 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
Russia in South Ossetia exercises amid tensions: report
Moscow (AFP) Aug 3, 2009 The Russian military Monday started military exercises in South Ossetia amid rising tensions ahead of the first anniversary of its war with Georgia, the breakaway Georgian region's rebel leader said. Georgia had on Sunday accused Russia of shifting the border of South Ossetia deeper into Georgian territory as both sides exchanged allegations of ceasefire violations ahead of the August 7 anniversary of the brief war's outbreak. "The Russian contingent is going to carry out exercises in South Ossetia," South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity said, according to the Interfax news agency. He added that the measures starting Monday were designed to be "preventative" and that "everything will be done to guarantee security and keep the situation under control." He gave no further details on what the exercises would involve. Russia's defence ministry had amplified worries about a renewal of the conflict when it warned on Saturday that its military reserved the right to use force if Tbilisi continues "provocations" in the Caucasus. "Everyone has well understood the declaration by the Russian defence ministry and Russia's very strong position on the issue," warned Kokoity. The European Union is the sole guarantor of peace in the area since the pullout of United Nations and Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe monitors. It has 225 civilian observers patrolling the borders of both South Ossetia and Georgia's other rebel region, Abkhazia. A statement issued by the bloc's current Swedish presidency said it "notes with concern the recent accusations of shellings and other incidents on both sides of the South Ossetian administrative boundary line." However, it said its observers on the ground in Georgia "have seen no evidence so far to confirm mutual accusations of shellings." It added: "The EU urges all sides to refrain from any statement or action that may lead to increased tensions at this particularly sensitive time." The war last year erupted when an attempt by Georgian military to retake South Ossetia was rebuffed by Russia. Moscow then sent troops and tanks deep into Georgian territory. After the war, Russian forces mostly withdrew into South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian region, Abkhazia, but Tbilisi is furious at the continued presence of thousands of Russian troops in both rebel regions. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links
Russia warns of force if more Georgia 'provocations'Moscow (AFP) Aug 1, 2009 Russia on Saturday warned Georgia its military reserves the right to use force if the ex-Soviet state continues "provocations" in the Caucasus, one week ahead of the first anniversary of their 2008 war. Tbilisi responded by accusing Moscow of having made an "undisguised threat" and of having "dangerous designs" on Georgia. The Russian defence ministry accused Georgia of firing several ti ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2009 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook