deaths to go unpunished," Interfax quoted him as saying.

The majority of the roughly 70,000 people living in South Ossetia are ethnically distinct from Georgians. They say they were forcibly absorbed into Georgia under Soviet rule and now want to exercise their right to self-determination.

[RSNATION]

Russia forces on edge of South Ossetia capital: website


THE GEORGIANS ARE RETREATING

Fri Aug 8, 2008 1:03pm EDT Email | Print | Share | Reprints | Single Page|


MEGVREKISI, Georgia (Reuters) - Russian armored vehicles have entered the northern edges of the capital of the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia, the separatists' press service reported on its website on Friday.

"Russian armored vehicles have entered the northern suburbs of Tskhinvali," the website cominf.org reported, adding that Georgian troops had started to retreat.

Moscow said its troops were responding to a Georgian assault to re-take the breakaway region, and Georgia's pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili said the two countries were at war.

Russia would cut air links with Georgia from midnight on Friday, the Russian Transport Ministry said.

Saakashvili told BBC World television Russia had been massing troops on the northern border of Georgia for months.

" They have been calling it training exercises, but they have not been concealing the fact that they are training these troops for use inside Georgia," he said.

"The way the escalation went was we came first under extensive artillery barrage from the separatists ... but in the end I was told that Russian armored vehicles started to cross the Georgian border. And that was exactly the moment when I had to take this decision to fire back."

The United States on Friday asserted its support for Georgia's territorial integrity and urged an immediate ceasefire. NASTO and the European Union have joined calls for a halt to fighting.

State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos also said the United States was sending an envoy to the region "to engage with the parties in the conflict."

U.S. President George W. Bush discussed the situation with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where world leaders were attending the opening of the Olympic Games, the White House said, giving no further information.

MORE THAN 1,000 DEAD

A South Ossetia minister said more than a thousand people had died in overnight shelling by Georgian forces of their capital Tskhinvali, Russia's RIA news agency reported.

"According to our information, as a result of the night-time shelling of Tskhinvali ... the number of fatalities is more than a thousand," Nationalities Minister Teimuraz Kasaev told the news agency by telephone.

A senior Georgian security official said Russian planes had bombed the Vaziani military outside the Georgian capital Tbilisi. The Interior Ministry said later three Georgian soldiers were killed.

Political analysts saw Georgia's bid to re-take its rebel region of South Ossetia by force as a gamble by its leader that he could still count on Western support in a clash with Russia.

"He is in big danger of losing the cachet he built up for himself in being pro-Western and the restraint he has often shown in the face of provocation by Russia," said James Nixey, analyst at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London,.

"If he is going to start a war, he is going to lose the support of a lot of friends in the West."

Saakashvili, who wants to take his small Caucasus nation into NATO, has made it a priority to win back control of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another rebel region on the Black Sea.

The issue has bedeviled Georgia's relations with Russia, angered by Tbilisi's moves towards the Western fold and its pursuit of NATO membership.

"ETHNIC CLEANSING"

As fighting raged, the roar of warplanes and the explosion of heavy shells resounded more than three km (two miles) from Tskhinvali. Many houses were ablaze.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the Georgians of driving people from their homes. "We are receiving reports that a policy of ethnic cleansing was being conducted in villages in South Ossetia, the number of refugees is climbing, the panic is growing, people are trying to save their lives," he said in televised remarks from the ministry.

The crisis, the first to confront Russian President Dmitry Medvedev since he took office in May, has flared in a region emerging as a key energy transit route, and where Russia and the West are vying for influence.

It dented sentiment on Russia's benchmark equity index, which fell more than 4 percent to a 14-month low while the rouble lost more than 1 percent against a basket of currencies.

Medvedev vowed to defend Russian "compatriots" in South Ossetia, where most people have been given Russian passports.

"We will not allow their deaths to go unpunished," Interfax quoted him as saying.

The majority of the roughly 70,000 people living in South Ossetia are ethnically distinct from Georgians. They say they were forcibly absorbed into Georgia under Soviet rule and now want to exercise their right to self-determination.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080808/115905108.html

What will be the outcome of the Georgian-Ossetian war?
19:31 | 08/ 08/ 2008

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti military commentator Ilya Kramnik) - The very real possibility of full-scale war between Georgia and South Ossetia raises questions about its possible outcome.

At present, the Georgian armed forces have more than 30,000 men, including 20,000 ground forces. They are equipped with more than 200 tanks, including 40 T-55s and 165 T-72s, which are currently being upgraded. Apart from tanks, the ground forces have 200 combat armored vehicles, including about 180 infantry combat vehicles and armored personnel carriers (APCs). The ground troops can receive artillery support from 120 artillery pieces of 122 mm-152 mm caliber, 40 multiple-launch rocket systems, and 180 mortars.

The Georgian Air Force is equipped with five Su-25 (Frogfoot) close support aircraft, 15 L-29 and L-39 combat training aircraft, which can be used as light assault planes, and 30 helicopters, including eight MI-24 attack helicopters.

Available estimates put the South Ossetian forces at a mere 2,500 officers and men, or 16,000, including reservists. They are armed with 15 T-55 and T-72 tanks, 24 Gvozdika and Akatsiya self-propelled artillery units, 12 D-30 towed howitzers, six multiple-launch rocket systems, four 100-mm Rapir anti-tank weapons, and more than 30 mortars. In addition, the South Ossetian army has 22 infantry combat vehicles, 24 APCs, and six combat patrol vehicles.

The infantry is equipped with small arms of Soviet or Russian make, and has several dozen xxxot and Konkurs anti-tank rocket systems. Its air force consists of four MI-8 multi-purpose transport helicopters. South Ossetia can defend itself against air attacks with four to six Osa, three Tunguska, three Shilka, and six Strela-10 air defense rocket systems. It also has 12 23-mm ZU-23/2 twin antiaircraft guns (some of which are mounted on GAZ-66 trucks), and up to 100 Igla and Strela man-portable air-defense missiles.

A forecast of the outcome of this war (as well as a potential conflict with Abkhazia) cannot be based on mathematics alone. In the mountains, even a very small unit can resist a numerically much stronger enemy. In this case, the outcome of the conflict will primarily depend on the training of forces and the influence of third parties.

The training of the Georgian army is not likely to have changed much in the last two months and, with the exception of a few units, it is not rated too high. Like the Abkhazian armed forces, South Ossetian armies are better trained and motivated. Moreover, the Abkhazian leader has already expressed readiness to support South Ossetia in a war against Georgia.

Georgia can win only if it is backed by the United States and its other allies. And even with such support, its victory will mean heavy losses, and entail lengthy guerilla warfare.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.

[North Pole]

Russia Should Push For UN Sanctions Against US for supporting the terrorist state of Georgia.


Russian troops near S.Ossetia capital, 10 peacekeepers killed
18:34 | 08/ 08/ 2008

VLADIKAVKAZ, August 8 (RIA Novosti) - Russian troops are approaching the capital of breakaway South Ossetia to help peacekeepers amid a spiraling conflict with Georgia, which tried to regain control of the region Friday, a top military spokesman said.

Colonel Igor Konashenkov, an aide to the Russian Ground Forces commander, said around 10 Russian peacekeepers have been killed and 30 wounded in the province since Georgia launched a major offensive overnight using tanks, combat aircraft, heavy artillery and infantry.
"Units of the 58th Army have set off to help Russian peacekeepers, they are approaching Tskhinvali," Konashenkov said.

He said Georgian tanks are firing at the Russian peacekeeping headquarters.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080808/115903809.html


Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zone. Evacuation

http://img.rian.ru/images/11588/60/115886024.jpg

Georgian forces have been shelling and firing on the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali and local villages, with civilians killed and wounded. Women and children are being evacuated from the conflict zone to nearby Russian regions.
A total of 1,264 people, including 852 children, have arrived in North Ossetia from the conflict zone of South Ossetia. Another 400 children will be accepted by the Don Cossack Host in Russia’s Rostov Region and the North Caucasus Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, each taking 200.

Source: http://en.rian.ru/photolents/20080808/115888714.html


South Ossetian bloodshed claims hundreds of lives

More than 1,400 people have been killed during Georgia`s attacks on the capital of South Ossetia, according to the region`s authorities. The breakaway republic is calling on the world community to recognise it as an independent state. Meanwhile, Moscow says Russian artillery and tanks have now suppressed the Georgian firing positions around Tskhinvali.

http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28668

VIDEO -- http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28668/video



http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0aif5Bi1XofRJ/610x.jpg

4 months ago:
US President George W. Bush (R) shakes hands with Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili during the NATO Summit meeting on Afghanistan at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest on April 3, 2008.

[RSNATION]

I've been reading the news every so often today and what I can surmise is the following:

1. The Georgians are retreating from their positions after taking heavy casualities inside Tskhivali, not just soldiers but tanks and apc's.
2. Russian troops are moping up in Tskhinvali and the outskirts.
3. The Russians are bombing towns and villages inside Georgia and close to Ossetia very hard. The Georgian forward bases/ staging points inside Georgia proper are being shelled by the Russians. There are several dead and wounded Georgian troops and Georgian civilians are fleeing en masse.
4. Russia has quickly and easily taken the advantage of air superiority.
5. Tskhivali is mostly destroyed and many Ossetians have been killed and wounded; the Russians claim 1,000 so far.

...so much for US training and equipment.
Looks like Saakashvili has bitten off more than he could chew.

[Azad]

"Russia should immediately and unconditionally cease its military operations, withdraw all forces from the sovereign territory of Georgia," McCain told reporters in Iowa. "The U.S should immediately convene an emergency session of the U.N. security council to call on Russia to reverse course."

[RSNATION]

"Russia should immediately and unconditionally cease its military operations, withdraw all forces from the sovereign territory of Georgia," McCain told reporters in Iowa. "The U.S should immediately convene an emergency session of the U.N. security council to call on Russia to reverse course."

A day late and dollar short McCain :laugh: Not only that, Russia is a member of the Security Council and can veto any UN proposal.

[Federate]

According to Azerbaboon media:

Russian aircraft bombing Tbilisi took off from Armenia - UPDATED
[ 08 Aug 2008 18:12 ]
Moscow – APA. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that additional forces had been sent to support peacekeepers in Georgia-Ossetia conflict zone, APA reports quoting RIA Novosti.
http://www.apa.az/photos/Teyyare%20bombardman.jpg
The ministry said necessary assistance would be offered to the Russian peacekeepers and citizens of unrecognized republic. North Caucasus military district said that Russian combat equipment entered Tskhinvali. Georgian new agencies report that Russian military aircrafts bombed Vaziani base near Tbilisi at 15.10 by local time. Two bombs were reportedly dropped on the military base. No casualties are reported in the base. Gruziya Online website reports that the aircraft that bombed Vaziani base had taken off from the territory of Armenia. The agency mentions that there is an air regiment in Russian army’s 102nd base in Gumru, Armenia. According to the agreement signed between Georgia and Armenia, Armenia can not allow any other state to attack Georgia from its territory.

U.S. President George Bush met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Beijing and called on the parties to cease the fire in Georgia-Ossetia conflict zone immediately. European Union and OSCE released analogous messages.

From http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=86442

[crusader1492]

Guys, let’s not get too excited yet. We don’t know implications of this yet. Unless Georgia downfalls, I don’t see any benefit for us. It looks like SO will be retaken, however Georgia is already calling on America to protect the country against “Russian aggression”. Does any body sees possibility of NATO “peace keeping forces” stationing in Georgia.

Some sources say that Russian warplanes took off from Armenia to bomb Marnauli airport.

Yeah, Azeri sources...:rolleyes:

[Azad]

According to the agreement signed between Georgia and Armenia, Armenia can not allow any other state to attack Georgia from its territory.

Those bases have the same status as an embassy, they are a territory of Russia as long the agreement is in effect.

[crusader1492]

Here is another reason why the US may not get involved:

Oil falls as dollar rises, ignores Georgia conflict

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressReleasesMolt/idUST14048520080808

[North Pole]

..........BREAKING NEWS...........

UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on South Ossetia

YouTube - UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on South Ossetia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih-molgaowk)


The president of Georgia and his American supporters must be arrested.



Heavy fire on Georgian -- South Ossetian border
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqfh8CEf0cg

[RSNATION]

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12937276&PageNum=0


Saakashvili makes last mistake in his political career – Rogozin

08.08.2008, 22.16




BRUSSELS, August 8 (Itar-Tass) -- Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili made the last mistake in his political career when he opened fire at Russian citizens and peacekeepers, Russian Permanent Representative to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday. He had ended his vacation ahead of time and came to Brussels.

“In fact, the Georgian president breached the sovereignty of Russia and committed a war crime that could not be forgiven. He had crossed the line which normal politicians were not allowed to cross,” Rogozin said.

The date of attack on South Ossetia “was not accidental,” Rogozin said. “Obviously, Saakashvili hoped that the world would be focused on the opening of the Olympic Games and the Georgian aggression would draw less attention,” he said. He also said that consultations on the situation in South Ossetia would be held with NATO representatives in order to convey objective information.

Russia has three goals in South Ossetia: “full ceasefire, minimization of victims and protection of Russian citizens,” Rogozin said.

“We will convey this information to NATO. Our actions will be coordinated with the president and the prime minister,” he noted. Rogozin said that an urgent meting of the Russia-NATO Council was unlikely. Saakashvili “is trying to involve in the conflict as many sides as possible,” he said. “He has involved Russia with opening fire at Russian citizens and peacekeepers. Now he is trying to involve other states and international organizations,” he said. Excessive diplomatic reaction will help him achieve this goal, Rogozin remarked.

The alliance “has taken a detached and neutral position. It is receiving and analyzing information. Our NATO partners have had enough time to take a close look at Saakashvili and to understand his game,” Rogozin said.

[RSNATION]

Excellent!!!!

http://korrespondent.net/world/544225

On August 5, Abkhazia's separatist foreign minister, Sergey Shamba, announced that Abkhazia's army may open a second front against Georgia if it launched a full-scale attack against Ossetia.[97]

[Azad]

Excellent!!!!

http://korrespondent.net/world/544225

Auto Translation.

"In Sukhumi not isklyuchayut the possibilities of opening the second
front against Georgia in the case of the beginning of war in South
Osetia. To this conclusion came the authorities of Abkhaziya in the
course of the session Of sovbeza of unacknowledged republic, at which
were discussed the measures for the help of South Osetia. Between the
unacknowledged republics is concluded the agreement, which not only is
assumed mutual military help, but allows it turned for it to the third
side, for example to Russia, it records The nezavisimaya newspaper.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhaziya Sergey
shamby, the content of the specific measures for the help of South
Osetia is "military secret", however, "within the framework
sushchestvuyushchikh between Abkhaziya and South Osetia the
understandings about the mutual aid we budem did everything that in
our forces so that it would help South Osetia", stated minister.

In response to a question, is possible whether discovery by Abkhaziya
the second front in the case of the beginning of war in Osetia, Shamba
answered: "this is possible".

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Osetia they stated that
the special agreement about the military help was not signed between
two republics. In the treaty of friendship and the collaboration
between Abkhaziya and South Osetia of 19 September, 2005, of side only
vyrazhayut the readiness rendered aid in the case of the natural
calamities and other extraordinary situations.

However, regulations of association "for democracy and rights of
peoples", where entering To pridnestrov'e, Abkhaziya and South Osetia,
are contained section about collective security and military-political
collaboration.

Let us recall, many republics of the North Caucasus expressed
readiness it helped South Osetia in the case of war with Georgia. As
stated the President of unacknowledged republic the edward Of kokoyty,
in Tskhinvali already arrived about 300 volunteers from North Osetia.

As a result of firings on the night of 2 August in South Osetia were
six people. Georgia asserts that the fire was opened in response to
the firing of the block signal posts MVD of Georgia. The authorities
of unacknowledged republic zayavlyayut, that first they began it shot
Georgian servicemen. The firings were prolonged on the night on
Sunday, and postradavshikh it does not communicate about the victims.

On 3 August in MID of Russia they stated that the threat of the
large-scale military actions between Georgia and South Osetia was
become all of of more real.

In connection with the aggravation of conflict the evacuation of women
and children from South Osetia began. Already today MID RF called
Tbilisi it decreased tension in the zone of Georgian- South-Ossetian
conflict."

[Federate]

South Ossetians retake capital
Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:35:40 GMT
http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20080809/mehjoo20080809011109265.jpg
South Ossetian separatists say they are in complete control of the capital Tskhinvali more than 24 hours into a major Georgian military offensive.

The statement was made by South Ossetian spokeswoman, Irina Gagloyeva on Friday, the Interfax news agency reported.

"The entire city of Tskhinvali is currently controlled by units of South Ossetia's defense forces... The Georgian side is trying to regain control of southern suburbs of Tskhinvali", Gagloyeva said.

On Friday, Georgian authorities and South Ossetian rebels gave conflicting claims of full control of the capital amid the heavy Georgian bombardment which has so far killed at least 10 Russian peacekeepers.
http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20080809/mehjoo20080809012030671.jpg
Russian PM, Vladimir Putin

The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is in Beijing for the start of the Olympic Games blamed Georgia. "They have in effect begun hostilities using tanks and artillery. It is sad, but this will provoke retaliatory measures."

"We cannot allow the deaths of our countrymen to go unpunished. The guilty parties will receive the punishment they deserve," Russia President Dmitry Medvedev said earlier as Russian tanks and troops moved into South Ossetia to drive back the Georgian offensive.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has also ordered humanitarian aid be given to South Ossetians affected by the conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointed the finger of blame at the West for giving Georgia military aid.

"Now we see Georgia has found a use for these weapons and for the Special Forces that were trained with the help of international Instructors..." he said.

From http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=66028&sectionid=351020602

[skhara]

I've been monitoring the situation all day. Its all out war there. Russia is completely in the war now, the warplanes have been flying sorties all day, and an initial contingent of troops with heavy weapons have entered Tskhinvalli and opened fire on Georgian positions with tanks and artillery. Soldiers from Russia's peace-keeping contingent have suffered fatalities and are said to be involved in fierce clashes with Georgian troops. Russia, Georgia, and S Ossetia are officially at war.

[Federate]

The foreign ministry website of Georgia was hacked earlier and replaced with a collage of Adolf Hitler and Saakashvili :D

The website is currently down altogether http://mfa.gov.ge/

[robertik1]

The foreign ministry website of Georgia was hacked earlier and replaced with a collage of Adolf Hitler and Saakashvili :D

The website is currently down altogether http://mfa.gov.ge/

lol:D

[Federate]

Alright folks, this just in!

South Ossetian defense forces have shot down a Georgian aircraft.

-----------------------------

Fighting resumed in South Ossetia
http://www.russiatoday.com/media/news/6/489cccb2deb50.jpg
Fighting has been raging for more than 24 hours in Georgia's breakaway republic of South Ossetia. There have been reports Georgia resumes intensive fire on Tskhinvali's residential quarters. Meanwhile, several Georgian towns and cities are said to have been hit.

South Ossetian forces are claiming to have shot down a Georgian fighter plane. A jet was downed by the republics air defences, near the capital Tskhinvali. The fate of the aircraft's pilot is not yet known.

Clashes continue in the capital's region, where a significant part of the city is said to have been destroyed.

South Ossetian authorities say Tbilisi's actions amount to genocide against the residents of the republic. Tskhinvali is said to be laying in ruins, and five villages have been razed to the ground.

Russia and the international community has callled on Georgia to pull its troops out of the region. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow will take appropriate political and military measures to stop the violence in South Ossetia:

"The situation reached the point that Georgian peacekeepers have been shooting at Russian peacekeepers. Now women, children and old people are dying in South Ossetia - most of them are citizens of the Russian Federation. According to the constitution, I, as the President of the Russian Federation, must protect lives and the dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are. Those responsible for the deaths of our citizens will be punished".

Residents of the South Ossetian Capital of Tshinvali are said to be experiencing shortages of medicine and water, while most of the communication networks of the city have been destroyed. Russian peacekeepers are assisting locals who remain in the area.

The Russian Emergency Ministry has sent a mobile hospital to North Ossetia where thousands of refugees have fled from South Ossetia. The Russian President has ordered the government to take urgent measures to provide humanitarian aid to those leaving the conflict zone. However, moving the wounded and other civilians is said to be difficult at the moment.

Another of Georgia's breakaway republic's, Abkhazia, says Georgia is building-up its military across the Abkhazian border. Earlier, the republic's president Sergey Bagapsh expressed his readiness to help South Ossetia.

From http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28686

[RSNATION]

HAHAHA GEORGIA REALLY SH#T THE BED. MESS WITH THE BULL AND YOU GET THE HORNS

http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSL8226827?sp=true

Update 1-Georgia to impose martial law, port bombed-official

TBILISI, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili will declare martial law in a few hours time, the secretary of Georgia's Security Council said early on Saturday.

"The president is going to declare a state of martial law within a few hours," Kakha Lomaia told Reuters. "Russia has bombed the (Black Sea) port of Poti and the military base at Senaki. We think Russia has started to bomb civil and economic infrastructure."

In the port of Poti, the Russian fighter jets hit container tankers and a shipbuilding plant, Georgia's Deputy Economic Development Minister Vato Lezhava told Reuters. He said between 8 and 11 Russian jets were involved in the attack. (Reporting by James Kilner and Margarita Antidze; writing by Conor Sweeney)
© Thomson Reuters 2008 All rights reserved

[yerazhishda]

Are you kidding me? Don't you think the US could have prevented this war from happening - at least for the short term? America has entire networks of officials working on this sort of stuff and this comes as a "surprise". Give me a break. America wants this war to happen because it makes Russia look like the bad guy.

[RSNATION]

Are you kidding me? Don't you think the US could have prevented this war from happening - at least for the short term? America has entire networks of officials working on this sort of stuff and this comes as a "surprise". Give me a break. America wants this war to happen because it makes Russia look like the bad guy.

Exactly. But there's a problem they seemed to have overlooked; Saakashvili was already growing ever more unpopular in Georgia. I'll be that his political career may be coming to an end soon after an inevitable backlash of his failed war. The US will have to find a new stooge.

[RSNATION]

And here come the Cossacks to bring joy, cheer, and good tidings for Georgia


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/09/russia.georgia1

Armed Cossacks pour in to fight Georgians
Neighbours mobilise in anger at Tblisi's attack on enclave

Tom Parfitt in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia
The Guardian, Saturday August 9 2008
Article history



Hundreds, possibly thousands, of volunteer fighters from Russia were mobilising to enter the war in Georgia's breakaway republic of South Ossetia last night.

Units of armed Cossacks from across the North Caucasus region which borders Georgia were poised to join the battle for the separatists' capital, Tskhinvali.

In North Ossetia, the region of Russia which shares cultural links and a border with South Ossetia, lists of men willing to fight against Georgian forces were drawn up. Vitaly Khubayev, 35, from the capital, Vladikavkaz, told the Guardian: "There are already two busloads of fighters leaving for Tskhinvali every day. They give you a uniform on the way and you get issued with weapons once you arrive. If I didn't have three children I'd have gone."

The two Ossetias are historically inseparable and residents of the northern republic were furious yesterday at what they described as the "Georgian fascist attack" on their neighbours.

Many said they were willing to take up arms and travel to defend their relatives across the border in South Ossetia. Valentin Tekhti, 67, a teacher, said: "Our Ossetian brothers are dying. If we get the call, every man who can stand on two legs will go to fight."

Amiran Khubetsov, a doctor, said: "A nation is under bombardment in the land it has occupied for hundreds of years. The world must not ignore this aggression."

At a special meeting of the UN security council yesterday morning, the United States called on the Kremlin to prevent irregulars entering South Ossetia via the 4km Roki tunnel, the republic's only link with Russia. But at a meeting with the US president, George Bush, in Bejing, the Russian prime minister, Vladimir Putin, admitted "many volunteers" were heading to South Ossetia and it would be "very hard to maintain peace".

Under Russia law, Cossacks - the descendants of runaway serfs and outlaws who in the past were employed to protect the country's southern border - are allowed to carry arms and carry out policing functions in cooperation with interior ministry forces.

At the headquarters of the Terek Cossacks in Vladikavkaz yesterday a group of men sat under portraits of fierce looking warriors with drooping moustaches watching television coverage of Georgian artillery shelling Tskhinvali. One man said there would be a meeting today to discuss forming volunteer units.

In Volgograd the leader of the Don Cossacks, Viktor Vodolatsky, called on all Cossacks under 40 to volunteer. Reports said 100 men from the region had already left for Tskhinvali. "We must help our South Ossetian brothers," he said.

Irregular troops from the north Caucasus played an important role in the conflicts that saw both Georgia's breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, secede in the early 1990s.

In Abkhazia, Cossack and Chechen units fought side by side against Georgian troops, despite being historical enemies. Abkhazia has promised to help South Ossetia in its conflict with Georgia.

Ossetians in Vladikavkaz yesterday said they were hoping for a decisive strike by the Russian army to drive Georgia's forces out of South Ossetia. There were emotional scenes in the city, as hundreds of protesters, mostly women, gathered outside the regional government headquarters and shouted, "Russia, save us!"

Aelita Dzhioyeva, 41, a lawyer who fled Tskhinvali on Thursday evening, showed text messages on her mobile phone from relatives still sheltering in a basement in the city. One message read: "We are dying. Ask the government for help."

Dzhioyeva said: "Our men will stay and fight until the last drop of blood, but our old people and children must be saved. We are calling on the Kremlin to intervene and create a humanitarian corridor for them to escape."

Shota Kochiev, 60, said: "This is America's doing. They are supporting Georgia's mad lust for new land - our land."

About 2,000 refugees from South Ossetia, mostly women and children, have so far been bussed to Russia and are staying in hotels around Vladikavkaz.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Exactly. But there's a problem they seemed to have overlooked; Saakashvili was already growing ever more unpopular in Georgia. I'll be that his political career may be coming to an end soon after an inevitable backlash of his failed war. The US will have to find a new stooge.

In a just world Saakashvili should be brought before The Hague Tribunal for War Crimes and charged with war crimes. But the Western hypocrats will naturally block those moves, that's why I suggest that once the Georgians kick him out of the country, once he becomes an ordinary citizen and moves to West, the Ossetians/Russians should kidnap him Eichmann style http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Eichmann and put him before a court in Russian Federation.

[North Pole]

MEDVEDEV: Georgia xxxxxles international law, the killers of Russian citizens anywhere in the world are facing inevitable retribution.

http://kremlin.ru/dyn_images/img205023.jpg

China is firm on the Russian side. President Hu Jintao told this to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.


MEDVEDEV: GEORGIA xxxxxLES INTERNATIONAL LAW

Medvedev believes the Georgian assault on South Ossetia represents a gross violation of agreements for Russian-led international peace-keeping in that independence-seeking territory.
President Medvedev has been speaking about this at an emergency sitting of his National Security Council:

The Russian military presence in South Ossetia complies with international law and is aimed at enforcing peace. As ever throughout its history, Russia guarantees security in the Caucasus. The action by Georgia flouts Russia’s mandate for peace-keeping and amounts to a blatant aggression. The victims are Russian peace-keepers and local people.

About a dozen Russian soldiers are killed. The attackers on them included members of what was supposed to act as a Georgian peace-keeping force. The civilian deaths are in the dozens and continue to mount. Most of these old folk, women and children were Russian passport holders.

Defending Russian nationals worldwide is a key part of my job as President. This is the line of action on the Russian side. The killers of Russian citizens anywhere in the world are facing inevitable retribution.
China is firm on the Russian side. President Hu Jintao told this to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at a meeting with him in Beijing on Friday.

Mr Putin accused Georgia of violating the universal Olympic truce:

Ever since inception, the Olympic Games have been an occasion to hold fire in conflicts in all parts of the civilized world. Georgia has openly defied this accepted rule. Russia hopes the Commonwealth of Independent States will denounce the Georgian action and press for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict area.

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30732&cid=56&p=08.08.2008



Georgian troops were even shooting at the Russian peacekeepers.

From BBC:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Georgian troops of attacking Russian peacekeepers in South Ossieta.

VIDEO -- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7549971.stm


America supports the terrorist state of Georgia.

[RSNATION]

source: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/08/south-ossetia-fighting-risks-wider-war/?page=3

"Early Saturday, Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili said the Vaziani military base on the outskirts of the Georgian capital was bombed by warplanes during the night and that bombs fell in the area of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. He also said two other Georgian military bases were hit and that warplanes bombed the Black Sea port city of Poti, which has a sizable oil shipment facility.

Utiashvili said there apparently were significant casualties and damage in the attacks, but that further details would not be known until the morning.

Earlier, Georgia's Foreign Ministry accused Russian aircraft of bombing two military air bases, inflicting some casualties and destroying several military aircraft. Rustavi 2 television said four people were killed and five wounded at the Marneuli air base."

[yerazhishda]

source: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/08/south-ossetia-fighting-risks-wider-war/?page=3

"Early Saturday, Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili said the Vaziani military base on the outskirts of the Georgian capital was bombed by warplanes during the night and that bombs fell in the area of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

Any chance that Turkey or Azerbaijan will get involved? Their holy pipeline is in danger.

[RSNATION]

Any chance that Turkey or Azerbaijan will get involved; their holy pipeline is in danger.

Not a chance. Though it would be funny to see the Azeris try to start something with Russia and then get their asses handed to them.

I sincerely hope the Russians knock it out. It would be great for Armenia. Sure, the pipeline is only responsible for 2% of the world oil output but it generated enough revenue to make the Azeris bothersome. It would be a great victory if their distribution outlet is severed.

The only drawback to this whole situation is that Armenia needs Georgia for transit and now the Russian-Georgia border is closed...at least until Georgia gets a new pro-Russian leader.

[yerazhishda]

The only drawback to this whole situation is that Armenia needs Georgia for transit and now the Russian-Georgia border is closed...at least until Georgia gets a new pro-Russian leader.

So pretty much Armenia is screwed in terms of trade with Russia? Damn why can't we have just one god-damn port on the Black Sea?!

[RSNATION]

So pretty much Armenia is screwed in terms of trade with Russia? Damn why can't we have just one god-damn port on the Black Sea?!

It hurts Armenia in the short term but somehow they have been able to manage periodically when the border has been shut. The situation cannot last too long as Georgia will eventually come to its senses. Iran has been a reliable and growing conduit for trade.

Who knows, if the Abkhaz start into with the Georgians and the Javakh Armenians organize, Armenia may very well one-day have direct access to the Black Sea...g*d willing.

[HayotzAmrotz]

About a dozen Russian soldiers are killed. The attackers on them included members of what was supposed to act as a Georgian peace-keeping force. The civilian deaths are in the dozens and continue to mount. Most of these old folk, women and children were Russian passport holders.

I used to refer to Georgians as Christian Turks but from now on I will refer to them as Gurji Turks ("Gurji" means "Georgian" in Turkish) because calling them "Christian" after their continious assault on other Christian nations and on innocent people on is an insult to our religion. Azeri Turks the Gurji Turks: Two brotherly Turkish tribes.

[RSNATION]

I used to refer to Georgians as Christian Turks but from now on I will refer to them as Gurji Turks ("Gurji" means "Georgian" in Turkish) because calling them "Christian" after their continious assault on other Christian nations and on innocent people on is an insult to our religion. Azeri Turks the Gurji Turks: Two brotherly Turkish tribes.

I agree. The Gurji Turks have no understanding of Christian brotherhood. They have maltreated Armenians for many years. I have no remorse as I watch their misfortune. What comes around goes around.

[yerazhishda]

Azeris emboldened by Georgian attacks, Caucausus doomed to become another Yugoslavia...
source: http://www.asbarez.com/index.html?showarticle=33813_8/8/2008_1

Baku Hails Georgian Attack, Says Precedent for Karabakh

BAKU--Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement Friday supporting Georgia's attack on the unrecognized South Ossetian republic, signaling the possibility that Azerbaijan might seek a similar course of action with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

The statement described Georgia's military offensive against South Ossetia as a positive precedent for countries seeking to use military force to restore "territorial integrity."

"Georgia has proven that peaceful talks are not the only way to restore territorial integrity," the statement said. "[Azerbaijan] has the right to return its lands by use of force."

Georgian troops launched a major military attack against South Ossetia's capital of Tskhinvali on Friday in a bid to regain control over the unrecognized republic. The attack prompting a furious response from Russia--which sent tanks, jets and ground forces to defend province, which won defacto independence in a war that ended in 1992.

On Monday, Azeri Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said that if a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not found Azerbaijan may choose other ways to “liberate the occupied regions.”

Although official statements claim that peace talks between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have been positive, official Baku continues to express frustration with the pace of negotiations, claiming that it is its right to reassert its "territorial integrity" by force if necessary.

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met on August 1in Moscow for the third time in as many months to try to bridge the two countries' differences over a framework peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh proposed by international mediators. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian had their first face-to-face meeting in Saint Petersburg in early June. The three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, mediating for a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh Conflict since 1992, have described the meetings as positive and hopeful.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, however, has grown frustrated by peace talks in recent months and has been hardening his war rhetoric, threatening to use his country's growing oil wealth to launch a full-scale war to occupy Nagorno-Karabakh and "restore its territorial integrity."

The atmosphere has been tense ever since Aliyev said in early June that although Azerbaijan would continue to take political steps to recover Karabakh and neighboring territories under Armenian control, “we should be ready to liberate our lands in a military way at any time.” He added that Azerbaijan's army was the strongest in the region.

On March 4, Azeri Armed Forces violated the Nagorno-Karabakh Ceasefire line and opened fire on Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Army positions northeast of the Martakert Region, temporarily capturing a Karabakh defense position.

The attack, which was followed by protracted skirmishes throughout the month, was considered by Armenian officials and international mediators as unprecedented in its scale.

[North Pole]

And here come the Cossacks to bring joy, cheer, and good tidings for Georgia

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/09/russia.georgia1

Armed Cossacks pour in to fight Georgians
Neighbours mobilise in anger at Tblisi's attack on enclave

Great news! :D Thank you for posting that, RSNATION.




August 8, 2008
Friday

The Official Statement by President Medvedev On The Situation in South Ossetia


http://kremlin.ru/dyn_images/img205023.jpg


At a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council, the President declared:

“Russia has maintained and continues to maintain a presence on Georgian territory on an absolutely lawful basis, carrying out its peacekeeping mission in accordance with the agreements concluded. We have always considered maintaining the peace to be our paramount task. Russia has historically been a guarantor for the security of the peoples of the Caucasus, and this remains true today.

Last night, Georgian troops committed what amounts to an act of aggression against Russian peacekeepers and the civilian population in South Ossetia. What took place is a gross violation of international law and of the mandates that the international community gave Russia as a partner in the peace process.

Georgia’s acts have caused loss of life, including among Russian peacekeepers. The situation reached the point where Georgian peacekeepers opened fire on the Russian peacekeepers with whom they are supposed to work together to carry out their mission of maintaining peace in this region. Civilians, women, children and old people, are dying today in South Ossetia, and the majority of them are citizens of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the Constitution and the federal laws, as President of the Russian Federation it is my duty to protect the lives and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they may be.

It is these circumstances that dictate the steps we will take now. We will not allow the deaths of our fellow citizens to go unpunished. The perpetrators will receive the punishment they deserve.”

Source:

http://kremlin.ru/images/photo_logo_eng.gif

http://kremlin.ru/eng/sdocs/themes.shtml#205025




Videos of Russian Tanks and Armed Vehicles Entering S Ossetia

http://life.ru/video/4932




On July. 15, 2008 the U.S.-Georgia Millitary Training Took Place

Officials: Exercises unrelated to friction between Moscow, ex-Soviet state

updated 10:34 a.m. CT, Tues., July. 15, 2008
VAZIANI, Georgia - One thousand U.S. troops began a military training exercise in Georgia on Tuesday against a backdrop of growing friction between Georgia and neighboring Russia.
Officials said the exercise, called "Immediate Response 2008," had been planned for months and was not linked to a stand-off between Moscow and Tbilisi over two Russian-backed separatists regions of Georgia.
The United States is an ally of Georgia and has irritated Russia by backing Tbilisi's bid to join the NATO military alliance.
"The main purpose of these exercises is to increase the cooperation and partnership between U.S. and Georgian forces," Brig. Gen. William B. Garrett, commander of the U.S. military's Southern European Task Force, told reporters.
The war games involve 600 Georgian troops and smaller numbers from ex-Soviet Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25684774

[RSNATION]

Great news! :D Thank you for posting that, RSNATION.




August 8, 2008
Friday

The Official Statement by President Medvedev On The Situation in South Ossetia


http://kremlin.ru/dyn_images/img205023.jpg


At a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council, the President declared:

“Russia has maintained and continues to maintain a presence on Georgian territory on an absolutely lawful basis, carrying out its peacekeeping mission in accordance with the agreements concluded. We have always considered maintaining the peace to be our paramount task. Russia has historically been a guarantor for the security of the peoples of the Caucasus, and this remains true today.

Last night, Georgian troops committed what amounts to an act of aggression against Russian peacekeepers and the civilian population in South Ossetia. What took place is a gross violation of international law and of the mandates that the international community gave Russia as a partner in the peace process.

Georgia’s acts have caused loss of life, including among Russian peacekeepers. The situation reached the point where Georgian peacekeepers opened fire on the Russian peacekeepers with whom they are supposed to work together to carry out their mission of maintaining peace in this region. Civilians, women, children and old people, are dying today in South Ossetia, and the majority of them are citizens of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the Constitution and the federal laws, as President of the Russian Federation it is my duty to protect the lives and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they may be.

It is these circumstances that dictate the steps we will take now. We will not allow the deaths of our fellow citizens to go unpunished. The perpetrators will receive the punishment they deserve.”

Source:

http://kremlin.ru/images/photo_logo_eng.gif

http://kremlin.ru/eng/sdocs/themes.shtml#205025




Videos of Russian Tanks and Armed Vehicles Entering S Ossetia

http://life.ru/video/4932




On July. 15, 2008 the U.S.-Georgia Millitary Training Took Place

Officials: Exercises unrelated to friction between Moscow, ex-Soviet state

updated 10:34 a.m. CT, Tues., July. 15, 2008
VAZIANI, Georgia - One thousand U.S. troops began a military training exercise in Georgia on Tuesday against a backdrop of growing friction between Georgia and neighboring Russia.
Officials said the exercise, called "Immediate Response 2008," had been planned for months and was not linked to a stand-off between Moscow and Tbilisi over two Russian-backed separatists regions of Georgia.
The United States is an ally of Georgia and has irritated Russia by backing Tbilisi's bid to join the NATO military alliance.
"The main purpose of these exercises is to increase the cooperation and partnership between U.S. and Georgian forces," Brig. Gen. William B. Garrett, commander of the U.S. military's Southern European Task Force, told reporters.
The war games involve 600 Georgian troops and smaller numbers from ex-Soviet Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25684774

my pleasure.

[RSNATION]

Azeris emboldened by Georgian attacks, Caucausus doomed to become another Yugoslavia...
source: http://www.asbarez.com/index.html?showarticle=33813_8/8/2008_1

Baku Hails Georgian Attack, Says Precedent for Karabakh

BAKU--Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement Friday supporting Georgia's attack on the unrecognized South Ossetian republic, signaling the possibility that Azerbaijan might seek a similar course of action with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

The statement described Georgia's military offensive against South Ossetia as a positive precedent for countries seeking to use military force to restore "territorial integrity."

"Georgia has proven that peaceful talks are not the only way to restore territorial integrity," the statement said. "[Azerbaijan] has the right to return its lands by use of force."

Georgian troops launched a major military attack against South Ossetia's capital of Tskhinvali on Friday in a bid to regain control over the unrecognized republic. The attack prompting a furious response from Russia--which sent tanks, jets and ground forces to defend province, which won defacto independence in a war that ended in 1992.

On Monday, Azeri Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said that if a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not found Azerbaijan may choose other ways to “liberate the occupied regions.”

Although official statements claim that peace talks between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have been positive, official Baku continues to express frustration with the pace of negotiations, claiming that it is its right to reassert its "territorial integrity" by force if necessary.

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met on August 1in Moscow for the third time in as many months to try to bridge the two countries' differences over a framework peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh proposed by international mediators. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian had their first face-to-face meeting in Saint Petersburg in early June. The three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, mediating for a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh Conflict since 1992, have described the meetings as positive and hopeful.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, however, has grown frustrated by peace talks in recent months and has been hardening his war rhetoric, threatening to use his country's growing oil wealth to launch a full-scale war to occupy Nagorno-Karabakh and "restore its territorial integrity."

The atmosphere has been tense ever since Aliyev said in early June that although Azerbaijan would continue to take political steps to recover Karabakh and neighboring territories under Armenian control, “we should be ready to liberate our lands in a military way at any time.” He added that Azerbaijan's army was the strongest in the region.

On March 4, Azeri Armed Forces violated the Nagorno-Karabakh Ceasefire line and opened fire on Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Army positions northeast of the Martakert Region, temporarily capturing a Karabakh defense position.

The attack, which was followed by protracted skirmishes throughout the month, was considered by Armenian officials and international mediators as unprecedented in its scale.

I wonder what the Azerbaboonjan thinks now. They may want to reconsider their views regarding Russia and the idiocy of attacking Artsakh.

[RSNATION]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/aug/08/georgia.nato

The link above is for a very biases and shameful editorial by neo-con, Armeno-phobe, Turk-apologist, and lackey for western oil interests, Svante Cornell. Sign up and lambaste him. Thanks

[yerazhishda]

End of the line for Georgia, Russian tanks head toward Tiflis to level capital

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7550804.stm

http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2008/Aug/Week2/15073652.jpg

'At war'

Georgian forces launched the latest in a series of artillery attacks on Tskhinvali early on Saturday, according to a South Ossetian government spokeswoman.

Russian forces said they had fought back, and fierce clashes were reported by Russian news agencies overnight.

Georgia meanwhile said that Russia had launched air strikes on targets outside of South Ossetia, in what it described as "a full-scale military invasion".

The Georgian authorities also said they were expecting a Russian attack on the capital, Tbilisi, and have evacuated some government offices in the city.

Georgian President Saakashvili said Russia was at war with his country.

Late on Friday, the Georgian national security council said Mr Saakashvili was poised to declare a state of emergency.

[robertik1]

End of the line for Georgia, Russian tanks head toward Tiflis to level capital

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7550804.stm

http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2008/Aug/Week2/15073652.jpg

'At war'

Georgian forces launched the latest in a series of artillery attacks on Tskhinvali early on Saturday, according to a South Ossetian government spokeswoman.

Russian forces said they had fought back, and fierce clashes were reported by Russian news agencies overnight.

Georgia meanwhile said that Russia had launched air strikes on targets outside of South Ossetia, in what it described as "a full-scale military invasion".

The Georgian authorities also said they were expecting a Russian attack on the capital, Tbilisi, and have evacuated some government offices in the city.

Georgian President Saakashvili said Russia was at war with his country.

Late on Friday, the Georgian national security council said Mr Saakashvili was poised to declare a state of emergency.

Take Georgia over!:D

[Federate]

Footage of Georgian plane being shot down!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0CDvpD8byU

[yerazhishda]

Russia should just annex Georgia.

[Federate]

Three Russians killed in S Ossetia
Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:35:37 GMT
http://www.presstv.ir/photo/20080809/moghimi20080809090421187.jpg
A Russian peacekeeper near Tskhinvali
The Russian military says three of its peacekeeping troops have been killed in South Ossetia overnight, bringing the total losses to 15.

Igor Konashenkov, an aide to Russia's infantry commander said on Saturday that 22 peacekeepers wounded in fighting with Georgian forces were evacuated from South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali, bringing the total number of wounded to 70.

Fierce clashes continue between Russian and Georgian forces in South Ossetia for the second day while the UN Security Council has so far failed to reach an agreement for calling an end to hostilities in the breakaway region.

South Ossetia declared its independence from Georgia following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the Georgian leadership has said that it's determined to bring the region back under central control.

Georgian military forces began a large-scale military offensive against the South Ossetian separatists on Thursday evening.

South Ossetian sources reportedly put the death toll from the fighting at around 1,400 people.

Meanwhile, Russian army units have arrived in the breakaway region to reinforce peacekeepers, Konashenkov told the Russian television. Additional 'special units' would arrive in South Ossetia 'in the next few hours', he said.

From http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=66052&sectionid=351020606

[aray]

I agree. I’m wondering if there is any pro-Russian opposition in Georgia. I know there wasn’t any during “democratic” (according to the West) presidential elections.

Russia should just annex Georgia.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Parts of Russia's 76th Air Assault Division, from Russia's famous VDV "Vozdushno-Desantnye Vojska" (Russian Airborne Troops) the Blue Berets, just touched down in Tskhinvali.

http://www.rian.ru/defense_safety/20080809/150223158.html

Georgian regular army are mostly young kids who are already scared to death, as for their reservists then the majority of them are unfit, middle-aged men with very little military experience. If Saakashvili sends them to fight against Russia's 76th then the Gerogians will be slaughtered, that's guaranteed.

P.S. Just heard that Russia is about to send to South Ossetia also the 98-th Air Assault Division, and the Spetznaz from the 45-th Special Division. This particular Division specializes in operations deep inside the enemy territory. Imagine if they have orders to capture Saakashvili and his closest associates and deliver them to Russia. As Medvedev said "no one will escape punishment for their crimes". If the reports of over 2,000 deaths of the peaceful population alone is true then I think Russia has more than enough grounds to charge Saakashvili with war crimes.

[HayotzAmrotz]

the media here are utterly repulsive. "invasion", "russian aggression"..

The whole West is repulsive, brother. They are nothing but dishonest, two-faced and godless creatures. Never trust the west is what we Armenians should never forget.

[HayotzAmrotz]

comes Saakashvili as he pleads for help

By the way, a few hours ago I received unofficial reports that Saakashvili had a heart scare and he is feeling very ill so much so that the talk is to fly him to Ankara's top militrary hospital for an urgent operation. But remember this information could be wrong because it is unofficial.

He either got really sick, which is possible considering the mess he put his people and country in, or it's his excuse to flee to mother Turkey to save his miserable arse. Either way Saakashvili is history because his American masters have no choice but to unofficially declare him being in the wrong in order to save their own faces since this whole fiasco was orchestrated from Washington. US just never thought that Russia would "dare" to counter attack Georgia itself and with such intensity and vigour.

[RSNATION]

It is being reported that the Abkhazians have opened a second front against Georgia. Man, Saakashvili made an absolutely awful mistake.

[RSNATION]

By the way, a few hours ago I received unofficial reports that Saakashvili had a heart scare and he is feeling very ill so much so that the talk is to fly him to Ankara's top militrary hospital for an urgent operation. But remember this information could be wrong because it is unofficial.

He either got really sick, which is possible considering the mess he put his people and country in, or it's his excuse to flee to mother Turkey to save his miserable arse. Either way Saakashvili is history because his American masters have no choice but to unofficially declare him being in the wrong in order to save their own faces since this whole fiasco was orchestrated from Washington. US just never thought that Russia would "dare" to counter attack Georgia itself and with such intensity and vigour.

Wow...if its true he should probably just end his life like Gamsakhurdia did. His wife is hot so no doubt she can remarry and start all over again in Holland.

[yerazhishda]

Russian jets attack Georgian town, brings country to its knees

source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7550804.stm#map

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44906000/jpg/_44906955_burningap466b.jpg
Russian air strikes have hit Gori, a Georgian town near the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Blocks of flats were among the buildings hit.

Aftermath of the air strikes in Gori

Russian jets have carried out strikes on military targets in the central Georgian town of Gori, close to the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Georgian officials say 60 people were killed when bombs hit two blocks of flats in the town.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44907000/jpg/_44907020_goriwomanap226bi.jpg

The Georgian parliament has meanwhile approved a presidential decree declaring a state of war for 15 days.

Earlier, Russia said it had "liberated" South Ossetia's capital Tskhinvali, but Georgia said it remained in control.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said his country was seeking "to force the Georgian side to peace".

The comments came after Russian commanders announced they were sending more troops into South Ossetia. They also confirmed two Russian jets had been shot down over Georgia, although they did not say where.

After days of exchanging heavy fire with the Russian-backed separatists, Georgian forces launched a surprise attack on Thursday night to regain control of the region, which has had de facto independence since the end of a civil war in 1992.

In response, Moscow sent armoured units across the border. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said about 1,500 people had been killed so far, including 15 of his country's soldiers.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili denounced the claims of a high civilian death toll as an "egregious lie". [You would say that you phucking monster.]

Mr Saakashvili also said he had decided to declare a "state of war" because Georgia was "under a state of total military aggression by the Russian navy, air force, large-scale ground operations".

US President George W Bush said the Russian attacks outside South Ossetia marked a "dangerous escalation in the crisis" and said Georgia's territorial integrity had to be respected.

"The attacks are occurring in regions of Georgia far from the zone of conflict in South Ossetia," he said while attending the Olympics.

"The violence is endangering regional peace. Civilian lives have been lost and others are endangered."

'Military invasion'

Fighting raged around Tskhinvali overnight and into Saturday morning, although not at the same intensity as on Friday, Russian media reported.

Later, the Russian Army's Ground Forces commander, Gen Vladimir Boldyrev, told Russian media that his troops had retaken the city from Georgian forces.

"Tactical groups have fully liberated Tskhinvali from the Georgian military and have started pushing Georgian units beyond the zone of peacekeepers' responsibility," he said, after paratroopers were airlifted into the city. [Those "peacekeeping troops" turned out to be a great Russian Trojan Horse!]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44906000/jpg/_44906761_tskhinvalitanksntvafp226b.jpg
Russia said Tskhinvali had been "liberated" from the Georgian military

But the secretary of the Georgian National Security Council, Khakha Lomaia, insisted that the city remained "under the complete control of our troops".

Tskhinvali, where inhabitants are said to be sheltering in basements without electricity or phone lines, is reported to be devastated. The International Red Cross (ICRC) said it had received reports that hospitals in the city were "overflowing" with casualties.

Georgia said Russia had also launched air strikes on targets inside its territory, in what it described as "a full-scale military invasion".

Later, Russian aircraft bombed mostly military targets in Gori, where Georgian troops have been massing at three bases to support their forces engaged in South Ossetia.

The BBC's Richard Galpin in Gori heard loud explosions and saw large plumes of smoke rising into the sky; soldiers and civilians were seen running through the streets.

One missile hit a military base, from which most of the soldiers appeared to have managed to escape beforehand, he says.

The Georgian military said residential buildings had also been struck, leaving a number of civilians dead. Our correspondent says injured civilians were being pulled from the buildings, which were on fire.

The Georgian foreign ministry in Tbilisi said the Black Sea port of Poti, the site of a major oil shipment facility, had also been "devastated" by a Russian air raid.

Georgian television is meanwhile reporting that Russian troops have started bombarding a Georgian-controlled section of the strategic Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia - another region that has broken away from Tbilisi's control.

"According to our information, an aerial attack was carried out in Upper Abkhazia. Several shells were dropped in the vicinity of Gentvisi and in the area of the new road," said the head of the Abkhaz government in exile, Malkhaz Akishbaia.

Russia has a peacekeeping force in Abkhazia under an agreement made following civil wars in the 1990s, when the region declared independence and formed links with Moscow.

Territorial claims

President Medvedev said Russia's military aim was to force the Georgians to stop fighting. [I][What does Saakash-villain think? That's he's going to regain control of SO? If he truly loves his nation he should save Georgian lives and surrenderI] He was speaking at a meeting on Saturday morning in the Kremlin with Defence Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov and the head of the Russian Armed Forces.

"Our peacekeepers and the units attached to them are currently carrying out an operation to force the Georgian side to [agree to] peace," he said.

"They also bear the responsibility for protecting the population."

Speaking to the BBC, the Russian foreign minister insisted his country did not want all-out war with Georgia, but was prepared to do whatever was necessary to restore the situation in South Ossetia and to defend its civilian population, most of whom have been given Russian citizenship.

"Mr Saakashvili keeps saying that we want to chop off a part of Georgian territory," Mr Lavrov said.

"He's also saying that this is not just about Georgia, this is about the future of Europe because he says Russia is also making territorial claims to other claims, including the Baltic States, which is rubbish," he added.

Mr Lavrov said Georgia had violated a peace deal under which Georgia had agreed not to use force in the South Ossetia dispute.

"We cannot allow the peace agreement just to be violated this way," he added. "Whatever it takes to bring the situation to status quo ante will be done."

The BBC's James Rodgers in Moscow says diplomatic initiatives to end the fighting have so far proved fruitless.

On Friday evening, the UN Security Council failed to agree on the wording of a statement calling for a ceasefire.

The UK, the US and France, are pinpointing what they say is Russia's aggression as the key factor in the slide towards war, while Moscow insists Georgia is to blame.




*********************
"Our peacekeepers and the units attached to them are currently carrying out an operation to force the Georgian side to [agree to] peace."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

*********************
SOUTH OSSETIA TIMELINE

1991-92 S Ossetia fights war to break away from newly independent Georgia; Russia enforces truce
2004 Mikhail Saakashvili elected Georgian president, promising to recover lost territories
2006 S Ossetians vote for independence in unofficial referendum
April 2008 Russia steps up ties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia
July 2008 Russia admits flying jets over S Ossetia; Russia and Georgia accuse each other of military build-up
7 August 2008 After escalating Georgian-Ossetian clashes, sides agree to ceasefire
8 August 2008 Heavy fighting erupts overnight, Georgian forces close in on Tskhinvali
9 August 2008 Russian jets bomb central Georgian town of Gori, Russia says its troops have "liberated" Tskhinvali

*********************
In other developments:

Georgia's president said his country was withdrawing its contingent of 2,000 troops from Iraq to help deal with the crisis
The European security organisation, the OSCE, warned that the fighting in South Ossetia could escalate into a full-scale war
The US and the EU were reported to be sending a joint delegation to the region to seek a ceasefire and Nato said it was seriously concerned.

[RSNATION]

Hey Georgia, how's GUAM working out for you now? :)

[yerazhishda]

The question is: why hasn't Georgia surrendered already? Saakashvili knows he can't possibly hold off the Russians for much longer. I think he's trying to get other countries to sympathize with his (self-created) "situation". He's waiting for the Western calvary to arrive and protect "freedom and democracy".

[KarotheGreat]

I heard that Turkey is going to join in :laugh:

[yerazhishda]

I heard that Turkey is going to join in :laugh:

What's going to happen is Russia's going to bomb too close to the BTC pipeline and Turkey's going to get pissed off. Well good, I hope the Turks get their asses handed to them.

I'd rather see Turkey get completely bombed out than Georgia any day of the week. At least Georgia is semi-friendly to Armenia.

[KarotheGreat]

What's going to happen is Russia's going to bomb too close to the BTC pipeline and Turkey's going to get pissed off. Well good, I hope the Turks get their asses handed to them.

I'd rather see Turkey get completely bombed out than Georgia any day of the week. At least Georgia is semi-friendly to Armenia.

If Turkey get's involved it's time to go to Van what do you guys think.

[skhara]

US just never thought that Russia would "dare" to counter attack Georgia itself and with such intensity and vigour.

I read in a reuters article where a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity said that they were surprised by the speed and the intensity of the Russian intervention.

If that is true, then this was certainly orchestrated in Washington. As Armenian said in another thread, the Kremlin better get this one right.

A ceasefire, in my opinion, cannot be given to Georgia at the moment. A condition for ceasefire has to be humiliating for Georgia and her "friends". At the very least, Georgia cannot get away with just decimating Tskhinvalli, and calling it a day. Their airfields and sea-ports have to be destroyed.

It would be absolutely fantastic if they capture Sakashvilli and set up a kangaroo court in Moscow calling it the "International Criminal Court for the former Georgia." :)

[yerazhishda]

Developing Story
source: www.cnn.com

At least 2,000 people have died in Tskhinvali in South Ossetia, and the Georgian city has been destroyed, a Russian ambassador tells Interfax.

****************

Saakashvili is a traitor to his people and should be treated as such! He started this war and now has left them high and dry to fend for themselves! This coward should be captured by Moscow and executed on national television!

[yerazhishda]

Abkhasia starts war with Georgia

source: http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28706

http://russiatoday.com/media/news/c/489d7806abd68.jpg

Armed forces belonging to Georgia’s breakaway republic of Abkhazia have begun an operation to force Georgian troops out of the upper part of the Kodori gorge. Abkhazia have used artillery and air strikes against Georgian troops in the gorge.

Thousands of Russians are on holiday in the picturesque republic with the long coastline. They fear a conflict could result in innocent blood being spilled.

But RT correspondent Aleksandr Luchaninov says Russians are not ready to leave the area just yet.

"Those I spoke to said they are very concerned, and in case of trouble they are prepared to leave the region immediately," he said.

For several days Georgian troops have been amassing on the border.

Abkhasia's president, Sergey Bagapsh, said the breakaway republic’s troops are in contact with the peacekeeping forces in the region.

The atmosphere in the capital Sukhumi is tense, and officials are anticipating Georgian aggression.

"Today it's South Ossetia, tomorrow it might be Abkhasia," said Bagapsh, explaining his decision to move the troops.

[crusader1492]

the media here are utterly repulsive. "invasion", "russian aggression"..
truelly one of the funniest/ironic statements ive ever seen comes Saakashvili as he pleads for help
" its not about Georgia..its about the basic values the west has..the basic values the US has always preached us"

anyway most reports are now proclaiming the Russians have total control of S.O

and spot on HayotzAmrotz.. if it was any other 'non-demecratic' leader, they would it be at the ICJ or ICC facing charges against humanity. lets hope the Russians dish own their own brand of justice

Here's another US media beauty:


Georgia: Russia enters into 'war' in South Ossetia

Over 1,300 people are reported dead after Russian forces responded to a Georgian attack on rebels in the breakaway province of South Ossetia by mounting a full scale invasion.

There making it sound as if the Russians killed the 1300 souls when in fact, it was the Christian-Turk Georgians are responsible.

Who controls the media again?

[yerazhishda]

Who controls the media again?

But why would Joos be pro-Georgian?

[crusader1492]

But why would Joos be pro-Georgian?

Oil, money, power, greed and big hooked noses :D

[yerazhishda]

Oil, money, power, greed and big hooked noses :D

I shoulda figured! :evil:

[aray]

http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1358

But why would Joos be pro-Georgian?

[aray]

I hope many here that are following the news from Caucasus will realize what is Western “democratic” media is about.

Here's another US media beauty:

There making it sound as if the Russians killed the 1300 souls when in fact, it was the Christian-Turk Georgians are responsible.

Who controls the media again?

[RSNATION]

I read in a reuters article where a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity said that they were surprised by the speed and the intensity of the Russian intervention.

If that is true, then this was certainly orchestrated in Washington. As Armenian said in another thread, the Kremlin better get this one right.

A ceasefire, in my opinion, cannot be given to Georgia at the moment. A condition for ceasefire has to be humiliating for Georgia and her "friends". At the very least, Georgia cannot get away with just decimating Tskhinvalli, and calling it a day. Their airfields and sea-ports have to be destroyed.

It would be absolutely fantastic if they capture Sakashvilli and set up a kangaroo court in Moscow calling it the "International Criminal Court for the former Georgia." :)

The Russians could ask for an "unconditional surrender". For those of you unfamiliar with the term it means that Georgian immediately cease military operations and Russia dictates the terms of truce and treaty.

[RSNATION]

The question is: why hasn't Georgia surrendered already? Saakashvili knows he can't possibly hold off the Russians for much longer. I think he's trying to get other countries to sympathize with his (self-created) "situation". He's waiting for the Western calvary to arrive and protect "freedom and democracy".

He's always been hot-headed and stubborn. He has painted himself into a corner and there is no way out.

[yerazhishda]

Abkhazia forces Georgia to retreat from Kodori Gorge as Russia marches on to Tblisi...

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7551595.stm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44907000/jpg/_44907961_list_afp_226body.jpg

Peace bid as Ossetia crisis rages

A delegation including envoys from the US, EU and Nato is heading to Georgia as its conflict with Russia over the breakaway South Ossetia region deepens.

The envoys hope to broker a truce after three days of fighting which are said to have killed or injured hundreds.

UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the fighting risked incurring "civilian losses on a large scale".

Hundreds have fled the fighting in both South Ossetia and Georgia, where some towns have been bombed by Russian jets.

A Russian air strike on Gori, a Georgian town near South Ossetia, left 60 people dead, many of them civilians, Georgia says.

Russian officials say hundreds of civilians have been killed in South Ossetia. Georgia denies the figure, which cannot be independently verified.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said his country is seeking "to force the Georgian side to peace".

Meanwhile, separatists in Abkhazia - Georgia's other breakaway region - say they have launched air and artillery strikes on Georgian forces in the Kodori Gorge.

'Broadening' conflict

The joint delegation of the US, EU, Nato and the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe is due to visit Georgia on Saturday evening.

"Reports of fighting and bombing outside South Ossetia are especially disturbing as they represent a broadening and deepening of the conflict," Mr Miliband said, confirming that the UK would be sending Sir Brian Fall, his ministry's Representative for the South Caucasus.
"The UK will be discussing with all our partners how to stop the spread of violence, secure a ceasefire and get talks under way," he added.

Russian PM Vladimir Putin has stopped in Russia's North Ossetia region on his return from the Olympics.

He arrived in the North Ossetian capital, Vladikavkaz, to discuss the influx of refugees from the conflict in South Ossetia.

Russia's ambassador to Nato, Dmitry Rogozin, said there could be no "consultations" with Georgia until Georgian forces returned to their positions and re-established "the status quo".

Accounts differ over who controls South Ossetia's capital, with Moscow saying it has "liberated" Tskhinvali.

The crisis began spiralling when Georgian forces launched a surprise attack on Thursday night to regain control of South Ossetia, which has had de facto independence since the end of a civil war in 1992.

The move followed days of exchanges of heavy fire with the Russian-backed separatists.

In response to the Georgian crackdown, Moscow sent armoured units across the border into South Ossetia.

'Total... aggression'

The Georgian parliament has approved a presidential decree declaring a state of war for 15 days.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has denounced Russian reports of a high civilian death toll from his forces as an "egregious lie".

Mr Saakashvili said he had decided to declare that Georgia was in a state of war because it was "under a state of total [Russian] military aggression".

Georgia is withdrawing its entire contingent of 2,000 troops from Iraq to help deal with the crisis.

US President George W Bush said the Russian attacks outside South Ossetia marked a "dangerous escalation in the crisis" and said Georgia's territorial integrity had to be respected.

"The attacks are occurring in regions of Georgia far from the zone of conflict in South Ossetia," he said while attending the Olympics.

"The violence is endangering regional peace."

Tskhinvali 'destroyed'

Fighting continued around Tskhinvali overnight and into Saturday morning, although not at the same intensity as on Friday, Russian media reported.

Later, the Russian Army's Ground Forces commander, Gen Vladimir Boldyrev, said his troops had "fully liberated" the city and were pushing Georgian forces back.

But the secretary of the Georgian National Security Council, Khakha Lomaia, insisted that the city remained "under the complete control of our troops".

Russian commanders, who said reinforcements were being sent to the region, confirmed that two Russian jets had been shot down over Georgia.

Speaking to Russian news agency Interfax, Russia's ambassador to Georgia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, said on Saturday that 2,000 civilians and 13 Russian peacekeepers had been killed in Tskhinvali.

"The city of Tskhinvali no longer exists," he said. "It is gone. The Georgian military has destroyed it."

The International Red Cross (ICRC) said it had received reports that hospitals in the city were "overflowing" with casualties.

In Gori, Russian aircraft bombed mostly military targets, where Georgian troops had been massing to support their forces engaged in South Ossetia.

The BBC's Richard Galpin in Gori heard loud explosions and saw large plumes of smoke rising into the sky; soldiers and civilians were seen running through the streets.

Injured civilians were being pulled from the buildings, which were on fire.

The Georgian foreign ministry said the Black Sea port of Poti, the site of a major oil shipment facility, had been "devastated" by a Russian air raid.

Meanwhile Georgian TV reported that the Georgian-controlled section of the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia was under fire, blaming the bombardment on Russian forces.

The foreign minister in Abkhazia's self-declared government, Sergei Shamba, said Abkhaz forces had launched an attack aimed at driving Georgian forces out of the gorge.

It was not clear whether planes used in the attack on the gorge belonged to Russia or to the Abkhaz separatists.

Russia has a peacekeeping force in Abkhazia under an agreement made following civil wars in the 1990s, when the region declared independence and formed links with Moscow.

The BBC's James Rodgers in Moscow says diplomatic initiatives to end the fighting have so far proved fruitless.

On Friday evening, the UN Security Council failed to agree on the wording of a statement calling for a ceasefire.

The UK, the US and France, are pinpointing what they say is Russia's aggression as the key factor in the slide towards war, while Moscow insists Georgia is to blame.

**********************
ARMED FORCES COMPARED

GEORGIA
Total personnel: 26,900
Main battle tanks (T-72): 82
Armoured personnel carriers: 139
Combat aircraft (Su-25): Seven
Heavy artillery pieces (including Grad rocket launchers): 95

RUSSIA
Total personnel: 641,000
Main battle tanks (various): 6,717
Armoured personnel carriers: 6,388
Combat aircraft (various): 1,206
Heavy artillery pieces (various): 7,550
Source: Jane's Sentinel Country Risk Assessments

****************************

"Our peacekeepers and the units attached to them are currently carrying out an operation to force the Georgian side to [agree to] peace."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

[RSNATION]

What's going to happen is Russia's going to bomb too close to the BTC pipeline and Turkey's going to get pissed off. Well good, I hope the Turks get their asses handed to them.

I'd rather see Turkey get completely bombed out than Georgia any day of the week. At least Georgia is semi-friendly to Armenia.

The Turks will do nothing. Everyone is starting to realize that the Russia of 2008 is not the same Russia as 1994. The military is smaller and still has some morale issues and some substandard formations but overall is better equipped, battle-ready, mobile, with higher morale. They are patriotic and bitter at the disdain shown to Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union and the dirty games that the west has played in their near abroad. Russia still produces some of the best if not the best weaponry.

The Turks would not dare attack Russia and at this point Russia will not attack Turkey, as long as the Turks continue sitting by doing nothing.

As far as the pipeline goes, all they need to do is hit the Georgian pump stations for the BTC. This will not only halt the pumping capacity but also start numerous fires that will severely damage the pipeline. In this way, they could render the BTC useless forever. I think the Russian realize this and are possibly doing just that.

[RSNATION]

http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1358

All these countries that have publicly backed Georgia are going to have egg on their face. Russia will remember.

[Federate]

RussiaToday is reporting this:

17:05 - Abkhazian official have announced that the republic’s troops have entered the Gail district of Georgia.

[RSNATION]

RussiaToday is reporting this:

17:05 - Abkhazian official have announced that the republic’s troops have entered the Gail district of Georgia.

WOW!!! I hope it is accurate news. I also hope they knock out BTC. The Russians haven't had much luck yet but they are trying.

[yerazhishda]

Tomorrow's headlines?

Russia annexes Georgia

************************

Misha Saakashvili hangs himself in Ankara hospital

[Federate]

Putin to take care of South Ossetian refugees
http://www.russiatoday.com/media/news/5/489dc64901630.jpg
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has changed his travel plans to see for himself the efforts being made to help the war refugees from South Ossetia. The former president has arrived in the capital of North Ossetia, Vladikavkaz, to hold talks with evacuees and local officials.

Putin is discussing an aid package to help North Ossetia cope with the influx of refugees.

“The actions of the Georgian leadership in South Ossetia are crime and foremost they are crime against their own people because a deadly blow has been delivered to the territorial integrity of Georgia, which brings a massive damage to its national identity. It’s hard to imagine after all that had happened and after all that is still happening they’ll be able to convince South Ossetia to be part of Georgia," Vladimir Putin said.

"The aggression has lead to numerous casualties, including peaceful civilians, and created a humanitarian crisis, which is a crime against the South Ossetian people,” he added.

Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian government is planning to allocate around $US 400 million for reconstruction of South Ossetia.

The head of Russia's Emergencies Ministry, Sergey Shoigu, is also in North Ossetia.

Russia has sent doctors and medical supplies to the conflict zone in effort to treat the wounded as soon as possible.

Russia’s Vice-Premier and Cabinet Office Head, Sergey Sobyanin said the conflict was creating a refugee crisis.

“In the past 36 hours, more than 30,000 [out of 70,000 people living in S. Ossetia] have crossed the Russian border. We face a real situation, a humanitarian catastrophe in the region," he said.

“All the refugees who have applied for the assistance are being provided with the necessary aid,” Sobyanin added.

Ninety wounded people have been evacuated from the South Ossetian capital later on Saturday. Authorities in the breakaway region say the emergency convoy had to take a long route out as Georgian officials refused to guarantee safe passage, even for seriously injured children.

From http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28720

[yerazhishda]

Victory imminent for Russia

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/WORLD/europe/08/09/georgia.ossetia/t1home.armored.ap.jpg

Soon they will be playing this in Tblisi:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBejn_R0mRg&feature=related

and raising this:

http://www.svfs-russia.com/images/russian-flag.jpg

[Yedtarts]

Good One! Bravo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhhyZjNApBg

[yerazhishda]

Putin accuses Georgia of genocide
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7552012.stm

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused Georgia of genocide against the South Ossetian people, as fighting in the breakaway region intensified.

He said Georgia was seeking "bloody adventures" and defended Moscow's military action to intervene directly.

Diplomatic efforts are being stepped up to try to halt what Tbilisi has called an "annihilation" of its democracy.

Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili earlier called for an immediate ceasefire to stop "this madness".

In the absence of independent verification, there are conflicting figures about the casualties suffered on both sides but the numbers appeared to rise sharply on Saturday.

Based on Russian and South Ossetian estimates, the death toll on the South Ossetian side was at least 1,400. According to Moscow, all but a few of the dead were civilians.

Georgian casualty figures sustained during the three days of fighting ranged from 82 dead, including 37 civilians, to a figure of around 130 dead.

'A fatal blow'

Mr Putin flew to the Russian city of Vladikavkaz, close to the border with South Ossetia, where he met those who had fled the violence.

Mr Putin said Georgia was committing "complete genocide".

He said the territorial integrity of Georgia had "suffered a fatal blow", suggesting that it was unlikely that South Ossetia would re-integrate with the rest of Georgia after the conflict.

He said the conflict had created at least 34,000 refugees.

This figure wildly conflicts with that cited by the UN refugee agency, which it says is based on information supplied by both sides.

The UN estimates that about 2,400 people have fled South Ossetia to other parts of Georgia while between 4,000 and 5,000 have crossed the border into Russia.

Redrawing the map

As the bloodshed continues, a joint delegation of the US, EU and the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe is heading to Georgia in the hope of brokering a truce.

It comes as a third emergency session of the UN Security Council ended without an agreement on the wording of a statement calling for a ceasefire.

But emissaries from the US and Europe who are Nato members may not be seen as honest brokers by the Kremlin when it comes to Georgia, BBC's diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall says.

The danger now is that Russia will not only use this crisis to demonstrate its military power in the region, but argue it is time to redraw the map, she adds.

Moscow has said there can be no "consultations" with Georgia unless Georgian forces withdraw to the positions they held outside South Ossetia before Thursday.

Meanwhile Russian jets have bombed several towns, including the central Georgian city of Gori, where Georgian troops had been massing to support forces engaged in South Ossetia.

Georgian TV has also shown pictures of damage to the Black Sea port of Poti, the site of a major oil shipment facility, after a reported Russian air strike.

President Saakashvili told the BBC on Saturday that Moscow wanted to take control of energy routes to Europe and accused it of "war crimes" against civilians.

His parliament has approved a presidential decree declaring that the country is in a state of war for 15 days.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Originally Posted by yerazhishda
But why would Joos be pro-Georgian?

Oil, money, power, greed and big hooked noses :D

The above is true but these are not the only reasons.

Joos have a very long and deep history in Georgia. As a matter of fact 70 per cent of all Georgian family names which start with a first name and end with a shvili are of Jooish background. Example: Davitashvili, Bagratashvili. Mikheil Saakashvili is in the 30 per cent because he denies any Jooish background.

A couple of other interesting things about Georgian names.

Almost all Georgian names which end with either ia, ua or ava are in fact Mengrelian names, if you have never heard of Mengrels I don't blame you, they are a complete, separate Caucasian ethnic group and had absolutely nothing to do with Georgians prior 1926 apart from living near them, just being their neighbors. In 1926 they were forced by Stalin to merge with Georgians, since then the Mengrel identity has been supressed. But there are some large and powerful Mengrel clans in Georgia and they switch they loyalty all the time.

Any Georgian name that ends with ani are in fact Svans. Just like Mengrels, Svans are a separate ethnic group that were forced to become Georgian. They are not as numerous as Mengrels but they are also just looking after themselfs and switch loyalty when it suits them.

Any Georgian name that ends with "shi" is in fact a Laz name. Laz are a large Caucasian ethnic group spread all over Caucasus, manly in Dagestan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, their historical centre and home is in the north of Azeristan. But the Georgian Laz are the most assimilated of all the Laz, thanks to Stalin again. Azeri Laz are also under an enormous pressure but are far less assimilated.

Any Georgian name that starts with a Muslim name such as Abas, Ismail etc and ends with a dze is an Adjarian name. Adjarians are Muslim Georgians and they do have their very distinc culture and traditions, in fact with a proper care they'll spit on Georgians in no time. Russia unfortunately failed to support them, BUT it's never too late with these people, there is still a chance for them to follow in Abkhazia's footsteps.

To cut the long story short: Georgia is an absolute mixed salad when it comes to different ethnicities that live there. As a matter of fact proper Georgians in Georgia are numbering between 2 and 2.5 million, and in the entire world there are less than 3 million Georgians.

And don't get me started on Azeri Joos. It's a separate subject and I do think it deserves a separate thread. But I can tell you right now, these scumbags - the Azeri Joos - hate Armenians not an inch less than the Azeris do. They are very influential in Azerbaijan and in Israel, plus in USA and even in Moscow.

[Azad]

Joos have a very long and deep history in Georgia.

"Tskhinvali gradually developed into a commercial town with a mixed xxxish, Georgian, Armenian and Ossetian population. In the 1910s, its censused population was 5,033 with 42.3% j ews, 33% Georgians, 13.4% Armenians and 11% Ossetians."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tskhinvali

[RSNATION]

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=149836&bolum=103

The article is obvious crap, especially now considering recent events. Seems like the author wrote this weeks ago and Zaman is posting this now in order to make the Turks feel better. BTC and BTK will soon be finished.

[yerazhishda]

Russia 'bombs Georgian airport' - Russians continue to move south, seek control of Tblisi
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7552012.stm

Russian jets have bombed a military airfield close to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, a Georgian official said.

Alexander Lomaia, of Georgia's national security council, said the attack was designed to "damage the runway".

Tbilisi said Russia had brought 6,000 troops into Georgia by land and 4,000 by sea in preparation for a dawn raid.

Earlier, Russian PM Vladimir Putin accused Georgia of genocide against the South Ossetian people, as fighting in the breakaway region intensified.

He said Georgia was seeking "bloody adventures" and defended Moscow's military action to intervene directly.

Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili has called for an immediate ceasefire to stop what he described as an "annihilation" of his country's democracy.

In the absence of independent verification, there are conflicting figures about the casualties suffered on both sides but the numbers appeared to rise sharply on Saturday.

Based on Russian and South Ossetian estimates, the death toll on the South Ossetian side was at least 1,400. According to Moscow, all but a few of the dead were civilians.

Georgian casualty figures sustained during the three days of fighting ranged from 82 dead, including 37 civilians, to a figure of around 130 dead.

[yerazhishda]

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=149836&bolum=103

The article is obvious crap, especially now considering recent events. Seems like the author wrote this weeks ago and Zaman is posting this now in order to make the Turks feel better. BTC and BTK will soon be finished.

Turkey, Georgia (Russia), and Azeristan can go f'uck themselves. Russia is on our side, biitches! :D

[Merv]

Putin accuses Georgia of genocide
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7552012.stm

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused Georgia of genocide against the South Ossetian people, as fighting in the breakaway region intensified.

He said Georgia was seeking "bloody adventures" and defended Moscow's military action to intervene directly.

Diplomatic efforts are being stepped up to try to halt what Tbilisi has called an "annihilation" of its democracy.

Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili earlier called for an immediate ceasefire to stop "this madness".

In the absence of independent verification, there are conflicting figures about the casualties suffered on both sides but the numbers appeared to rise sharply on Saturday.

Based on Russian and South Ossetian estimates, the death toll on the South Ossetian side was at least 1,400. According to Moscow, all but a few of the dead were civilians.

Georgian casualty figures sustained during the three days of fighting ranged from 82 dead, including 37 civilians, to a figure of around 130 dead.

'A fatal blow'

Mr Putin flew to the Russian city of Vladikavkaz, close to the border with South Ossetia, where he met those who had fled the violence.

Mr Putin said Georgia was committing "complete genocide".

He said the territorial integrity of Georgia had "suffered a fatal blow", suggesting that it was unlikely that South Ossetia would re-integrate with the rest of Georgia after the conflict.

He said the conflict had created at least 34,000 refugees.

This figure wildly conflicts with that cited by the UN refugee agency, which it says is based on information supplied by both sides.

The UN estimates that about 2,400 people have fled South Ossetia to other parts of Georgia while between 4,000 and 5,000 have crossed the border into Russia.

Redrawing the map

As the bloodshed continues, a joint delegation of the US, EU and the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe is heading to Georgia in the hope of brokering a truce.

It comes as a third emergency session of the UN Security Council ended without an agreement on the wording of a statement calling for a ceasefire.

But emissaries from the US and Europe who are Nato members may not be seen as honest brokers by the Kremlin when it comes to Georgia, BBC's diplomatic correspondent Bridget Kendall says.

The danger now is that Russia will not only use this crisis to demonstrate its military power in the region, but argue it is time to redraw the map, she adds.

Moscow has said there can be no "consultations" with Georgia unless Georgian forces withdraw to the positions they held outside South Ossetia before Thursday.

Meanwhile Russian jets have bombed several towns, including the central Georgian city of Gori, where Georgian troops had been massing to support forces engaged in South Ossetia.

Georgian TV has also shown pictures of damage to the Black Sea port of Poti, the site of a major oil shipment facility, after a reported Russian air strike.

President Saakashvili told the BBC on Saturday that Moscow wanted to take control of energy routes to Europe and accused it of "war crimes" against civilians.

His parliament has approved a presidential decree declaring that the country is in a state of war for 15 days.

I smell a tribunal. The Russians have learnt well from their American counterparts in the ways of propaganda. Except in this case what Georgia has done, while perhaps not genocide, goes beyond a lot of what the NATO/US "rogue" countries were accused of. I can very easily envision Saakashvili sitting in a court in Tbilisi or Tskhinvali (Russian controlled, of course) and getting a life sentence for these atrocities. The Russians have certainly come a long way, they are so much more sophisticated in how they do things than 30 years ago.

On an unrelated issue, anyone notice there were further Muslim bombings in China? Anyone think there's a Western connection there, as well? (pretty obvious in this case)

[Yedtarts]

Israel backs Georgia in Caspian Oil Pipeline Battle with Russia

Georgian tanks and infantry, aided by Israeli military advisers, captured the capital of breakaway South Ossetia, Tskhinvali, early Friday, Aug. 8, bringing the Georgian-Russian conflict over the province to a military climax.

Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin threatened a “military response.”

Former Soviet Georgia called up its military reserves after Russian warplanes bombed its new positions in the renegade province.

In Moscow’s first response to the fall of Tskhinvali, president Dimitry Medvedev ordered the Russian army to prepare for a national emergency after calling the UN Security Council into emergency session early Friday.

Reinforcements were rushed to the Russian “peacekeeping force” present in the region to support the separatists.

Georgian tanks entered the capital after heavy overnight heavy aerial strikes, in which dozens of people were killed.

Lado Gurgenidze, Georgia's prime minister, said on Friday that Georgia will continue its military operation in South Ossetia until a "durable peace" is reached. "As soon as a durable peace takes hold we need to move forward with dialogue and peaceful negotiations."

DEBKAfile’s geopolitical experts note that on the surface level, the Russians are backing the separatists of S. Ossetia and neighboring Abkhazia as payback for the strengthening of American influence in tiny Georgia and its 4.5 million inhabitants. However, more immediately, the conflict has been sparked by the race for control over the pipelines carrying oil and gas out of the Caspian region.

The Russians may just bear with the pro-US Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili’s ambition to bring his country into NATO. But they draw a heavy line against his plans and those of Western oil companies, including Israeli firms, to route the oil routes from Azerbaijan and the gas lines from Turkmenistan, which transit Georgia, through Turkey instead of hooking them up to Russian pipelines.

Saakashvili need only back away from this plan for Moscow to ditch the two provinces’ revolt against Tbilisi. As long as he sticks to his guns, South Ossetia and Abkhazia will wage separatist wars.

DEBKAfile discloses Israel’s interest in the conflict from its exclusive military sources:

Jerusalem owns a strong interest in Caspian oil and gas pipelines reach the Turkish terminal port of Ceyhan, rather than the Russian network. Intense negotiations are afoot between Israel Turkey, Georgia, Turkmenistan and Azarbaijan for pipelines to reach Turkey and thence to Israel’s oil terminal at Ashkelon and on to its Red Sea port of Eilat. From there, supertankers can carry the gas and oil to the Far East through the Indian Ocean.

Aware of Moscow’s sensitivity on the oil question, Israel offered Russia a stake in the project but was rejected.

Last year, the Georgian president commissioned from private Israeli security firms several hundred military advisers, estimated at up to 1,000, to train the Georgian armed forces in commando, air, sea, armored and artillery combat tactics. They also offer instruction on military intelligence and security for the central regime. Tbilisi also purchased weapons, intelligence and electronic warfare systems from Israel.

These advisers were undoubtedly deeply involved in the Georgian army’s preparations to conquer the South Ossetian capital Friday.

In recent weeks, Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Jerusalem halt its military assistance to Georgia, finally threatening a crisis in bilateral relations. Israel responded by saying that the only assistance rendered Tbilisi was “defensive.”

This has not gone down well in the Kremlin. Therefore, as the military crisis intensifies in South Ossetia, Moscow may be expected to punish Israel for its intervention.

http://debka.com/article.php?aid=1358

[Illuminator]

Russia 'bombs Georgian airport' - Russians continue to move south, seek control of Tblisi


Love to see that happen :)

[Armanen]

And the other western outlets near Russia have begun barking. Where were they when kosovo was being ripped away from Serbia? They sure as hell weren't talking about kosovo being an inseparable part of Serbia like they are with SO.

http://www.silobreaker.com/DocumentReader.aspx?Item=5_889391361

http://news.trendaz.com/index.shtml?show=news&newsid=1266530&lang=EN

[Armanen]

Some good news for Armenia.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/International_Business/Azerbaijan_halts_oil_exports/articleshow/3347118.cms


And more zog double-talk

http://www.ttc.org/200808092039.m79kdav04739.htm

[Armanen]

What was said between bushy and Putin, do you know?

[Armanen]

ask kevin Rudd


Well I wouldn't expect much from rudd, especially since he too is parroting the typical zog line of territorial integrity - of course only when it suits them.

[jgk3]

On an unrelated issue, anyone notice there were further Muslim bombings in China? Anyone think there's a Western connection there, as well? (pretty obvious in this case)

Do you think the west's intent to do these things, especially at the time of the olympics, was all a diversion to finally launch a US attack on Iran?

[RSNATION]

I wonder if the news below is accurate

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/home/9626649.asp?gid=244&sz=3441

Hurriyet English


Russian media, "Turkey supports Georgia"

Russian Izvestya newspapers has claimed that Turkey was among the countries that supported Georgia in the recent strife in South Ossetia, by supplying the country with weapons, CNNTurk reported on Sunday.

The Russian newspaper cited a Russian Defense Ministry report published three months prior that claims over the past four years Turkey has supplied Georgia with $45 million in weapons and ammunition, as well as training Georgian army officers.

Interfax Agency also reported that Turkish naval ship has entered in to Georgian territorial waters off the coast near the city of Batumi.

[Yedtarts]

Did mercenaries help Georgia?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcv-ynUDYHc

http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28765

[Yedtarts]

Shelled city is living hell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC5r6VNlhTE

[crusader1492]

Did mercenaries help Georgia?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcv-ynUDYHc

http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28765

The guy in the video said that they have some bodies in their possession that are black (maybe US special forces?). This would confirm that mercenaries are being used.

[arziv]

Hunker down and wait cautiously and calculatingly. It is too early to say how Russia will play out this gambit. Shaskavily is a Nato pawn, triggered by the globalist vermin. Georgia is a quasi -proxy USA base in the caucasus . If Shaskavily succeeds with his reckless adventurism, it will send a green light to the other scabious dog , Aliev, to launch an attack on NK. Israel and judaic cabala has provided military hardware to the Shaskavily hyena. The gambit is to rout the Russian influence out of the Caucasus. If Russia is not careful this could happen in a blink of an eye, with catastrophic consequences for our homeland. If Ossetia is overwhelmed, Abhkazia will be next, and the lice ridden dog Aliev will be emboldened --- with support from Turkey and the judaic cabala--- to attack NK. Times are very difficult, the stakes are high; Russia's position and preponderance in the region is being tested. Firebrands and mountain brigands like Shaskavily, greased and oiled by the judaic talmudists, don't make matters any easier in the region.

[RSNATION]

HAHAHAHAH!!! THE GEORGIANS ARE BEGGING THE ABKHAZ NOT TO FIGHT FOR THEIR FREEDOM!!!!!!!

http://georgiamfa.blogspot.com/2008/08/declaration-of-georgian-government-for.html

[aray]

Check out the CNN line - BLOOD IN THE STREETS (http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/10/georgia.russia/index.html#cnnSTCVideo). Western media hypocrisy is amazing:evil:

[skhara]

HAHAHAHAH!!! THE GEORGIANS ARE BEGGING THE ABKHAZ NOT TO FIGHT FOR THEIR FREEDOM!!!!!!!

http://georgiamfa.blogspot.com/2008/08/declaration-of-georgian-government-for.html

They are begging for cease-fire now too. Russia doesn't seem to interested. :) I guarantee you guys, there will be no status-quo after this. Russian troops that have entered S Ossetia are there to stay. Perhaps a buffer zones will be created.

[crusader1492]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-T_ZzRDf08&eurl=http://news.google.com/news?client=safari&rls=en&q=georgia&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wn

McCain (what an ass!) sounding more idiotic than Bush.

[yerazhishda]

Blood on Saakashvili's hands, Georgia move fails to halt raids
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7552908.stm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44909000/jpg/_44909978_soldierap.jpg
Georgia insists that all its forces are now outside South Ossetia

Russia has continued air raids deep inside Georgia, after it rejected Tbilisi's announcement that it had called a ceasefire and wanted talks.

Russian jets bombed targets near Georgia's capital Tbilisi, including the airport, reports said.

Earlier Georgia said its troops had pulled out of the breakaway region of South Ossetia and Russia was in control of its capital, Tskhinvali.

Thousands of civilians have fled - it is not clear how many have been killed.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili told the BBC his forces had observed a ceasefire since 0500 on Sunday morning, but had still been bombed by Russian planes. He said his government had been trying "all day" to contact Russia to discuss a ceasefire.

Peace mission

Russian jets were still carrying out bombing raids late on Sunday. Witnesses said jets had hit Tbilisi International Airport, as well as a military airfield close to the Georgian capital.

A Georgian official said Russian planes had also bombed the western town of Zugdidi and Georgian-controlled territory inside Abkhazia. The claims could not be independently verified.

The attack which reportedly hit the airport came only a few hours before the scheduled arrival of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, on a peace mission.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council began meeting for a fourth day on Sunday to discuss the conflict. It has so far failed to agree on the wording of a statement calling for a ceasefire.

Clashes in South Ossetia itself were reported to be less intense on Sunday, as Russian forces took control and Georgian troops drew back.

Local residents fleeing the area on Sunday morning told the BBC that Tskhinvali was relatively quiet.

Later, however, the BBC's Richard Galpin described a real sense of panic on Sunday night in the Georgian town of Gori, near the South Ossetia, amid fears that Russian troops were about to march on the town.

He had been warned by the interior ministry to leave Gori, only to find that the road to Tbilisi was crammed with cars full of fleeing civilians.

'Disproportionate force'

Georgia's announcement of its ceasefire came in a statement from the foreign ministry, stating that Georgia "today stopped firing in the South Ossetian conflict zone and is ready to begin talks with Russia on a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities".

It said a note had been passed to the Russian embassy in Georgia to that effect.

Mikhail Saakashvili claims Russia has not respected the ceasefire

But a Russian foreign ministry official was quoted by Interfax saying "our information does not confirm the Georgian statement".

"There are indications that exchanges of fire are continuing and the Georgian forces have not been fully withdrawn from the conflict zone," he said.

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) called on the parties to the conflict to grant safe passage for thousands of civilians trying to escape the war zone.

The UNHCR estimates that between 10,000 and 20,000 people have been displaced within Georgia, including South Ossetia, while Russia has said that a further 30,000 people have fled north into the Russian province of North Ossetia.

"The conflict has caused civilian casualties and more are at risk," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said.

"It is essential that humanitarian agencies be able to reach the affected and the displaced."

Meanwhile tensions were rising in Georgia's other breakaway region, Abkhazia.

The leader of the separatist government there, Sergei Bagapsh, said he had ordered a military operation to clear Georgian forces out of Abkhazia's Kodori Gorge, and gave them a deadline to leave.

Georgia has accused Russia of landing 4,000 more troops in Abkhazia via the Black Sea. The separatists said Georgia had deployed a similar number of soldiers south of the Abkhaz border.

The US has described Russia's actions as "dangerous and disproportionate".

US Deputy National Security Adviser James Jeffrey said that if the Russian escalation continued, it would have a "significant" long-term impact on relations between the Moscow and Washington.

Nato Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Russia had violated Georgia's territorial integrity in South Ossetia and condemned the "disproportionate use of force".

The Russian radio station Echo Moscow reported that two journalists, including a photographer for the Russian news agency Itar-Tass, were shot dead by separatists after entering South Ossetia.

[RSNATION]

What's more is that the general public outside of the region will lose interest soon. For instance, Americans are much more interested in the Olympics, the NFL preseason, baseball and so forth. They are oblivious to the outside world.
They don't even know where Russia is on the map let alone Georgia or Ossetia.

Saakhasvili, you done screwed up son.

[yerazhishda]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-T_ZzRDf08&eurl=http://news.google.com/news?client=safari&rls=en&q=georgia&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wn

McCain (what an ass!) sounding more idiotic than Bush.

South Ossetia is a part of "sovereign" Georgia but Kosovo was not a part of "sovereign" Serbia? :confused: Why do I get the feeling that if he gets elected we'll be begging for Bush back? :D

[yerazhishda]

Saakhasvili, you done screwed up son.

I'm Armenian and even I want to see him executed - I don't know about the rest of you. He's a coward and a traitor and betrayed his own people just to pacify the West and advance his political career.

[RSNATION]

http://www.belgraviadispatch.com/2008/08/georgia_on_my_mind.html

By: Gregory Djerejian

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

The commentary being churned out in the Western press regarding Georgia is rather pitiable in the main (most notably this dreary WaPo piffle, stinking of knee-jerk group-think as it does from beginning to end). A few quick points, in no particular order. First, let us disabuse ourselves from the notion that Mr. Saakashvili is some glorious democrat (the election he barely won in January included irregularities, and there continues to be endemic corruption in Tblisi). Second, let us recall that many south Ossetians and Abkhazians are not particularly keen to live under Tbilisi's yoke, indeed some prefer Russian influence to predominate there for the time being. Third, if there is any truth to Russian allegations that there are some 1,500 fatalities in the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali--and they were caused by a major initial over-reach by the Georgian military (we will need to wait for more details to emerge)--expect many more brutish bombardments like the Russians apparently have conducted in the Georgian town of Gori, alas. Fourth, some context: ever since the overly hasty recognition of Kosovo went live, Putin has been very keen to intimate what's good for the goose is good for the gander, having personally threatened Saakashvili that Russia would formally recognize as independent states Ossetia and Abkhazia. Unfair and inconvenient, at least to Georgian 'sovereignists' (or, to others, irrendentists)? Yes, to a fashion, as the perils of too breezy analogizing among these different situations is quite clear. Still, the Kosovo precedent was going to be used to Putin's purposes, of course, humiliating as the events in Pristina were to Moscow, and with the barely concealed breezy cheerleading from Brussels and DC adding insult to injury.

Which brings me to a fifth point, and perhaps a more fundamental causal factor contributing to this explosion of misfortune in Georgia, namely, that of stupidity, or at least, severe miscalculation. Saakashvili, an apparently quite idealistic 40 year-old former NY lawyer, seems to have erred too much in thinking that giddy summitry with Western big-wigs might pay dividends (or too his far too excited involvement in the Iraq adventure which, incidentally, looks to be coming to a quite precipitous end) but unfortunately, insufficiently appreciated the disastrous waning in U.S. power these past years, despite his constant hankering for NATO membership (which a resurgent Russia will never accept regardless of Kosovo or whatever else, best I can tell), and thus has fallen short with regard to better appreciating a variable which would have been more apropos, namely, a harsh dose of realpolitik. And this despite Putin having warned Saakashvili rather pointedly: "On April 21, Mr. Saakashvili called the Russian leader to demand that he reverse the decision [possible Russian recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia]. He reminded Mr. Putin that the West had taken Georgia’s side in the dispute. And Mr. Putin, according to several of Mr. Saakashvili’s associates, shot back with a suggestion about where they could put their statements. Mr. Saakashvili, prudent for once, shied from uttering the exact wording, but said that Mr. Putin had used “extremely offensive language,” and had repeated the expression several times." Permit me to be less prudent than Mr. Saakashvili, who appears perhaps to be a poor prioritizer of where to be prudent and where not. Mr. Putin told him that he could (and excuse the crudity) stick American and Western European assurances regarding the territorial disputes in question up his rear end, I suspect, and I'm afraid that's not a too inaccurate assessment, if a bit biting and brusque (save if McCain trumps Obama and decides to ride the NATO cavalry up from Kabul to Tbilisi a few months hence--perhaps on the back of some more WaPo interventionist rhapsodizing--devoid of the merest smidgen of appreciation for historical context and subtlety, leading to another toweringly idiotic 'Washington consensus' of some sort).

What's needed now, rather critically, is rather a large dose of humble pie by Mr. Saakashvili (let Solana visit him to hand-hold some, and perhaps then send our own Condi-the-Great too, as face-saver, if she's not too busy showcasing our incompetence elsewhere), with an understanding that the main objective is an immediate cease-fire with the goal of returning to the status quo ante, which is to say, de facto Russian control of the provinces in question. We could do far worse (indeed Putin may be minded to just have them go ahead and declare their independence under Russian control, or simply annex them), and bloviating about the death of the Rose Revolution in far-flung Abkhazia and Ossetia, while doubtless fun xxxxtail chit-chat among the grandees of our favorite editorial pages, well, Putin might have an idea or two where to put such talk, and it won't save any lives at this urgent juncture either. Put differently, let's stop our fanciful reverie from points removed (and where the ramifications don't include rampant lost of life, say) in favor of trying to dampen back a bloodbath that is looming today in the Caucasus, especially should Saakashvili delude himself some quasi-cavalry might be in the offing, and push back on the Russians even harder. For there is no cavalry coming, save if cavalry can be construed as 'we must respect Georgian sovereignty' soundbites that will blanket around clueless anchors striving mightily to pose intelligible questions on the cable news circuit that might be overheard at the Tbilisi Marriott.

Last, and somewhat tangential, interesting to note in passing (though highly unsurprising) that when we are are not speaking of a hiccup in financial regulatory issues in Moscow or such (where Medvedev was taking to flexing some muscle), it is Putin who leaves Beijing for the staging ground of the operation, not Medvedev. All the more reason for Saakashvili to be concerned...

NB: Larison is on top of this as well, just keep scrolling over there--but this post might be a good starting point--as it's particularly cogent (especially his contention that "Kissinger and Cohen are right", with which I mostly concur, and helpfully saves me the trouble too of having to write about yet another Kagan).

[RSNATION]

I'm Armenian and even I want to see him executed - I don't know about the rest of you. He's a coward and a traitor and betrayed his own people just to pacify the West and advance his political career.

I agree. He has humiliated Georgia. Although the Georgians are angry at Russia and will be for a while, they are going to turn on him like never before.

[Federate]

Russian news agencies report sunken Georgian ship

TBILISI, Georgia - Russian news agencies say the Defense Ministry is claiming to have sunk a Georgian missile boat that was trying to attack Russian navy ships in the Black Sea.

Russia's Defense Ministry refused to comment on the Sunday reports to The Associated Press and Georgian officials could not immediately be reached.

If confirmed, the incident could mark a serious escalation of the fighting between Russia and Georgia over the separatist Georgian province of South Ossetia.

"Georgian missile patrol boats today made two attempts to attack Russian military ships. The Russian ships opened fire in response and as a result, one of the Georgian ships carrying out the attack was sunk," the ITAR-Tass news agency quoted a ministry spokesman as saying.

More here http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/georgia_south_ossetia

[RSNATION]

MORE GREAT NEWS. RUSSIANS ADVANCING ON GORI

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/world/europe/11georgia.html?bl&ex=1218513600&en=21280383fa5b8c72&ei=5087

[Azad]

With the amount or armaments being sent to the front ... this is not a short term defense. Georgia will never be the same.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/08/10/world/10georgia-600.jpg

[Federate]

Looks like Armenia is being used as an evacuation point for foreigners. Does anyone have any idea if Armenians are being evacuated to Armenia and is Armenia accepting Georgian refugees?

------------------------------
Foreigners flee Georgia

ITALY and Poland today led the evacuation of hundreds of foreign nationals caught up in the Russia-Georgia conflict, while two airlines suspended flights to Georgia.

About 130 of the 200 Italian nationals known to be in Georgia left by bus today for the Armenian capital Yerevan, an Italian foreign ministry spokesman said.

Poland has sent a government plane to Yerevan to collect around 180 evacuees waiting there after completing a 260km crossing by coach from the Polish embassy in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi.

Most are Poles or people of Polish origin, although that figure includes an unspecified number of Czech Republic and Estonian nationals, a consular official said.

Britain's Foreign Office has urged its nationals in Georgia on non-urgent business to "leave as soon as possible", advice echoed by Canada.

"The situation is volatile and could deteriorate without notice," Canada's foreign ministry warned and told nationals that the US embassy is organising an evacuation convoy from Tbilisi to Yerevan tomorrow.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory yesterday to discourage Americans from visiting Georgia or its rebel territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Germany advised its citizens in Georgia to leave the country by travelling overland to Armenia or Turkey. A group of Spanish tourists were also evacuated through Armenia, a Spanish diplomatic source said.

Turkish officials said they were in discussions with neighbouring Azerbaijan should they decide evacuations are necessary, the Anatolia news agency reported.

France along with Spain, Sweden and Greece have also not made any decisions on immediate evacuations as they monitor the crisis.

Russian forces took control of South Ossetia today although Moscow claimed Georgian troops were still fighting in the breakaway enclave. Georgia said it had withdrawn most of its troops from South Ossetia in the face of mounting Russian firepower.

The French foreign ministry advised its nationals currently in Georgia "to remain in their homes and maintain contact with France's embassy".

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner left today on a mission to mediate between Tbilisi and Moscow on behalf of the European Union, as France currently holds the EU presidency.

Turkish Airlines and Austrian Airways today suspended flights in and out of Tbilisi for security reasons.

The Turkish airline said flights to Batumi, in southwest Georgia near the border with Turkey, have been re-routed to Trabzon, a Turkish city on the Black Sea coast. A coach service will take passengers from Trabzon if required, it said.

From http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24159849-5012749,00.html

[Federate]

BTW lsel em te karq meh hayer gnacel en Haravayin Osiayum Hayastanits vorbesi paykarin Vrastani dem.

[Federate]

MORE GREAT NEWS. RUSSIANS ADVANCING ON GORI

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/world/europe/11georgia.html?bl&ex=1218513600&en=21280383fa5b8c72&ei=5087
Maybe Russia really wants to have a border with Armenia :D

[HayotzAmrotz]

Reports on Azerbaijan indicate that the Azeri public opinion with regards to situation in SO and Georgia is split in two. One side, the majority, is supporting Georgia. However, there is a vocal minority that is against what Georgia is doing. In fact this minority is calling on cutting ties with USA and becoming more pro Russian. It is worth noting that the main reason this minority makes such calls is because they are Azeri Islamists who hate the West. In the supporters camp the most vocal anti Russian sentiments (or downright hate) are coming from the pro-Turk Azeris (which is majority of population) and the Azeri Joos.

It is also worth noting that at present Azerbaijan is not in the condition to maintain a war with Armenia. Starting a war is one thing, continuing it is another. Overall the morale in Azerbaijan is at a very low level and in case of a war there will be a mass exodus of young Azeris in order to avoid the draft.

But we are not leting our guard down. That will never happen!

[yerazhishda]

BTW lsel em te karq meh hayer gnacel en Haravayin Osiayum Hayastanits vorbesi paykarin Vrastani dem.

Lav e lsel. Hopefully they will stay out of the way of Russian bombs. Are they seeking asylum in Armenia?

[Federate]

Israel blocks arms sales to Georgia
http://www.russiatoday.com/media/news/d/48982204177c9.jpg
Merkava-2

Israel is to stop selling military equipment to Georgia after a complaint from Moscow. The arms ban includes sales of unmanned spy planes – several of which have been shot down over Abkhazia during recent tensions between Georgia and its breakaway republics.

The Ministry of Defence in Israel imposed the weapons embargo after ministers in Jerusalem received complaints from Russia. The ban prohibits the sale of Hermes 450 UAV spy drones, made by Elbit Maarahot Systems Ltd.

The decision to cut the trade is thought to be linked to growing tensions in the Caucasus and Russia’s reaction to flights of unmanned drones over the demilitarized zone between the Georgia and Abkhazia.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livny is reported to have reluctantly made the decision to cut arms supplies to Tbilisi after consultations with Russia.

Moscow reminded the Israeli government that it had refrained from selling certain kinds of weapons to states that could threaten Israel. Russia said it had every right to expect Jerusalem to reciprocate the goodwill.

With tension rising in Georgia’s breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Israel’s leadership has been facing a tricky choice between Russia and Georgia.

Russia’s barely hidden threat had the desired effect and Jerusalem opted for a ban on arms sales to Georgia.

Georgia has become a real goldmine for Israeli arms dealers, who will suffer because of the embargo.

Tbilisi had placed orders with several Israeli military manufacturers. Among the weaponry ordered were 70 million rifle cartridges, Merkava tanks, APCs, helicopters, UAVs, fire control systems and night-vision devices.

From http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28500

[RSNATION]

Israel blocks arms sales to Georgia
http://www.russiatoday.com/media/news/d/48982204177c9.jpg
Merkava-2

Israel is to stop selling military equipment to Georgia after a complaint from Moscow. The arms ban includes sales of unmanned spy planes – several of which have been shot down over Abkhazia during recent tensions between Georgia and its breakaway republics.

The Ministry of Defence in Israel imposed the weapons embargo after ministers in Jerusalem received complaints from Russia. The ban prohibits the sale of Hermes 450 UAV spy drones, made by Elbit Maarahot Systems Ltd.

The decision to cut the trade is thought to be linked to growing tensions in the Caucasus and Russia’s reaction to flights of unmanned drones over the demilitarized zone between the Georgia and Abkhazia.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livny is reported to have reluctantly made the decision to cut arms supplies to Tbilisi after consultations with Russia.

Moscow reminded the Israeli government that it had refrained from selling certain kinds of weapons to states that could threaten Israel. Russia said it had every right to expect Jerusalem to reciprocate the goodwill.

With tension rising in Georgia’s breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Israel’s leadership has been facing a tricky choice between Russia and Georgia.

Russia’s barely hidden threat had the desired effect and Jerusalem opted for a ban on arms sales to Georgia.

Georgia has become a real goldmine for Israeli arms dealers, who will suffer because of the embargo.

Tbilisi had placed orders with several Israeli military manufacturers. Among the weaponry ordered were 70 million rifle cartridges, Merkava tanks, APCs, helicopters, UAVs, fire control systems and night-vision devices.

From http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28500

A day late and a dollar short Israel. You've already defied Russia and they will not forget.

[North Pole]

From RT:

“In yesterday’s attack, the advancing tanks were supposedly crewed by Ukrainians. Two unidentified bodies found today are said to have black skin. Possibly they are Americans but we can’t say for sure yet. We will be able to publish the official conclusions after carrying out special tests,” Medoyev said.

http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/28765

[North Pole]

Georgian troops to be prosecuted for their crimes in South Ossetia


Georgia is guilty of genocide - Medvedev

President Dmitry Medvedev has described Georgia's actions in the conflict zone as genocide. He has ordered Russian prosecutors to collect evidence of the crimes committed there.
”Georgia has exposed South Ossetia to a very crude and cynical aggression. People have died. Russian citizens have died, including local residents and peacekeepers. The actions of the Georgian side cannot be described as anything else but genocide.

“The information we have received suggests that horrible crimes were committed there. People were killed, burnt, run down by tanks, had their throats were cut,” Medvedev said.

The President went on to say that “the operation to restore peace will continue and those guilty will be punished”.
Earlier, after visiting a refugee camp in North Ossetia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also accused Georgia of genocide and said those responsible for war crimes should be prosecuted.

http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28777




From kremlin.ru:

August 10, 2008 18:30
Sunday

Dmitry Medvedev instructed the Russian Federation Prosecutor General's Office Committee of Inquiry to document crimes committed in South Ossetia in order to prosecute the perpetrators.

http://kremlin.ru/dyn_images/big205085.jpg

Working meeting with Chairman of the Russian Federation Prosecutor General’s Office Committee of Inquiry Alexander Bastrykin.

Mr Bastrykin will fly to Vladikavkaz to coordinate work in the field on collecting documented evidence of crimes committed by Georgian forces in South Ossetia. This work has already begun. The Investigations Committee is sending another 150 criminal investigation specialists to reinforce the efforts underway. The evidence gathered will be used as the basis for future prosecution of the perpetrators of crimes.


Source: http://kremlin.ru/eng/sdocs/news.shtml#205091





Georgian troops burn South Ossetian refugees alive

Israeli mass media published several articles August 10 dedicated to the war in South Ossetia. Newspapers paid special attention to arms shipments to Georgia, which Israel had made in the past. A former defense ministry official said that the Georgian army had no chances in the opposition to the Russian army.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of encouraging Georgia to interventions and ethnic cleansings in South Ossetia. Russia also claimed that Ukraine had armed Georgia to the teeth. Georgia’s ground forces possess weapons, ammunition, unmanned aircraft, night vision goggles and other equipment made in Israel.

Israel’s Defense Ministry recommended to cease arms shipments to Georgia after the start of military actions in South Ossetia, not to provoke Russia.

Battles in South Ossetia continued throughout the night. Russian sources said that about 2,000 people had been killed in South Ossetia.

Ossetian journalists wrote on their website that Georgian troops had captured a group of refugees from one of the regions of S. Ossetia. The Georgian military men locked them in a house and set the house on fire, burning all the people inside alive. An Ossetian woman informed Russian Prime Minister Putin of the hideous crime during his visit to a refugee camp. Another woman told Putin that she had seen a Georgian tank running over an elderly Ossetian woman who was trying to save two children. The woman was running out of the village, occupied the by the Georgian troops.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner called the hostilities in South Ossetia "massacres" and also said Sunday he would press Georgia and Russia for an immediate end to the violence in the breakaway Georgian province.

Kouchner said the EU cannot allow such a "Middle Age battle" to continue. He spoke in an interview with The Associated Press hours before he and Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb left Paris for a meeting with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili in Tbilisi.

The EU "cannot accept such a war, a terribly devastating and ... unacceptable war, at our doors," Kouchner said. France has held the EU's six-month rotating presidency since July 1.

French President Sarkozy, who spoke by telephone with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Georgian Mikhail Saakashvili, said an agreement between the two neighbors not to use force against one another would be the best way of making sure any future accord would stick.

READ MORE -- http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/conflicts/10-08-2008/106050-georgia-0

[Federate]

Abkhazia Is the Second Front
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Zugdidi.png/800px-Zugdidi.png
Panic breaks out on border town of Zugdidi
A second front started against Georgia over the weekend. Abkhazia, “in accordance with alliance obligations to South Ossetia” began an operation “to press Georgian forces out of the upper part of the Kodori Gorge.” Abkhazian armed formations entered the zone of responsibility of peacekeeping forces of in the Gali region. In Tbilisi, they are claiming that the Russian army is taking part in the offensive, that the Russian Air Force is providing air support and that the Black Sea Fleet is providing naval support. Moscow and Sukhumi deny that. Abkhazia has declared its readiness to cross the border and “put in order” the Zugdidi district of Georgia. Panic broke out in Zugdidi in the evening.

Yesterday morning, Abkhazian forces struck at Georgian positions in the upper part of Kodori Gorge with missile artillery “Abkhazian forces were given the task of dislodging Georgian armed formations out of the area, where they have been located since 2006 in violation of the 1994 agreement on the disengagement of the sides and ceasefire,” Abkhazian Defense Minister Sergey Shamba told Kommersant. “At present, the artillery is undergoing preparation.” Earlier, Abkhazia demanded that Georgian authorities “withdraw all armed formations from the upper part of Kodori Gorge, including border forces and the so-called marionette government of the Abkhazian Autonomous Republic.” Abkhazian President Sergey Bagapsh stated yesterday that “Georgia still has time.” Bagapsh noted that “When the main phase of this operation begins, you will know.” On Monday, martial law will be imposed in several districts of Abkhazia for ten days and a partial mobilization is being declared.

Sukhumi has officially asked UN military observers to leave Kodori Gorge. Assistant to the secretary general of the UN Edmund Mulet stated that Abkhazian authorities refused to explain the reason for their request. He said that the UN was extremely concerned about the expansion of the conflict.

Abkhazian forces simultaneously entered the collective peacekeeping forces’ zone of responsibility in Gali District of the republic and took up positions on the border with Georgia along the Inguri River. “The goal of the operation is to bring order to the zone of responsibility of the peacekeeping forces both on the territory of Abkhazia and on the territory of Zugdidi District in Georgia,” Bagapsh stated. Slightly later, his official representative Kristian Bzhania explained that “At this stage of the operation, the Abkhazian army does not plan to cross into Georgian territory.”

By that time, however, speaker of the Georgian parliament David Bakradze had already announced, citing certain informational sources, an offensive by Russian-Abkhazian forces against Georgian Zugdidi. In that city, which has a population of 100,000, panic began.

Rumors circulated of a large presence of Russian infantry brought to the Abkhazian port of Ochamchire by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Tornike Keburia, a member of the Zugdidi city administration, told Kommersant that “A significant part of the population has left to the nearest villages where they have relatives or homes.”

According to the city official, Zugdidi is under the control of the Georgian police. No additional armed Georgian forces have been introduced there, since Zugdidi is within the security zone of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, as defined in the 1994 Moscow agreement. Keburia acknowledged that Russian peacekeepers have given assurances that, if the necessity arises to defend the city, they will not allow Abkhazian armed formations to enter it. The public is placing greater hopes on the nearby large Georgian military base in Senaki.

Both Sukhumi and Moscow deny that Russian forces are taking part in the actions of the Abkhazian army. “We do not intend to take the initiative in escalating the conflict in that area [i.e., Abkhazia],” Anatoly Nogovitsyn, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces stated yesterday. “We are interested foremost in stabilization there.” The Abkhazian president’s representative stated yesterday that additional Russian peacekeepers were introduced into the unrecognized republic yesterday. “The Russian peacekeepers are making efforts not to allow a repetition of the tragedy in South Ossetia, where the peacekeeping forces were attacked by Georgian subdivisions” Bzhania said. “Under its mandate, up to 3000 peacekeepers can be located in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict zone, but there number has not exceeded 2500 until recently.”

The Russian fleet has not remained on the side in the conflict either. “The flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the missile cruiser Moskva, arrived in the assigned area [the eastern part of the Black Sea] from Sevastopol on Sunday morning, along with the patroller Smetlivy and escort vessels,” a source in the Russian Navy stated yesterday. He said that three large infantry ships are also located in the area. They arrived earlier from Sevastopol and Novorossiisk. “The purpose of the location of the group of Black Sea Fleet vessels in that area is preparedness to provide assistance to refugees,” the source said. Chief of the Georgian National Security Council Alexander Lomaya claims, however, that the Russian ships are blockading the main Georgian port of Poti. “The Russians are not allowing Georgian ship loaded with grain and fuel into Georgia,” he stated.

Most experts say that, in the event that the conflict is expanded, it will be extremely difficult for the Georgian army to wage war on the two fronts of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Tbilisi is under no illusions of it either, although for different reasons. “If Russia has decided to occupy Georgia, not only on two fronts in the war, but on one front with Russia we will have little chance,” a high-placed Georgian Foreign Ministry official told Kommersant.

From http://www.kommersant.com/p1010060/South_Ossetia_Abkhazia_Georgia_conflict/

[Federate]

Jooish Georgian minister: Thanks to Israeli training, we're fending off Russia
By Haaretz Service

xxxish Georgian Minister Temur Yakobshvili on Sunday praised the Israel Defense Forces for its role in training Georgian troops and said Israel should be proud of its military might, in an interview with Army Radio.

"Israel should be proud of its military which trained Georgian soldiers," Yakobashvili told Army Radio in Hebrew, referring to a private Israeli group Georgia had hired.

Yakobashvili, Georgia's minister of reintegration, added that this training provided Georgia with the know-how needed to defend itself against Russian forces in the clashes which erupted last last week in the separatist region of South Ossetia.

Yakobashvili said that a small group of Georgian soldiers had able to wipe out an entire Russian military division due to this training.

"We killed 60 Russian soldiers just yesterday," said Yakobashvili. "The Russians have lost more than 50 tanks, and we have shot down 11 of their planes. They have enormous damage in terms of manpower,"

Yakobashvili warned that the Russians would try and open another battlefront in Abkhazia and he denied reports that the Georgian army was retreating. "The Georgian forces are not retreating. We move our military according to security needs."

"There was no attack on the airport in Tbilisi. It was a factory that produces combat airplanes," said Yakobashvili referring to the attacks in the country's capital.

"The whole world is starting to understand that what is happening here will determine the future of this region, the future price of crude oil, the future of central Asia, and the future of NATO," the Georgian minister added.

According to him, "every bomb that falls over our heads is an attack on democracy, on the European Union and on America."

From http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1010187.html

[Armanen]

georgia is just like azerbaijan, always trying to make itself look more important and stronger than it really is. True, Russia has taken some hits in this current conflict, but unlike georgia they can afford it, what the hell will the georgians do when the full might of Russia comes upon them?

[Azad]

Sending a cheap Georgian dissatisfaction to the US.

"BAGHDAD (AFP) - Around half of Georgia's 2,000-strong contingent in Iraq returned home on Sunday to redeploy in the conflict in its breakaway province of South Ossetia, military spokesmen said."

[Federate]

True, Russia has taken some hits in this current conflict, but unlike georgia they can afford it, what the hell will the georgians do when the full might of Russia comes upon them?
What hits? Militarily Russia is completely destroying Georgia and if it wishes could march to Tiflis in one day. Politically, Russia is a superpower and cannot be touched. Economically, Russia has massive amounts of oil and is relatively spending little on this war.

[RSNATION]

BELOW IS A STORY FROM TURKISH SABAH. JUST LIKE ISRAEL, RUSSIA WILL NOT FORGET WHAT TURKEY HAS DONE!


Putin does not return calls

Tension rising in Caucasia affects Turkey, too. Russian press stated that Turkey's military support for Georgia is also one of the reasons triggering war.

Conflict in Caucasia caused a standoff between Turkey and Russia. Russian press stated that Turkey is effective in the events and two countries' leaders had different reactions to Turkish politicians. The Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Georgian leader Saakaşvili; but he could not reach Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Russian foreign affairs minister Sergey Lavrov did not return calls from Turkish foreign minister Ali Babacan. Diplomatic resources expect that Russia will first take a stand and then will respond to diplomatic communication attempts. It is pointed out that the priority is military.

Publish Date: 11.08.2008
Link: http://english.sabah.com.tr/686B751FFD2643CFB68B4BA09965662D.html

[robertik1]

http://www.today.az/news/politics/46861.html

Azerbaijani Georgians not to keep out of war with Ossetians

It is the third day that war for restoration of territorial integrity has started in neighbor Georgia.

The politicized part of Azerbaijanis is worried and keeps a wait-and-see position: supporting Georgia's intentions, people make a provision: "let's see what Russia will do".

The heaviest emotional spirit is in Qakh and Zaqatala regions of Azerbaijan, partially settled by ethnic Georgians. Both regions are said to account for 50,000 Ingiloy Georgians. These people have close ties with Georgia, often visiting it and having relatives there. Their children usually study at Georgian high schools.

According to Novosti-Azerbaijan, ethnic Georgians-citizens of Azerbaijan in Qakh - worriedly wait for the news from Georgia, getting information about war in South Ossetia from both official mass medias, as well as telephones, directly from the subscribers of the neighbor country.

There is a transport communication between our countries, and according to the Qakh Georgians, who wished to stay unknown, some young people of Georgian nationality have already crossed the Azerbaijani-Georgian border with a firm intention to help Georgia to restore its territorial integrity.

By Azerbaijani laws, such behavior is considered a crime, as it falls under the law, banning illegal military formations, but these people can not be stopped by it. On the other side, Georgian young people, having Azerbaijani citizenship, study at the high schools in Georgia, which means that they will not preserve aloofness, if their fellow-students go to fight in Ossetia.

"Our guys were protecting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia. They are also ready to sacrifice their lives for our mother Georgia", said Gergi Japaridze, resident of Gakhengilov village of Qakh, Azerbaijan.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/46861.html

[RSNATION]

http://www.today.az/news/politics/46861.html

Azerbaijani Georgians not to keep out of war with Ossetians

It is the third day that war for restoration of territorial integrity has started in neighbor Georgia.

The politicized part of Azerbaijanis is worried and keeps a wait-and-see position: supporting Georgia's intentions, people make a provision: "let's see what Russia will do".

The heaviest emotional spirit is in Qakh and Zaqatala regions of Azerbaijan, partially settled by ethnic Georgians. Both regions are said to account for 50,000 Ingiloy Georgians. These people have close ties with Georgia, often visiting it and having relatives there. Their children usually study at Georgian high schools.

According to Novosti-Azerbaijan, ethnic Georgians-citizens of Azerbaijan in Qakh - worriedly wait for the news from Georgia, getting information about war in South Ossetia from both official mass medias, as well as telephones, directly from the subscribers of the neighbor country.

There is a transport communication between our countries, and according to the Qakh Georgians, who wished to stay unknown, some young people of Georgian nationality have already crossed the Azerbaijani-Georgian border with a firm intention to help Georgia to restore its territorial integrity.

By Azerbaijani laws, such behavior is considered a crime, as it falls under the law, banning illegal military formations, but these people can not be stopped by it. On the other side, Georgian young people, having Azerbaijani citizenship, study at the high schools in Georgia, which means that they will not preserve aloofness, if their fellow-students go to fight in Ossetia.

"Our guys were protecting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia. They are also ready to sacrifice their lives for our mother Georgia", said Gergi Japaridze, resident of Gakhengilov village of Qakh, Azerbaijan.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/46861.html

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Bring it on Azerbaboonjan. More canon fodder for the Russians now and less Azeris the Armenians will have to waste ammo on later.

[Federate]

http://www.interfax.ru/politics/news.asp?id=26365

Google translates:

In South Ossetia captured two groups of Georgian saboteurs
Brussels. August 10. INTERFAX.RU - On Sunday on the outskirts of Tskhinvali detained two Georgian military sabotage group, reported "Interfax" the official representative of the Government of South Ossetia Irina Gagloeva.

"Two Georgian sabotage group, numbering 8 and 11 people respectively, were taken prisoner on the outskirts of Tskhinvali. Now they are heavily guarded, as well as local residents to learn about it, like lynchings massacre" - said Gagloeva.

Earlier site Osetinskogo radio and television reported that a group suicide, arrested in the vicinity of the village of Zar, a member African American, who was transferred to Vladikavkaz to ascertain all the circumstances of his stay in the territory of South Ossetia.

[Federate]

Thousands flee Georgian town
http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images//2008/8/11/200881103426326797_5.jpg
Thousands of Georgians have protested against what they call Russian aggression [AFP]

The war involving Georgia, the breakaway region of South Ossetia and its supporter Russia appears to be widening, with reports of a fresh Russian bombardment of the strategic Georgian town of Gori.

A Georgian interior ministry spokesman said in the early hours of Monday that Gori was under "massive" attack from Russian artillery and aircraft while tank-led ground forces were preparing for an assault.

"There was massive bombing of Gori all evening and now we are getting reports of an imminent attack by Russian tanks," Shota Utiashvili said.

"Gori is being bombed massively from the air and from artillery as well," he added.

Temur Yakobashvili, a Georgian interior ministry spokesman, said Russian tanks had tried to cross from South Ossetia into Gori but were turned back by Georgian forces.

Rapid evacuation

Al Jazeera's Jonnah Hull, reporting from Gori, said thousands of Georgians had rapidly evacuated the town at the first mention of a possible full scale Russian invasion.

But he could not confirm if an invasion was imminent and said there had been no official word from the Georgian government on the attack.

About 65km northwest of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Gori is just south of the border with South Ossetia, which has seen fierce fighting between Russian and Georgian forces in the last few days.

It is the largest Georgian town, about 50,000 in population, that sits close to the region and an important strategic link between eastern and western Georgia.

Utiashvili said Russian troops were preparing for a ground assault.

They "are not there yet but it looks like they are getting ready for it," he said, adding that Georgian forces were returning fire on Russian positions.

http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images//2008/8/10/2008810115531746621_3.jpg

More here http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2008/08/2008810225659470997.html

[crusader1492]

Interesting...Looks like Obama is calling out McCain on his close ties to a pro-Georgian (and most likely pro Turk and Azeri) lobbying firm(s). In effect, Obama's camp is saying that McCain cannot be trusted to make the best decisions for America because he is beholden to lobbyist...Obama's camp is right.


Georgia crisis triggers war of words on White House trail
9 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Prominent supporters of White House runners John McCain and Barack Obama clashed Sunday over the crisis in Georgia as a McCain adviser came under fire for his links to the government in Tbilisi.

As the Russian military seized control of the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia, the campaign of Democratic hopeful Obama defended its attacks on McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said McCain's campaign "is run by lobbyists that represent Georgia and other countries."

"He takes huge amounts of money from oil companies that are profiting in the (former) Soviet Union and many parts of the world," the Democrat told ABC News, attempting to depict a conflict of interest for McCain.
Richardson, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, said the crisis vindicated Obama's pledge to rebuild US alliances in Europe that were strained under President George W. Bush.

"This has been one of the failures of the Bush administration, failing to build a strong relationship, a mutually beneficial relationship with Russia, so we'd have the kind of influence to persuade them to stop some of these very, very dangerous efforts within their territory," he said.

Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine, who is touted as a prospective running mate for Obama, denied that the crisis might drive US voters to the more experienced McCain.

"Experience is only positive insofar as it creates good judgment," he said on CBS News.

"And I think Senator Obama's strong case to the American people is that he will have the right judgment about how to balance America's military force with strong diplomacy to protect our interests abroad," Kaine said.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, one of the names mentioned as McCain's vice presidential pick, said on ABC that the Republican's warnings about Russian expansionism had been borne out by events in Georgia.

"They're an example of Senator McCain's push to spread democracy in that part of the world as a very important advance of America's interest, as well as being good for international stability," he said.

"I think it was wrong for Senator Obama to try to focus on a McCain adviser, rather than actually listening to what McCain had to say about the policy, rather than recognizing McCain's years and years of experience when it comes to international affairs."

Richardson, however, said that McCain's frequent calls to expel Russia from the G8 club of powerful nations would prove disastrous if enacted.

"I believe what Senator McCain is proposing is totally, totally wrong," he said, stressing the United States needs Russia's help with Iran, with Middle East peace and in Iraq.

McCain and Obama both said Saturday they had spoken to Georgia's pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili, and called for an end to Russia's military campaign launched after Georgian forces had moved into South Ossetia.

McCain urged Russia to "immediately" halt military operations while Obama demanded that Georgia's territorial integrity be respected.

The Obama campaign, attacking McCain as a creature of Washington because of his reliance on several former lobbyists high up in his operation, highlighted Scheunemann's work for the Georgian government.
"John McCain's top foreign policy adviser lobbied for and has a vested interest in the Republic of Georgia, and McCain has mirrored the position advocated by the government," Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan said Saturday.

There was outrage from the McCain campaign, which said the attacks on Scheunemann were "disgraceful" and showed Obama to be a stooge of Moscow indulging in "cheap and petty political attacks."

"Mr Scheunemann proudly represented a small democracy that is one of our closest allies in a very dangerous region," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said in a statement late Saturday.

"The reaction of the Obama campaign to this crisis, so at odds with our democratic allies and yet so bizarrely in sync with Moscow, doesn't merely raise questions about Senator Obama's judgment -- it answers them."

[Federate]

Thousands Of Armenians Evacuated From Georgia
Monday , 11 August 2008

Hundreds of Armenians vacationing in Georgia's Black Sea resort towns of Batumi and Kobuleti are being evacuated back to Armenia, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.

RFE/RL reports from Batumi that some 1,200 Armenian citizens have cut short their vacations because of the fighting between Russian and Georgian forces and have returned to their homes in Armenia.

Armenian Consul-General in Batumi Hakob Haji Hakobian told RFE/RL that the evacuation will continue as many Armenians fear Russian warplanes could bomb Batumi -- the largest Georgian seaport -- as they have Poti and other Georgian cities.

Batumi and Kobuleti have in recent years become one of the most popular destinations for Armenian holidaymakers.

On August 9, Russian planes bombed another Georgian seaport, Poti, causing havoc among the civilian population, who was fleeing the town.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry warned its citizens the same day not to travel to Georgia. There are still an estimated 3,500 Armenian citizens in Georgia that it plans to evacuate to Armenia.

The ministry also said that 850 foreigners, including diplomats stationed in Georgia and their family members, were also evacuated to Armenia. It said 130 Americans and 180 Poles crossed have fled to Armenia and some 130 Italians are expected to arrive in Armenia on August 10.

August 11, 2008

Turkish media is useful after all http://www.turkishweekly.net/news.php?id=58449

[Armanen]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080811/ap_on_re_eu/georgia_south_ossetia

A recap of what happend Sunday.

[HayotzAmrotz]

No one knows WAR like Russians do!

Here are a couple of my observations:

- Russian GRU (Military Intelligence) knew in advance about the Georgian offensive. Knowing perfectly well the Georgian character, GRU allowed Georgian attack to take place and gave them time to do what Georgians do best: Torture and kill. And torture and killing they did! Over 2,000 civilians dead, twice as many wounded and a city in complete ruins. All this in less than two days. There are reports of kidnappings, torture and a human sacrifice, yes that's right a case of human sacrifice. An Ossetian eyewitness reported that 4 people (2 men and 2 women) were kidnapped from his village and taken to the Georgian side specifically in order to be sacrified (heads cut and blood let ran out) on the graves of Georgians that have died over 15 years ago during the first war. This is actually nothing new in Caucasus so, don't get too shocked. There are reports of Georgians running over Ossetians on their tanks, burning down dozens of houses with people inside and even burning a church full of elderly people inside. Generally speaking, and from my own experience, the things Georgian men love most are: guns, drugs and getting something for free (robbery, rape etc.) Give them all these 3 things and couple it with their temperament and vicious, eye for an eye a la Caucasian tribe style attitude and you have Tskhinvali. GRU and Russia needed let this happen, it was absolutely necessary to let the Georgian animals roam free for a day or two in order to show the world what beasts these "peace loving" Georgians can be. And also for once and for all to drive a permanent wedge between Ossetians and Georgians. A hate that would never heal. Both of these objectives were achieved by Russia with an absolute distinction!


- Russians are deliberately not letting Georgian forces to leave, to run away from Tskhinvali. The Gerogian forces in Tskhinvali are in the southern corner of the city and are completely encircled by the Russian forces. As soon as Saakashvili says (and constantly repeats) that they have withdrawn their forces from Tskhinvali, Russians stage a little attack on these group, which forces encircled Georgians to open a barrage of fire, then Russia films this and sends it around the world as a proof that there are still Georgian forces in Tskhinval, which is absolutely true. This allows Russia to claim that the Gerogians haven't left yet and this is done for two reasons. Number One: Give time to Russian Air Force to completely (or at least absolutely as much as possible) destroy the Georgian military infrastructure within Georgia proper. And I mean everything! Some estimate that Russia has already destroyed over the half (50% +) of everything Georgia had military wise. Number Two: Is making a gift to Ossetians and to themselfs (to Russians). Namely to take alive each and every member of this encircled Georgian force, which some estimate to be about 200 strong. Once captured Russians will assess who is the prisoner, if he is valuable then they will keep him for various reasons. Under valuable I mean the following categories: A)Foreigners (there are several reports that confirm that there are American, Turkish, Israeli and Ukrainian military specialists among the Georgian forces). B) High ranking Georgian officers (these ones will be charged with genocide). Everyone else will be handed to Ossetians to be dealt with as they please.


Bravo Russia!
Ukraine and Azerbaijan take note, you could be the next!

[HayotzAmrotz]

Another note: At the moment all the actual fighting on the Russian side, fighting which is concentrated around this encircled group in Tskhinval, is done by the VDV elite, Spetznaz and GRU. There are no Ossetian volunteers and or Kozaks or indeed ordniray army involved. These will not be allowed even close to this special operation. Now the objective is to literally catch each and every member of the encircled Georgian force. Don't be suprised if half of them end up being foreigners.

[HayotzAmrotz]

RE Abkhazia:

9,000 Russian Special Forces, another Russian elite force, landed today in Abkhazia.

One more stupid Georgian move and Abkhazians, who by the way are more vicious and bloodthirsty than Georgians and Chechens put together, would make Georgians pay even higher price than Ossetians made them to pay already.

[skhara]

That's very interesting and utterly brilliant. Ha ha the Georgians keep screaming "Ceasefire, ceasefire -- our troops are out." Russians are saying "no they are not." Aтв obviously they aren't since they won't let them leave. he he.

Got an article from where you read this?

No one knows WAR like Russians do!

Here are a couple of my observations:

- Russian GRU (Military Intelligence) knew in advance about the Georgian offensive. Knowing perfectly well the Georgian character, GRU allowed Georgian attack to take place and gave them time to do what Georgians do best: Torture and kill. And torture and killing they did! Over 2,000 civilians dead, twice as many wounded and a city in complete ruins. All this in less than two days. There are reports of kidnappings, torture and a human sacrifice, yes that's right a case of human sacrifice. An Ossetian eyewitness reported that 4 people (2 men and 2 women) were kidnapped from his village and taken to the Georgian side specifically in order to be sacrified (heads cut and blood let ran out) on the graves of Georgians that have died over 15 years ago during the first war. This is actually nothing new in Caucasus so, don't get too shocked. There are reports of Georgians running over Ossetians on their tanks, burning down dozens of houses with people inside and even burning a church full of elderly people inside. Generally speaking, and from my own experience, the things Georgian men love most are: guns, drugs and getting something for free (robbery, rape etc.) Give them all these 3 things and couple it with their temperament and vicious, eye for an eye a la Caucasian tribe style attitude and you have Tskhinvali. GRU and Russia needed let this happen, it was absolutely necessary to let the Georgian animals roam free for a day or two in order to show the world what beasts these "peace loving" Georgians can be. And also for once and for all to drive a permanent wedge between Ossetians and Georgians. A hate that would never heal. Both of these objectives were achieved by Russia with an absolute distinction!


- Russians are deliberately not letting Georgian forces to leave, to run away from Tskhinvali. The Gerogian forces in Tskhinvali are in the southern corner of the city and are completely encircled by the Russian forces. As soon as Saakashvili says (and constantly repeats) that they have withdrawn their forces from Tskhinvali, Russians stage a little attack on these group, which forces encircled Georgians to open a barrage of fire, then Russia films this and sends it around the world as a proof that there are still Georgian forces in Tskhinval, which is absolutely true. This allows Russia to claim that the Gerogians haven't left yet and this is done for two reasons. Number One: Give time to Russian Air Force to completely (or at least absolutely as much as possible) destroy the Georgian military infrastructure within Georgia proper. And I mean everything! Some estimate that Russia has already destroyed over the half (50% +) of everything Georgia had military wise. Number Two: Is making a gift to Ossetians and to themselfs (to Russians). Namely to take alive each and every member of this encircled Georgian force, which some estimate to be about 200 strong. Once captured Russians will assess who is the prisoner, if he is valuable then they will keep him for various reasons. Under valuable I mean the following categories: A)Foreigners (there are several reports that confirm that there are American, Turkish, Israeli and Ukrainian military specialists among the Georgian forces). B) High ranking Georgian officers (these ones will be charged with genocide). Everyone else will be handed to Ossetians to be dealt with as they please.


Bravo Russia!
Ukraine and Azerbaijan take note, you could be the next!

[RSNATION]

Another note: At the moment all the actual fighting on the Russian side, fighting which is concentrated around this encircled group in Tskhinval, is done by the VDV elite, Spetznaz and GRU. There are no Ossetian volunteers and or Kozaks or indeed ordniray army involved. These will not be allowed even close to this special operation. Now the objective is to literally catch each and every member of the encircled Georgian force. Don't be suprised if half of them end up being foreigners.

Thanks. My only concern is that the Russian have not ben successful in destroying the pipeline.

[KarotheGreat]

Lol guys all of the forgeiners in georgia are beeing evacuaated to Armenia. Not to Nato country Turgy or azerbaboonjan but to Armenia. And see what happens when our country is a safe place, you got europeans fleeing to it lol.

[North Pole]

Georgian troops to be prosecuted for their crimes in South Ossetia


Georgia is guilty of genocide - Medvedev

President Dmitry Medvedev has described Georgia's actions in the conflict zone as genocide. He has ordered Russian prosecutors to collect evidence of the crimes committed there.
”Georgia has exposed South Ossetia to a very crude and cynical aggression. People have died. Russian citizens have died, including local residents and peacekeepers. The actions of the Georgian side cannot be described as anything else but genocide.

“The information we have received suggests that horrible crimes were committed there. People were killed, burnt, run down by tanks, had their throats were cut,” Medvedev said.

The President went on to say that “the operation to restore peace will continue and those guilty will be punished”.
Earlier, after visiting a refugee camp in North Ossetia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also accused Georgia of genocide and said those responsible for war crimes should be prosecuted.

http://russiatoday.com/news/news/28777

[Yedtarts]

Saakashvili loses presence of mind

This is so funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWlQ_fzECl4

[RSNATION]

Russians seize Georgian military base :)

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hV2N6fVKS5slf10A13Dj_uIdaZ4QD92G4T0O0


Russia seizes Georgia base, opens second front
By MISHA DZHINDZHIKHASHVILI – 33 minutes ago
TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Russia opened a second front of fighting in Georgia on Monday, sending armored vehicles beyond two breakaway provinces and seizing a military base in the country's west, Georgia's Defense Ministry and a Russian official said.
The development indicates that Russian troops have invaded Georgia proper from the separatist province of Abkhazia while most Georgian forces are locked up in fighting around another breakaway region of South Ossetia.
Nana Intskerveli, the Defense Ministry's spokeswoman, said Russian armored personnel carriers rolled into the base in Senaki, about 20 miles inland from the Black Sea port of Poti.
In Moscow, a government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give his name, confirmed the move into Senaki and said it was intended to prevent Georgian troops from concentrating.
The move followed Russia's warning to Georgian forces west of Abkhazia to lay down arms or face a Russian military action. Senaki is located about 30 miles east of the Inguri River, which separates Abkhazia from Georgia proper.
The Russian move is certain to draw a strong condemnation from the West which has sharply criticized Russia's military response to Georgia's attack on South Ossetia as disproportionate.
Associated Press Writer Vladimir Isachenkov contributed to this report from Moscow.

[yerazhishda]

The Russian move is certain to draw a strong condemnation from the West which has sharply criticized Russia's military response to Georgia's attack on South Ossetia as disproportionate.


America, Russia doesn't fight wars like you do. Russia intends to win with the fewest casualties on their side. There is no such thing as a "just war". War sucks.

[Federate]

Saakashvili loses presence of mind

This is so funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWlQ_fzECl4
LOL, he's lost his mind.

[Federate]

Fifty Azerbaijani volunteers to leave for war in Georgia
[ 11 Aug 2008 17:22 ]
Baku. Lachin Sultanova –APA. Fifty Azerbaijani volunteers living in Georgia will leave for war, Azer Suleymanov, Georgian MP told APA.

Suleymanov noted that he would head volunteers.
“We stood in a queue for buying military dress and arms. We will leave for conflict zone tonight”, he said.

Azerbaboon source http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=86553

-----------------------------------

Two Azerbaijani citizens die during military operations in Georgia-Ossetia conflict zone
[ 11 Aug 2008 15:01 ]
Gakh. Hafiz Heydarov-APA. Georgians living in Azerbaijan’s Gakh Region died during military operations in Georgia-Ossetia conflict zone, representatives of Georgians living in Gakh-ingiloy village of Gakh Region told APA Shaki-Zagatala bureau.

To them, several local residents joined Georgians returning from Gakh-ingiloy village to Georgia after declaring mobilization in the country. There are contradictious reports on Georgians, who are Azerbaijani citizens. Casualties are reported. Gakh-ingiloy executive representation told APA Shaki-Zagatala bureau that Tamazashvili Illarion Giviyevich was wounded during fighting in Ossetia.
Moreover, officer Irakli Kulashvili, who was born in Gakh-ingiloy village, but moved to Georgia four years ago, died during bombing of military base by Russian jets near Tbilisi yesterday.

Azerbaboon source http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=86536

[Federate]

The first effects on Armenia are starting to show:

Thousands Pour Into Armenia From War-Stricken Georgia
http://www.armenialiberty.org/images/photo/Geo-Rus-war1.jpg
Armenia evacuated thousands of its citizens and received a significant number of foreigners from neighboring Georgia over the weekend and on Monday as the Russian-Georgian military conflict increasingly escalated into an all-out war.

The Foreign Ministry in Yerevan said at least 7,500 Armenians spending their summer holidays on the Georgian Black Sea coast and some 2,000 foreign nationals, including relatives of Tbilisi-based U.S. diplomats, have entered the country since the outbreak of large-scale fighting in South Ossetia on Friday.

Georgia’s attempt to win back the breakaway region triggered a harsh Russian retaliation involving air strikes on military and civilian targets across the South Caucasus state. Armenia expressed serious concern about the worst regional crisis since the early 1990s and urged Armenian vacationers to return home on Saturday. The vast majority of them appear to have heeded the call.

Scores of cars and minibuses, which the Armenian government helped to send to popular Black Sea resorts in Georgia’s Ajaria region, have since been streaming into Armenia, bypassing Tbilisi and the main Georgian road leading to the Armenian border. The highway passes near airfields and other military facilities bombed by Russian warplanes.

The convoys of Armenian evacuees, led by Georgian police patrols, have moved along a longer road than runs through Georgia’s Armenian-populated Javakheti region to the Bavra border crossing in northwestern Armenia. A kilometer-long line of vehicles could be observed there in the early hours of Monday. Each vehicle needed hours to go through rigorous passport and customs checks on either side of the frontier.

Security at the Georgian and Armenian checkpoints was visibly tightened. Armenian border officials there told RFE/RL that more than 1,500 vehicles carrying more than 7,600 people have crossed into Armenia through Bavra since Saturday.

“The situation was very tense there in the last few days,” said one man returning from the Ajarian town of Kobuleti with his family. “There is hardly any vacationer left there. Everyone is coming back. Kobuleti is now empty.”

“We decided to come back because it was impossible to rest in that panicky situation,” explained another, female vacationer.

Another woman said she and her family headed to Ajaria shortly after the Georgian assault on South Ossetia. “We saw the war with our own eyes,” she told RFE/RL. “On our way to Georgia we saw a bomb explode just a 100 meters away from us.”

The Georgian Black coast has become a popular holiday destination of Armenians in recent years. An estimated 50,000 of them spent their summer holidays there last year.

Armenia’s consulate-general in Ajaria’s capital Batumi was tasked with organizing the evacuation process. According to Hakob Haji-Hakobian, the consul general, more than 300 Armenian nationals left the area on Monday morning.

“The situation is calm at the moment, but you can’t take any chances,” Haji-Hakobian told RFE/RL by phone. “It is certainly right to leave the area because the situation is unpredictable.”

Armenia also appears to be the main transit point for thousands of Western nationals caught up in the Georgian-Russian fighting. According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, about 2,000 of them have entered the country from Georgia as of Monday afternoon, heeding travel advisories issued by the U.S. and European governments. Armenian immigration bodies were instructed to issue them with visas swiftly and free of charge.

Some 130 Italians evacuated from Tbilisi returned home on Monday night on board a plane sent by the Italian government to Armenia’s second largest city of Gyumri. Another plane was sent to Yerevan by the government of Poland. It was due to collect 180 mostly Polish citizens waiting there. According to a Spanish diplomatic source cited by AFP news agency, a group of Spanish
tourists have already been also evacuated through Armenia.

The evacuees also included members of the families of the U.S. embassy staff in Tbilisi. “They were relocated to Yerevan and will stay here for the time being, until circumstances improve,” a spokesman for the U.S. embassy in Armenia, Thomas Mittnacht, told RFE/RL. He said the Armenian authorities have been “extremely helpful” in the evacuation of these and other American citizens.

From http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2008/08/480CEE50-3EB4-4C6C-88E9-13140DB11E38.ASP

[Federate]

The first effects on Armenia are starting to show:

Armenia Faces Trade Blockade As Russia Widens Georgia Assault
http://www.armenialiberty.org/images/photo/ferry3.jpg
Russia’s intensifying military campaign against Georgia has reportedly paralyzed commercial traffic through two Black Sea ports handling the bulk of cargos shipped to and from Armenia, threatening to cut off the country from the outside world.

In a related development, the Armenian national gas distribution company said on Monday that Georgia has abruptly reduced the volume of Russian natural gas shipped to Armenia via Georgian territory. "There has been a reduction of gas delivered to Armenia from Russia via Georgia," ArmRosGazprom spokeswoman Shushan Sardarian told AFP news agency. She said a 30-percent supply reduction occurred with no advance warning.

At least one of the Georgian ports, Poti, has been targeted by Russian warplanes bombing military and civilian targets across Georgia following the outbreak of all-out fighting in South Ossetia. Armenia has long been heavily reliant on its rail-ferry services with the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Ilyichevsk and Russia’s Port-Kavkaz.

According to Vladimir Badalian, a government-linked parliamentarian co-chairing an Armenian-Georgian business association, both Poti and the other Georgian port, Batumi, are standing idle now because of the worsening security situation in the country. “Because the work of the ports ground to a halt, a fairly large numbers of goods are piling up there,” he told RFE/RL on Monday.

He said the military confrontation has also left 160 rail cars laden with goods bound for Armenia stranded in Port-Kavkaz. “Work is underway to transport those cargos to Poti,” he said without elaboration.

Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanian likewise assured journalists in Yerevan that Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian is personally dealing with the problem. He gave no details, though.

“Right now the Georgian ports of Batumi and Poti do not accept freight,” Railvneshtrans, a Russian company operating the Poti-Port-Kavkaz service, said in a statement cited by the Regnum news agency.

Regnum also quoted the executive director of the Armenian shipping company Trans-Alliance, Sarkis Martirosian, as saying that it is unable to move its goods out of Poti. He said authorities in the western Georgian city promised to allow their transportation “in the coming days” and to restore the ferry link with Ukraine “soon.”

The normal functioning of the port could be further complicated by the reported seizure by Russian troops of a nearby Georgian military base. Citing the Georgian Defense Ministry, the Associated Press news agency reported that Russian armored vehicles rolled into the base in Senaki, a town about 30 kilometers (20 miles) inland from Poti, later on Monday.

Armenia’s rail communication with Georgia appears to have not been affected yet by the unprecedented fighting. “There has been no change in the train schedule and trains from Yerevan to Tbilisi and Batumi continue to run as planned,” Susanna Tonoyan, a spokesman for the Armenian Ministry of Transport and Communications, told RFE/RL. “Another train will leave Yerevan for Batumi this evening,” she said.

No disruptions were also reported in international flights to and from Yerevan, many of which are carried out via Georgian airspace. According to Norayr Beluyan, chief executive of the national airline Armavia, the fighting and the Russian air strikes have so far forced no changes in the carrier’s flight schedule. “The air routes we are using are very safe,” Beluyan told RFE/RL. Armavia checks with Georgia’s civil aviation authority before every flight, he said.

A spokeswoman for the Armenian government’s Civil Aviation Department said several overnight flights from European cities to Tbilisi were diverted to Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport.

From http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2008/08/D2635886-B2EB-404E-A887-117ACB66D31D.ASP

[Federate]

Official Reports Reduction in Gas Supplies to Armenia Through Georgia

Posted on: Monday, 11 August 2008, 06:00 CDT

Text of report by private Armenian news agency Mediamax

Yerevan, 11August: The volume of natural gas supplies to Armenia through Georgia has fallen, a spokeswoman for [the Armenian-Russian company] ArmRosGazprom, Shushan Sardaryan, told Mediamax today.

"At present, we are trying to clarify the reasons and the exact volume of reduction in gas supplies to Armenia through the gas pipeline, which passes through Georgia", Shushan Sardaryan stated, noting that gas supplies to Armenia had reduced for about 30 per cent.

"At present, the shortage is covered by the reserves of ArmRosGazprom, which, taking into account that it is summer and the consumption is lower, should be enough to normalize the supplies," Shushan Sardaryan stated.

Originally published by Mediamax news agency, Yerevan, in Russian 0808 11 Aug 08.

(c) 2008 BBC Monitoring Central Asia. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

Source: BBC Monitoring Central Asia

From http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1517648/official_reports_reduction_in_gas_supplies_to_arme nia_through_georgia/

[Federate]

Cyberwar has spread to Azerbaboon websites

--------------------

Russian intelligence services undertook large scale attack against Day.Az server
11 August 2008 [15:06] - Today.Az
Russian hackers by the tip of Russian intelligence services have undertaken an unprecedented attack against the servers of the Azerbaijani Day.Az news agency.

The reason of the attack was Day.Az position in covering the Russian-Georgian conflict.

According to Day.Az editor-in-chief Elnur Baimov, the hacker attacks from the "Russian direction" have occurred since the first day of the conflict but the current scale of the DDOS-attacks evidences the involvement of a group, regulated from a single center.

It should be reminded that Russian intelligence services have disabled the information and governmental websites of Georgia through the past two days.

"We are closely dealing with raising technical capacities to resist the attacks. We present our apologizes to the readers for inconveniences. The main thing is that we are right", said Baimov.

From http://www.today.az/news/politics/46885.html

[crusader1492]

Thanks. My only concern is that the Russian have not ben successful in destroying the pipeline.

Maybe they'll have the PKK do it for them (the pipeline is already inoperable as we speak due to the first PKK attack last week :D)...


PKK THREATENS FURTHER ATTACKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN OIL-PIPELINE

Kurdish rebels threatened more attacks on economic targets yesterday after claiming responsibility for a blast in eastern Turkey that shut down the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, an agency close to the rebels reported. “Attacks on economic interests have a deterring effect (on Turkey)... As long as the Turkish state insists on war, such acts will naturally be carried out,” Bahoz Erdal, a commander of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), told the Firat news agency. The PKK claimed responsibility for a blast Tuesday night on a section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline near Refahiye, in Erzincan province. The explosion sparked a fire which continued to burn yesterday, triggering fresh jitters on world oil markets. The conduit, which supplies oil to Western markets, is expected to remain shut for about 15 days. The PKK said the explosion was “an act of sabotage” by its militants, the details of which would be revealed later. The PKK, listed as a terrorist group by Turkey and much of the international community, has sabotaged gas and oil pipelines in the past as part of its armed campaign for self-rule in the mainly Kurdish southeast. Erdal said the pipeline blast and other PKK attacks in recent weeks were in response to an intensified Turkish crackdown against the rebels, both inside Turkey and in neighboring northern Iraq, where they take refuge. Turkish military action “has required us to boost our resistance in self-defense,” he said. The Turkish authorities have played down the possibility of sabotage of the BTC pipeline, and the Anatolia news agency yesterday quoted unnamed officials as saying that the PKK might be seeking publicity. An official from Turkey’s state-run oil and gas company Botas said Thursday that no trace of sabotage had been found but that a definite conclusion could be reached only after the fire at the pipeline was extinguished. Refahiye’s sub-governor had earlier ruled out sabotage, saying a fault had been detected before the blast. Inaugurated in 2006, the 1,774-kilometer (1,109-mile) BTC pipeline is the world’s second longest. It carries Azeri oil from the Caspian Sea fields, the world’s third-largest reserve, to Turkey’s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, from where tankers transport the crude to Western markets. It was pumping about 1.2 million barrels of oil per day before the blast. The fire may be put out today or tomorrow and repairs finished 10 days later, a senior source at Turkey’s Energy Ministry told Reuters yesterday, giving an earlier date than some expectations. Once the blaze is extinguished, efforts will be accelerated to assess the damage to the 1-million-barrel-per-day pipeline and bring it back on line within 10 days, an official said. Analysts suggest the shutdown could last longer than Turkish officials estimate and British energy giant BP said it was looking at alternative means of delivering supplies to Western clients. The PKK took up arms for Kurdish self-rule in Turkey’s southeast in 1984, sparking a conflict that has claimed more than 37,000 lives, the AFP reports.

[Federate]

"They of course had to hang Saddam Hussein for destroying several Shiite villages, but the current Georgian rulers who in one hour simply wiped 10 Ossetian villages from the face of the earth, the Georgian rulers which used tanks to run over children and the elderly, which threw civilians into cellars and burnt them — they (Georgian leaders) are players that have to be protected." - Vladimir Putin

[RSNATION]

Federate, you were right, Zugdidi has now fallen to the Russians too.

[RSNATION]

Federate, you were right, Zugdidi has now fallen to the Russians too.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hV2N6fVKS5slf10A13Dj_uIdaZ4QD92G78I81


We should sue the Russians, instead of just bombing the Georgians, they are taking over large swathes of territory as a security zone. They stole their strategy from Artsakh :)

[RSNATION]

Now Gori too!


http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5ijwyME69t3INkp5TVnftAgKorwkA

[Federate]

Yeah as of today Gori, Zugdidi, Senaki and Kurga are under Russian control.

Georgian president is claiming that the majority of Georgian territory is under Russian control.

Georgia is pulling all its troops back to defend the capital. Capitulation coming up!!!

[Federation]

This is a historic moment. Russia must once and for all paralyze the georgian state, that they will be unable to fuction for hundreds of years. Additionally, who knows when such an opportunity will ever arise to settle the Javaxq issue. It comes down to Russia's green light. De Arach, slaughter those two faced Georgian Back stabbers left and right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm34RURjmJU

[Federate]

Russian defense minister says they are starting to pull out from Senaki after "eliminating all threats to South Ossetia from that location".

[Federate]

FYI, the town of Gori is very strategic. On top of being the biggest city close to South Ossetia, it also has a major East-West highway that links the country's western Black Sea portion with the eastern portion. Russia capturing Gori means the country will be cut into two.

[o0tinerz0o]

What aggravates me, is not this "war", which in my personal opinion is justified, if you can even call it a war, more like Georgia getting what they deserve for trying to burn the candle at both ends. Its the never ending hypocritical policies of the United States and western powers. I have been a United States citizen my whole life, often blinded by the shameless patriotic backwash and almost facist rheotoric of this country. How can America invade two nations with no justification, then call the russians out on using "disappropriate" tactics against a country that openly showed aggressive actions and challenged russian terratorial integrity? How can hypocritical american politicians and unqualified self proclaimed authorities on diplomacy like Condeleenza Rice challenge someone with as much military, diplomatic and politcal experience as Putin? I am sick and tired of this new American and Western led "Humanistic" approach to war. I though war was war, thats is why we as civilized peoples try to avoid it. It is not this "khagh" the modern world is misled to believe. War by definition, is cold, barren, cruel and always ends in loss and death. I dont know how the world was dillusioned into believing that war can be carried out "proporianately or justly" but I can assure you, believing either in any circumstance, will lead to a rather rude awakening. Sorry to banter, but it just bothers me. Armenians never instigate, we get picked on, georgians play ass-buddy to muslim azeris, turks, NATO, armenia, US and not too long ago russia, and everyone kisses their ass. F Georgia. They had this comming for a long time.

[Mos]

Ok, Americans here do not be so gullible to American media. It is Georgia's and America's fault that their country is going down the drain. It is America's and the western world's fault that innocent people are dying because they recognized Kosovo. A very stupid decision made by stupid people. Whatever happened to respecting Serbia's territorial integrity? Bush has no right to say "respect Georgia territorial integrity" when he nor any western nation respected Serbia's territorial integrity. Bush also says Russia uses "disproportionate force" against Georgia. Well Mr. Bush, America and NATO bombed innocent Serbs in Serbia, America is killing innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan and ruining the lives of thousands of people. It is shameful and disgraceful for those words to come out of an American. America should just shut up about this and look the other way they have no right to make such comments. This is what America and the Pro-Western world gets for making stupid decisions (recognizing Kosovo). These dumb people should have been aware what consequences it might have brought. Now South Ossetia, Abkazia, Nagorno-Karabkah all have the right to independence like Kosovo got. There is no Russian aggression, it is their response to GEORGIA'S initial attack and massacring of innocent civilians. Georgia should be punished and Saakashvili killed. They broke a decade long peace and they are the real criminals here in addition to their western supporters. I hope the Georgian government pays for there stupid actions. Who is at fault here? Western World (EU, US, etc.) & and piece of sh*t Saakashvili.

[RSNATION]

Ok, Americans here do not be so gullible to American media. It is Georgia's and America's fault that their country is going down the drain. It is America's and the western world's fault that innocent people are dying because they recognized Kosovo. A very stupid decision made by stupid people. Whatever happened to respecting Serbia's territorial integrity? Bush has no right to say "respect Georgia territorial integrity" when he nor any western nation respected Serbia's territorial integrity. Bush also says Russia uses "disproportionate force" against Georgia. Well Mr. Bush, America and NATO bombed innocent Serbs in Serbia, America is killing innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan and ruining the lives of thousands of people. It is shameful and disgraceful for those words to come out of an American. America should just shut up about this and look the other way they have no right to make such comments. This is what America and the Pro-Western world gets for making stupid decisions (recognizing Kosovo). These dumb people should have been aware what consequences it might have brought. Now South Ossetia, Abkazia, Nagorno-Karabkah all have the right to independence like Kosovo got. There is no Russian aggression, it is their response to GEORGIA'S initial attack and massacring of innocent civilians. Georgia should be punished and Saakashvili killed. They broke a decade long peace and they are the real criminals here in addition to their western supporters. I hope the Georgian government pays for there stupid actions. Who is at fault here? Western World (EU, US, etc.) & and piece of sh*t Saakashvili.

I've been following the US new sources very closely for the last few days regarding the war and I must say, despite the obvious media slant, it seems many Americans feel Russia was in the right and that our leaders are hypocrites. Every time, there is an open forum on CNN, blogs, newspaper editorials, etc, I've seen a lot of American say:

1. The US position if hypocritical especially after Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, etc.
2. Saakashvilli was a fool for initiating the war
3. It is not in the US interest to confront Russia.


Only the hardcore Republicans and Neocons are defending Georgia.

[skhara]

Yeah as of today Gori, Zugdidi, Senaki and Kurga are under Russian control.


Russians haven't confirmed entering Gori -- we do know that Georgians abandoned this position.

[skhara]

I've been following the US new sources very closely for the last few days regarding the war and I must say, despite the obvious media slant, it seems many Americans feel Russia was in the right and that our leaders are hypocrites. Every time, there is an open forum on CNN, blogs, newspaper editorials, etc, I've seen a lot of American says:

1. The US position if hypocritical especially after Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, etc.
2. Saakashvilli was a fool for initiating the war
3. It is not in the US interest to confront Russia.


Only the hardcore Republicans and Neocons are defending Georgia.

Yep, I saw the same of BBC's "Have your say" and ABC's responses to todays article on the conflict.

[RSNATION]

Yep, I saw the same of BBC's "Have your say" and ABC's responses to todays article on the conflict.

Encouraging. After this whole farce of the war in Iraq, many Americans are finally waking up.

[RSNATION]

Georgia Reduces Russian Gas Shipments To Armenia - Co

YEREVAN, Armenia (AFP)--Georgia has abruptly reduced the volume of Russian natural gas shipped to neighboring Armenia via Georgian territory, a spokesman for the Armenian state gas monopoly told AFP on Monday.

"There has been a reduction of gas delivered to Armenia from Russia via Georgia," ArmRosgazprom spokeswoman Shusha Sardarian said. Media reports said a 30% supply reduction occurred with no advance warning.

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20080811%5cACQDJON20080811082 5DOWJONESDJONLINE000203.htm&&mypage=newsheadlines&title=Georgia%20Reduces%20Russian%20Gas%20Shipment s%20To%20Armenia%20-%20Co

That is one of the unfortunate by-products of the war. It will normalize soon and things will get even better for Armenia when a new Georgian administration comes to power and Georgia stops messing around with Armenia.

[Armanen]

That is one of the unfortunate by-products of the war. It will normalize soon and things will get even better for Armenia when a new Georgian administration comes to power and Georgia stops messing around with Armenia.


Or even better, Armenia shares a border with Russia. :D

[crusader1492]

I'm happy to see that Turks are leaving, but sad to see that Armenian citizens of Georgia might be forced to go to war on its behalf.
It is reminiscent of the Azeris throwing their minorities on the front line in their doomed war.

Javakhk Relatively Calm after Georgian Attack on Ossetia

AKHALKALAK (A-Info)--As military activities in Georgia escalated following Thursday's attack by the Georgian armed forces on South Ossetia, there is relative calm in the mainly Armenian-populated region of Samtskhe-Javakheti in southern Georgia bordering Armenia.

The Georgian government has ordered all draft-age individuals to not leave the country.

According to unofficial sources, 12 Armenian officers from Akhalkalak and Ninidzminda have left for the military zones, while the entire police departments of Aspindza and Akhaltskha have moved to Tbilisi.

Turkish construction experts and contractors working on the Kars-Akhalkalak-Baku railway have fled the country in a panic and have returned to Turkey.

The Tsalka portion of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is being protected by special military forces.



Monday, August 11, 2008

[RSNATION]

I'm happy to see that Turks are leaving, but sad to see that Armenian citizens of Georgia might be forced to go to war on its behalf.
It is reminiscent of the Azeris throwing their minorities on the front line in their doomed war.

Whey would those 12 report???? I hope the Armenian youth resist call-up. They should be planning an attack on the unit guarding the pipeline in Tsalka

[yerazhishda]

Situations like this one is why it's almost impossible to be an Armenian in the Diaspora. Which side should the Armenians choose, to defend the land of their birth or to help their ancestral nation and help Russia?

[KarotheGreat]

Whey would those 12 report???? I hope the Armenian youth resist call-up. They should be planning an attack on the unit guarding the pipeline in Tsalka

Well maybe they are like freaky and don't care about Armenians, but it also could be they were forced.

[robertik1]

http://streaming.visionip.tv/Russia_Today

Here you guys watch Russia Today live and in English...their covering the conflict very well

I dont think its working now...:confused::(


This might have something to do with it...http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28835

its working now.

[Cuito]

What aggravates me, is not this "war", which in my personal opinion is justified, if you can even call it a war, more like Georgia getting what they deserve for trying to burn the candle at both ends. Its the never ending hypocritical policies of the United States and western powers. I have been a United States citizen my whole life, often blinded by the shameless patriotic backwash and almost facist rheotoric of this country. How can America invade two nations with no justification, then call the russians out on using "disappropriate" tactics against a country that openly showed aggressive actions and challenged russian terratorial integrity? How can hypocritical american politicians and unqualified self proclaimed authorities on diplomacy like Condeleenza Rice challenge someone with as much military, diplomatic and politcal experience as Putin? I am sick and tired of this new American and Western led "Humanistic" approach to war. I though war was war, thats is why we as civilized peoples try to avoid it. It is not this "khagh" the modern world is misled to believe. War by definition, is cold, barren, cruel and always ends in loss and death. I dont know how the world was dillusioned into believing that war can be carried out "proporianately or justly" but I can assure you, believing either in any circumstance, will lead to a rather rude awakening. Sorry to banter, but it just bothers me. I supposed its America's more advanced technology that allows it to think of war in humanistic terms. During the latest Iraq war, Iraqis were out in the streets, going to markets, etc. during the US bombing. That's how much confidence they had that the US would only hit military targets. The US uses high technology to hit military assets only. As for Secretary Rice, she was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, so she is not "self-proclaimed" at all. She is one of the most knowledgeable people in America on the former USSR. Armenians never instigate, we get picked on, georgians play ass-buddy to muslim azeris, turks, NATO, armenia, US and not too long ago russia, and everyone kisses their ass. F Georgia. They had this comming for a long time.Religious bigotry is uncalled for.

[yerazhishda]

I supposed its America's more advanced technology that allows it to think of war in humanistic terms. During the latest Iraq war, Iraqis were out in the streets, going to markets, etc. during the US bombing. That's how much confidence they had that the US would only hit military targets. The US uses high technology to hit military assets only. As for Secretary Rice, she was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, so she is not "self-proclaimed" at all. She is one of the most knowledgeable people in America on the former USSR.

Thinking of war in "humanistic terms" will lead to the downfall of any nation. Why do you think Russia is about to take control of Tblisi? Because they brought in enough force that they knew would overwhelm the enemy. That's why we must choose our wars carefully; only when they endanger our own people. You cannot fight "humanely' against an enemy that is supposed to be "inhumane". If the enemy is not "inhumane", maybe the country should not be fighting that war (Iraq).

Religious bigotry is uncalled for.

No its not.

[RSNATION]

I supposed its America's more advanced technology that allows it to think of war in humanistic terms. During the latest Iraq war, Iraqis were out in the streets, going to markets, etc. during the US bombing. That's how much confidence they had that the US would only hit military targets. The US uses high technology to hit military assets only. As for Secretary Rice, she was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, so she is not "self-proclaimed" at all. She is one of the most knowledgeable people in America on the former USSR. Religious bigotry is uncalled for.

You've got to be kidding me. First of all, she barely speaks Russian though she claims to be fluent. When the Russians {Putin, Lavrov, etc} meet with her, they always say something shocking to see if she can understand...she often has no idea what they're saying;its also an inside joke that Merkel and Putin have about her; Merkel is actually fluent in Russian.

Secondly, like most neo-cons, their views and impressions of Russia are very outdated and still based on the Cold War. Their bluster, miscalculations, ill-treatment and disrespect of the Russians is one reason why the Russians have displayed such force.

[yerazhishda]

You've got to be kidding me. First of all, she barely speaks Russian though she claims to be fluent. When the Russians {Putin, Lavrov, etc} meet with her, they always say something shocking to see if she can understand...she often has no idea what they're saying;its also an inside joke that Merkel and Putin have about her; Merkel is actually fluent in Russian.

Secondly, like most neo-cons, their views and impressions of Russia are very outdated and still based on the Cold War. Their bluster, miscalculations, ill-treatment and disrespect of the Russians is one reason why the Russians have displayed such force.

1. :laugh::D:laugh: Good, condie's an anti-Armenian, anti-Russian, pro-Joos/Israel xxxxx.

2. Correct. How do you think they've garnered support for a country most Americans have never heard of? By playing on baby-boomer fears of Russia; i.e. they still think it's the USSR.

[o0tinerz0o]

I supposed its America's more advanced technology that allows it to think of war in humanistic terms. During the latest Iraq war, Iraqis were out in the streets, going to markets, etc. during the US bombing. That's how much confidence they had that the US would only hit military targets. The US uses high technology to hit military assets only. As for Secretary Rice, she was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, so she is not "self-proclaimed" at all. She is one of the most knowledgeable people in America on the former USSR. Religious bigotry is uncalled for.

Advanced technology. Please. Why do you address us in this forum like we are a gathering of half-wits yearning for a drop of intellectual truth? The population would not have this belief of a "safe" war if the United States had not tailored this belief that with their "technology" somehow only the worthy would die from the bombing and bullets? As if their bullets and missiles seek only the deserving. It was this same "Advanced" technology that has led to over 100,000 iraqi civilian deaths, and a yet undetermined but unacceptable loss of American lives due to friendly fire. Confidence. HA. There is no mercy in war, there is not selective decision making, military only, no civilians. Ultimately it is the people of the nation that pay the price, not the soldiers. After Hitler, the German people payed the price, worked and sweat, to rebuild and recreate what a few destroyed. The same responsibility will fall on the American people. As far as your rhetoric regarding Rice, I thank RSNATION for addressing that issue for me. This country has as much understanding about the current geopolitical situation regarding that part of the world, as Hitler did about a bar mitzvah. Russia is no longer red, and America can no longer go pushing her ideals in peoples facing while blatantly doing the total opposite. Ultimately the choice is not Obama or McCain. It is, PROGRESS or REGRESS. The choice is OURS, Americans.

[RSNATION]

Saakashvilli has made another foolish move. He has stated that he "refuses to surrender" when the right to do would be to surrender unconditionally and what for Russia to dictate the terms.

Now Georgia is really in for it. I look forward to see what tomorrow brings.

[yerazhishda]

Bad news...

Russian troops do not plan to advance on Tbilisi - Moscow

source: http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/28829

Moscow has denied Georgia's assertion that Russian troops are moving in on the capital Tbilisi. The allegation was made by Georgia's Ministry of Defence. Russia has also announced its troops have left the Georgian town of Senaki, having secured it from attacking South Ossetia.

Throughout Monday, Georgia repeatedly accused Russia of moving in on civilian targets, including the capital Tbilisi.

None of the reports have been substantiated and are denied by officials in Moscow.

Moreover, Russian peacekeeping forces have left Senaki, Georgia’s largest airbase, about 40km from the border with Abkhazia.

Map of the region
“Russian peacekeepers and military units attached to them have been taking action to prevent Georgia from shelling South Ossetia and Russian peacekeepers,” a spokesman for the Defence Ministry said.

Another objective of the operation was to prevent ‘a build-up of additional volunteers and reservists’ mobilised to continue military operations in the breakaway republics.

It was Russia’s first operation inside Georgian territory proper since Tbilisi began its offensive against the breakaway republic of South Ossetia last week.

Moscow has also denied reports of Russian peacekeepers entering another Georgian city, Poti.

Georgia's Prime Minister has confirmed that no civilians were harmed in Russia's movements.

Meanwhile, the new statement of the Georgian government demands the international community to interfere and save the country.

And Georgia's President, Mikhail Saakashvili, said Georgia is now battling for its independence.

Talking to Georgia's Security Council he described the situation in the country as "very difficult" and said that Russian troops have reached the road connecting the eastern and western parts of Georgia.

U.S. starts evacuating embassy staff from Tbilisi

Meanwhile, the U.S. has begun evacuating the families of its diplomats from Georgia. They are being sent to Armenia as a precaution, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Armenian capital Yerevan.

U.S. ambassador John Tefft and his team of diplomats will continue their work in Tbilisi.

[o0tinerz0o]

That is sad news indeed but one can still hope

[yerazhishda]

That is sad news indeed but one can still hope

I'm hoping it's some sort of ploy to confuse the Georgians - you know how things like this can "change".

[skhara]

I didn't think Russian's would advance on Tbilisi.

[Azad]

I didn't think Russian's would advance on Tbilisi.

I believe there will be an excuse to make it to Tbilisi. Looking at the amount of armament that is advancing, this is not a small incursion. Russia will not leave Georgia without having a pro Russian government in Georgia. Russia wants a very Vertical Axis from Iran to Russia without NATO nesting in the middle of it. Russia is not only securing its oil routs, it is creating a dividing line between the East and the West. A strong pro Russian Iran will eventually tame the Arabs to its control. Russia is building a new Empire.

[Federate]

Report: Abkhaz troops push Georgians from gorge

MOSCOW: Troops in the separatist Georgian province of Abkhazia launched an operation Tuesday to push Georgian forces out of the northern Kodori Gorge, the only area of the province still under the control of the former Soviet republic, the Interfax news agency reported.

The operation in the western region comes as Russian troops have pressed into Georgia in an escalating conflict that started last week over another breakaway province, South Ossetia in central Georgia.

The Interfax report cited the Abkhaz defense headquarters as saying the operation started early Tuesday to push Georgian troops out of the northern part of the Kodori Gorge. The report gave no other details. The operation could not immediately be independently verified.

Russian-backed separatist forces in Abkhazia launched air and artillery strikes Saturday to drive Georgian troops from their bridgehead in the region. Abkhazia's separatists declared Sunday they would push Georgian forces out of the gorge.

On Monday, Russian troops invaded Georgia from Abkhazia while most Georgian forces were busy with fighting in the region around South Ossetia.

Both South Ossetia and Abkhazia have run their own affairs without international recognition since fighting to split from Georgia in the early 1990s and have built up ties with Moscow.

In 2006, Georgian forces moved into the upper part of the Kodori Gorge to root out members of a defiant militia. Georgia later established a local administration made up of people who fled the fighting in Abkhazia.

Abkhazian and Russian officials have said they believe Georgia intends to launch an offensive from there to retake Abkhazia and demanded the withdrawal of Georgian troops

From http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/europe/EU-Georgia-Abkhazia.php

[Yedtarts]

I supposed its America's more advanced technology that allows it to think of war in humanistic terms. During the latest Iraq war, Iraqis were out in the streets, going to markets, etc. during the US bombing. That's how much confidence they had that the US would only hit military targets. The US uses high technology to hit military assets only.
What a crap!

And what about uranium depleted bullets and bombs that US used in Iraq? Was that “America's more advanced technology war” you’re talking about?

[Merv]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_RqK_tpkBU

Depleted uranium, napalm, white phosphorus, agent orange, cluster bombs...advanced technology of atrocity.

[Armanen]

Situations like this one is why it's almost impossible to be an Armenian in the Diaspora. Which side should the Armenians choose, to defend the land of their birth or to help their ancestral nation and help Russia?


Unlike other Diasporan communities, Armenians of Javakh are just as much part of Armenia as those in Yerevan or Gyumri. Javakh was an Armenian territory before being given to the georgians and it will come back to Armenia again.

[Federate]

Hmm...
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44910000/jpg/_44910965_saakashvili_ap226body.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/1816482404_6b0bd0faa8_o.jpg

[Federate]

I must say, I was watching BBC earlier and they have a segment called HARDTALK where a reporter debates/interviews a guest and today's guest was the parliament speaker of Georgia (via video) and the BBC guy clearly had a pro-Russian stance...well for a BBC guy. He accused Georgia of being foolish, of instigating the war, of indiscriminately bombing Ossetia, of challenging the fact that Russians are bombing Georgia to the scale it is being said by Georgians, of massive Georgian exaggerations and so-on. It was pretty surprising but it was also a relief to see.

[Merv]

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/08/12/georgia/

"There was so much blood spilled"

A Russian invasion has left besieged Georgians angry at their government -- and at the once supportive Bush administration -- for failing to intervene.

By John Hudson and Nana Naskidashvili

Aug. 12, 2008 | Vaso Chlukhadze, 25, is one of hundreds of war refugees gathered outside the mayor's office in Tbilisi, Georgia. Chlukhadze has been waiting two days for a place to sleep. He fled South Ossetia after being forced from his home by Russian air raids. War has quickly escalated in this region since late last week, with Georgia agitating for greater control of disputed territory in the Caucasus, and Russia going aggressively on the attack with war planes, tanks and troops. Like many here directly in the middle of it and suffering the consequences, Chlukhadze blames Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili for the violence that left his family homeless.

"The [Georgian] government wasn't right. If they don't have enough force they shouldn't behave like this," he said.

If Vladimir Putin's aim is regime change in Georgia, as American officials claim, it may already be working. Many of the weary-eyed refugees were too angry to speak to journalists. But they are bitterly angry with their government. "Kill Saakashvili," a few hissed.

Four days into the conflict, the consequences of war are spreading quickly. In Tbilisi, refugees stand pleading outside government buildings, begging for food and shelter. Residents wake at night to the sound of bombs. Wounded soldiers flood Tbilisi hospitals. Doubts about the government's integrity are rising.

Indeed, the violence and chaos are eroding support for a president who was already waning in popularity. There still appears to be an urge among a majority here to rally around the government and the country. It makes sense: They are at war and now are being occupied, with the Russian takeover of several Georgian cities. But with the rising deaths and number of refugees, negative sentiment towards Saakashvili appears to be greater than ever before.

At a hospital in Tbilisi hundreds of soldiers are recovering. Some complained of a lack of food and water, and poor planning in the field. At times, they weren't sure who the enemy was. Twenty-two-year-old Vaja Lanchava lies limp in his bed. His bloody limbs shrouded in gauze, he says, in broken whispers, that the Georgian fighters never had a chance against the Russians.

"There was so much blood spilled and for what outcome?" said Lasha Lanchava, the soldier's older brother. "He fought and was wounded for what result?"

There is also great anger here at the West. The sense is that Europe won't intervene, because of dependency on Russian gas and oil. And many feel betrayed by America, especially with the Bush administration having been a vocal supporter of independent Georgia. "As for now, I have no faith in the European Union or the United States," says Giorge Abesadze, 25, a resident of Tbilisi. "I only have faith in myself, Georgia and the Georgian people. Georgians have always been alone in the world."

A few say America is MIA because it's fighting the wrong war in Iraq. "Things shouldn't have turned out like this," says Gia Jibladze, 48, a poet. "Do you think we can depend on America's help? Of course we can't." Uncertainty and fear are palpable: "How long can Tbilisi stand?" Jibladze added.

What started as a battle to regain control of South Ossetia – a tiny breakaway region backed by Russia -- quickly escalated into what appears to be all-out war. The Russians' retaliation was far more ferocious than anyone expected. Russian forces have bombed a key port, blocked supplies from entering the country and taken control deep inside Georgian territory.

Temur Iakobashvili, minister of reintegration issues, said Russia has been planning the attack for a long time. "Russia dragged us into this war." But some Georgians affected by the fighting also blame poor leadership.

"We have an idiot president," said Marika, 40, a physician, who wouldn't disclose her surname. "He ruined our country and that's his idiotic politics." She said her co-workers have no idea if their relatives in South Ossetia are dead or alive.

Outside the mayor's office, 18-year-old Diana Khetaguri described the bombings in South Ossetia. "I felt like the bomb fell right on our house," she said. "It had this horrible light -- it lit up everything."

Khetaguri's house was destroyed on Friday. Her black leather sandals revealed pink toenails caked with dirt. She and her family fled to a nearby village that was also destroyed by Russian air raids. With no money and no possessions, she waits to register for shelter. Choking back tears, she lamented the state of her country. "Nearly everyone can see what kind of government we have," she said. "They shouldn't have let this happen."

Still, the Russian attacks on Georgian soil have also rallied nationalistic support around Georgia's wartime government. On Sunday afternoon cars cruised through the streets of Tbilisi streaming Georgian flags. Citizens in red and white face paint, the colors of Georgia's flag, carried signs reading "Stop Russian Aggression" at a demonstration in front of the Russian embassy.

"I'm supporting Saakashvili in his decision with all my soul, flesh and blood," said Lasha Geladze-Mamukadze. "Real Georgians feel exactly the same."

As the shirtless 26-year-old waved his Georgian flag alongside a group of demonstrators, they cheered and sang national songs.

But refugees, having lost everything, are complaining of government shelters with shattered glass on the floor, no toilets or running water. "Even if they win, what are they going to tell the mothers of dead soldiers?" asked Chlukhadze. "Their dead bodies are sprawled on top of each other."

[Merv]

I must say, I was watching BBC earlier and they have a segment called HARDTALK where a reporter debates/interviews a guest and today's guest was the parliament speaker of Georgia (via video) and the BBC guy clearly had a pro-Russian stance...well for a BBC guy. He accused Georgia of being foolish, of instigating the war, of indiscriminately bombing Ossetia, of challenging the fact that Russians are bombing Georgia to the scale it is being said by Georgians, of massive Georgian exaggerations and so-on. It was pretty surprising but it was also a relief to see.

This is the first time on a BBC talking point on an issue like this that you can see a significant number of Western voices dissenting from the "party line." One decade ago, such views were almost impossible to find when it comes to issues concerning Russia. The Brits are highly Russophobic, possibly even more than the average American. But people have become rather jaded since then (particularly due to Iraq) and are increasingly realizing the extent of media manipulation going on. Of course, the majority are still duped.

[Federate]

Russia slams French resolution urging Georgia peace.

http://www.canada.com/globaltv/bc/story.html?id=bb939ac8-a8a1-4c7c-98ea-7893020e8f26