Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

All Georgia Updates available at:

2008-11-14T10:50:00.000+04:00

http://georgiaupdate.gov.ge/en/updates

Updates on Georgia

2008-11-13T14:23:00.003+04:00

Georgia newsletter 13 - 20 November, 2008

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding GAERC’s press communique on the “EU-Russia Relations”

2008-11-11T14:17:00.002+04:00

In a communiqué issued after their General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) on November 10, 2008, the Foreign Ministers of the European Union confirmed their commitment to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia and underlined the importance of Russia’s compliance with the August 12 cease-fire agreement. This agreement unambiguously requires the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Georgia.

The EU also stressed that the Russian Federation should comply with its obligations and engage in the Geneva talks in a constructive spirit. Should Russia fulfill its obligations in good faith, it is our strong conviction that the next round of the Geneva talks will be productive. We look forward to what we hope will be constructive discussions in Geneva on November 18, 2008.

The EU Foreign Ministers also made it clear that the dialogue with the Russian Federation in no way implies that the EU is legitimizing the existing status quo in Georgia or the actions of the Russian Federation that are contrary to European values and principles. It is noteworthy that the European Union underlined the importance of assessing the compliance of the Russian Federation with its international obligations and taking this assessment into account when deciding how to conduct the business with Russia.

It is also important that the European Union made a high priority of the issue of access for international monitors to Abkhazia, Georgia, and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia. Indeed, without transparency and international monitoring, the occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will remain safe heavens for continuous human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing, as well as organized crime, terrorism, and arms and drugs trafficking. They will serve as a means to continually undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and stability.

It is essential for the European Union, as it has in the past, to act swiftly and consistently with regard to the issues outlined in the November 10 GAERC Communique. It was the EU’s, as well as other important international actors’ response to Russia’s August invasion that sent a clear message to Moscow, helped slow Russian aggression, and cleared the way for the EU to broker the ceasefire agreement. Equally effective were the EU’s rapid deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM), its provision of generous financial and humanitarian assistance to Georgia, and the Union’s decision to speed up Georgia’s integration with the EU. Only the EU’s strong engagement with steady and consistent actions will deter aggressive states from forcefully changing Europe’s boundaries, undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of European nations, and using ethnic cleansing as a tool for implementing foreign policy goals. Such aggressive states should not have any hope that fundamental principles can be sacrificed for the sake of short-term convenience, thus giving them license to illegally use their military or economic power.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia once again reiterates that Georgia continues to be in full compliance with the August 12 cease-fire agreement, brokered by the Presidency of the EU. The strong, principled, and consistent stance of the European Union on the need for the Russian Federation to strictly abide by the August 12 agreement is essential for the security not only of Georgia, but of the entire European neighborhood.

EU Monitors in New Standoff with Russia

2008-11-07T10:48:00.002+04:00

In the latest face-off with Russia, the head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia yesterday demanded access to the conflict zones. “The EU monitors have not been able to enter the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. We keep knocking on their doors, we are carrying out patrols near their checkpoints,” said Hans Jorg Haber, head of the EU Monitoring Mission, on Wednesday. “We want to make it clear for everyone that our mandate should cover the entire territory of Georgia.”

Late last month, the EU monitors had another pointed confrontation with Moscow, after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused them of ignoring alleged Georgian violations outside the conflict zones. Haber retorted that the EU mission had been "pleasantly surprised" by the lack of serious incidents and called allegations from Georgia's region of South Ossetia province of violations "overblown."

“We don't get any details from the Russians. We just get general allegations,” Haber said of the Lavrov’s assertions. He added that the mission currently had to communicate with the Russians via the Swiss embassy in Tbilisi. "We literally don't have any telephone number on their side so far. We have been asking for it and I will ask for it again.”

Haber also said Moscow was distorting the role of Georgian special forces. "Georgian special forces are not what Moscow understands. They're lightly armed police units, not travelling in armoured vehicles, and needed to restore law and order in adjacent areas," he said.

The escalating tensions with Moscow come on the eve of an EU-Russia Summit in Nice later this month. The EU is set to decide whether to resume negotiations on a partnership pact with Russia. However, at their emergency summit on September 1 following Russia’s invasion of Georgia, EU leaders had agreed to resume negotiations only if the terms of the six point ceasefire agreement had been met.

Russia is defying the ceasefire agreement on numerous accounts. In addition to denying EU monitors access to the conflict zones, Russia has (1) introduced massive additional troops into both regions,; (2) announced plans to maintain and expand its military forces and bases in both of those regions: (3) seized areas that the Government of Georgia controlled prior to the invasion including the district of Akhalgori, a predominantly ethnic Georgian town, just 60 km from Tbilisi, that has never been a part of the conflict zone, and (4) forcibly evicted the Georgian po from the newly seized areas (Kodori gorge). And it has failed to rescind its recognition of the independence of the two Georgian territories.

Meanwhile, Russia also is maintaining more than double the pre-conflict legal limit of troops in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Haber, the head of the EU monitors, has said that since the EU does not recognize the independence of the two breakaway provinces, "there is no legal foundation" for the stationing of an announced 3,800 Russian regular troops to replace the 500 peacekeepers.

Moscow’s intransigence has galvanized several EU leaders to call on their counterparts to refuse a return to business as usual with Russia. “We reiterate that under the continued occupation of Georgian territories it would be too early to resume talks on a new partnership agreement with Russia,” the presidents of Poland and Lithuanian said in a joint declaration last weekend. “We underline that negotiations on the EU and Russia agreement should be renewed only when Russia withdraws its troops from Georgia to the positions held prior to August 7th.”

Updates on Georgia

2008-11-07T10:43:00.005+04:00

Georgia newsletter 6-13 November, 2008

http://georgiaupdate.gov.ge/en/updates

Elections in Adjara & Tbilisi

2008-11-07T10:38:00.001+04:00

Elections for the local parliament in the Adjara Autonomous Republic—as well as Parliamentary by-elections in Tbilisi—were held Monday in a “most peaceful and quiet environment, without significant violations,” according to observers from the Council of Europe.

“In comparison with previous years, the election system was really improved,” said Gunter Kruger, the head of the CoE delegation and a member of the Berlin house of representatives. The Council’s positive judgment was echoed by almost all other local and international observers, numbering over 1,500 in total. There were 21 international and 9 local observer missions in Adjara, and slightly fewer in Tbilisi for the by-elections. They noted numerous advances made in several aspects of the electoral process, including fair access to the airwaves and to administrative resources for all accredited parties.

The extensive efforts to level the media playing field appeared to work. An independent consulting firm, Primetime, that monitored the quality and quantity of media exposure for political candidates said they generally received even-handed coverage. (The firm’s reports can be found at http://cec.gov.ge/?que=eng/press-center/media-monitoring.)

The Central Election Commission also made extensive efforts to ensure that voters could easily register for the election and correct errors in the voter lists; imposed strict rules on the use of administrative resources; and undertook extensive public campaigns to encourage voter turnout, including by the physically impaired.

The Council of Europe delegation did note some electoral irregularities, but said that these did not have a material effect on the final tally. “Generally, the elections were conducted positively, but the delegation concludes that further revision of electoral procedures is needed,” said Kruger during his Tuesday press conference.

The United National Movement party of President Saakashvili won an easy victory in Adjara, despite not having mounted a major campaign. Meanwhile, the UNM did not contest the Parliamentary by-elections in Tbilisi, in a gesture aimed at increasing pluralism in a legislative body that UNM dominates. The two, single–mandate constituencies were won by Guram Chakhvadze of the National-Democratic Party and Tamaz Kvachantiradze of the Christian-Democratic Party.

“Although Adjara is a very important region for me and the results of elections there are important for Georgia, neither I nor the central authorities participated in the election campaign,” said President Saakashvili after the vote. “I asked the National Movement not to put ads on the central TV channels and we have not spent significant funds on advertising.”

Next Round of Geneva Talks

2008-11-05T12:03:00.001+04:00

Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has been falsely accusing the Georgian side for abandoning Geneva discussions on October 15 and not planning to take part in the next round of negotiations on November 18, 2008. Such claims are absolutely groundless and represent yet another example of Soviet type propaganda aimed at misleading the international community.

Georgia believes that the moderators have done an outstanding job in organizing the first round of the Geneva discussions. The existing format of the talks creates all the preconditions for successful conduct of the second and future rounds. Georgia stands ready to continue constructive engagement in the Geneva talks, as we have done on October 15.

It is not Georgia, but the Russian Federation, and its proxy regimes of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region, who are responsible for the suspension of the first round of Geneva talks. As is well known, the Russian side boycotted the plenary session, which was attended by the representatives of the UN, EU, OSCE, as the moderators, and Georgia and the United States of America, as participants. This was the format agreed among all parties. Moreover, the Russian side and the proxy regimes of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region also boycotted the meetings of the working groups, where, as agreed in advance, the participants were to take part on an informal level to discuss the issues related to the security and stability in Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia, as well as the safe and dignified return of the IDPs to their places of residence.

The Georgian side is looking forward to taking part in the next round of negotiations in Geneva on November 18, in the format agreed among all parties. We also hope that this time the Russian Federation will participate in the plenary, as a demonstration of its dedication to the peace process. The Geneva format, in our opinion, is a good way forward to solve the existing problems and discuss outstanding issues. The Georgian side, on its part, will be closely cooperating with the moderators and all the interested parties to make sure that the next meeting within the Geneva format takes place on November 18, as planned.

Tbilisi, 3 November, 2008

Updates on Georgia

2008-10-30T18:49:00.000+04:00

http://georgiaupdate.gov.ge/en/updates

Alarming Situation in S.Ossetia

2008-10-28T17:06:00.000+04:00

According to information of relevant Georgian agencies and institutions, Russian Federation has tremendously increased its military capabilities on the occupied territories of Georgia. During the last week Russian military units increased their military potential in Akhalgori by 5 tanks, 22 armoured vehicle and 23 military trucks. Thus, for the time being only in Akhlagori there are located Russian Federation’s 25 tanks (T-22), 33 armoured vehicle. The number of military personnel reaches more than 400. In addition to this, at the illegal check-points opened in the Akhalgori district, Russian militaries have installed “GRAD” type missile systems.

Furthermore, during the last days Russian military units are trying to enlarge area of their activities. Precisely, October 26, on the main road connecting Dusheti district to Akhalgori one additional illegal check-point has been opened. Moreover, Adjacent territories in Dusheti district were mined.

During the last 10 days in the Ckhinvali region Russian Federation increased the number of its military personnel up to 2000. Part of this military personnel were located alongside the administrative border at the illegal check-points, and part of them inside Ckhinvali.

Also, during the last days S.Ossetian and Abkhazian separatists or groups under their control pass administrative borders with the aim to conduct subversive acts. They also frequently shell Georgian police shells outside the administrative border.

The above-mentioned developments vividly demonstrate that the Russian Federation continuous to violate August 12, 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. Analysis of the data and information the Georgian side possess makes think that the threat of further large-scale military provocation from Russian side is real. Thus, international involvement to stop this provocation has decisive importance.

Grenades Fired

2008-10-28T17:05:00.001+04:00

On 24 October 2008, at night, fire was opened from the territory controlled by Russian occupation troops in the direction of the village of Muzhava, Tsalenjikha district. Three grenades were fired towards the peaceful population. On 25 October, in the afternoon, officials of the Tsalenjikha local administration, police and representatives of the EU Monitoring Mission left for the village of Muzhava to explore the situation on the spot. Upon the approach of their cars to the village, two time bombs exploded near the scene of the incident and mortar fire was again opened from the territory controlled by Russian occupation troops. As a result, Gia Mebonia, head of the local administration of the Tsalenjikha district was killed, one policeman – wounded. EU Monitors did not sustain injuries.

On 24 October 2008, at night, over 200 militias under the control of the Russian occupation troops moved closer to the village of Khurvaleti, Gori District in the vicinity of the Tskhinvali region with the aim of carrying out an attack on the peaceful population. The situation was defused only due to the efforts of the EU Monitors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia would like to focus attention on the fact that an increasing number of terrorist acts against Georgian officials, policemen and peaceful civilians take place against the background of deployment of an additional number of Russian military personnel and equipment on the occupied territories of Georgia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls on the international community to take decisive measures to prevent a new large-scale provocation designed by the Russian side against Georgia.

Tbilisi, 25 October 2008

2008-10-17T10:44:00.000+04:00

Georgia Update Weekly Newsletter: 16-23 October 2008

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

2008-10-13T10:07:00.000+04:00

on the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation regarding withdrawal of Russian Armed Forces from Georgia
Tbilisi, 10 October 2008

On 9 October 2008 the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a press release on the withdrawal of Russia’s so-called peacekeeping forces from Georgia in which the Russian side claims to have fulfilled ahead of time the commitment under the EU Presidency-mediated agreement.

With respect to the foregoing, the Georgian Foreign Ministry is authorized to state the following:

After Russia’s military aggression against Georgia on 7 August 2008 and occupation of large part of its territory, Russian troops deployed on the territory of Georgia can only be defined as occupation forces and any reference to their ‘peacekeeping status’ is deprived of any legal and political basis.

Despite its claims, the Russian side still continues to grossly violate the provisions of the six-point ceasefire agreement, which mandates restoration of the status quo existing prior to the breakout of hostilities.

The Russian occupation forces still illegally keep their positions near the village of Perevi, Sachkhere district, and in Akhalgori. It needs to be noted that the Georgian-populated district of Akhalgori has never been an arena of conflict; as a result of Russian military intervention, however, inhabitants of the district had to leave their homes and they still have no possibility to return.

The Russian occupation troops acting in league with Sokhumi separatists are still exercising illegal control over the territory of Upper Abkhazia, from which the local Georgian population was forcefully expelled.

In flagrant violation of Point 5 of the six-point ceasefire agreement, the Russian side still retains illegally and even increases its military presence on the territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region where, according to the official statement of the Russian Defence Ministry itself, up to 8 thousand servicemen are still present. Moreover, the Russian side continues to bar monitors of the European Union and other international organizations from accessing these regions that prevents verification of the number and composition of Russian military personnel. Furthermore, an agreement was reached with the separatist regimes on the setting up of Russian military bases in both regions, which also directly contradicts the ceasefire agreement.

Withdrawal of the Russian troops from the part of the occupied territory of Georgia was paralleled by a series of terrorist acts. Moreover, the Georgian villages, which Russian invaders and their separatist accomplices have left behind themselves are burned, ruined and destroyed. The Georgian side has been repeatedly informing the international community on the crimes committed by separatists. Now everyone will be able to assess exactly the scale of violence by armed separatists abetted and backed by Moscow. Gross and mass violation of human rights, violence, robbery and burglary can be viewed as descriptive marks of the Russian occupation regime.

Taking into consideration the high criminality level and generally the extremely severe situation on the yet occupied territories of Georgia – Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, Russia must immediately stop arms supply and training of local illegal armed formations in both regions that is one of the essential preconditions for preventing provocations and incidents. It is to be hoped that the activity of international monitors throughout the territory of Georgia will put an end to speedy militarization of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

Whatever may be the Russian side’s approach to this, making any reference to Russia’s compliance with that part of the six-point ceasefire agreement, which deals with the restoration of the military status quo ante will become possible only after Russian occupation troops have left the entire territory of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. The Russian side would be advised to realize that eventually not a single invader in military uniform will remain on the territory of Georgia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, along with the international community considers as its priority task to ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to the places of their permanent residence and consequently, the elimination of consequences of the mass ethnic cleansing policy conducted by Russian occupation troops in Georgia. This is one of the key issues that will be placed at the centre of discussions during international negotiations regarding security and stability in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region scheduled to take place in Geneva.

Breaches by Russia of the Ceasefire Agreement: CHECKPOINTS

2008-10-13T10:00:00.006+04:00

10 October 2008
http://www.georgiaupdate.gov.ge/

The Russian Army has illegally established 25 checkpoints deep within sovereign Georgian territory, contravening the six-point ceasefire agreement brokered by France. As of 10 October 4 Checkpoints still remain in Georgia in the territories adjacent to the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia. Russian troops are also in upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge).

There are an estimated 400 Russian soldiers and 30 Armored Personal Carriers stationed at these checkpoints. Additionally, there are an estimated 7,000 Russian soldiers in Abkhazia and in the Tskhinvali region.

List of checkpoints in the teritory adjacent to the South Ossetia Region

1. Perevi (Sachkhere district) paratroopers company, 7 APC, 3 Ural type car, 100 servicemen
2. 1 km north of Odzisi in the Akhalgori district: 6 APC, 100 Russian servicemen.
3. Village Mosabruni (Akhalgori district): 6 APC, 100 Russian Servicemen.
4. Village Ikoti (Akhalgori District): 6 APC, 100 Russian Servicemen.

This map gives an overview of the current checkpoint in the territories adjacent to South Ossetia

Media and telephone intercepts confirm Russia started the war

2008-09-22T10:23:00.005+04:00

Mounting evidence shows that Russian forces were first to move into the Georgian region of South Ossetia.

This document presents evidence gleaned from
• Publicly available Russian and western media sources and
• Telephone intercepts of the Georgian intelligence services, described as credible by Western intelligence agencies and undenied by Russia.

This document first presents a summary of the evidence. A second section follows listing the stories and their web links, reproducing extracts in the original language and, where necessary, adding a translation into English.

The intercepts and the stories confirm that units of the Russian 58th Army moved into South Ossetia first, forcing the Georgian Armed Forces to react.

The Evidence

Telephone intercepts
Early in the morning of August 7, at 3:41 am and 3:52 am, Georgian intelligence intercepted two mobile telephone conversations held by a South Ossetian border guard posted at the Roki tunnel by the name of Gassiev. His first name is unknown.
Georgia provided the intercepts to US and European intelligence agencies and senior American officials have already found them to be credible. The Russian Federation has disputed their importance, but has not denied their authenticity.
The New York Times independently translated and analyzed the transcripts. The full story appears in section 2.
At 3.41 a.m., Gassiev told a supervisor at the South Ossetian border guard headquarters that a Russian colonel had asked Ossetian guards to inspect military vehicles that “crowded” the tunnel. Mr. Gassiev said, “The commander, a colonel, approached and said, ‘The men with you should check the vehicles.’ Is that O.K.?” When asked who this commander was, Gassiev continued, “I don’t know. Their superior. The one in charge there. The BMPs and other vehicles were sent here and they have crowded there. The men are also standing around. And he said that we should inspect the vehicles. I don’t know. And he went out.”
At 3:52, Gassiev spoke to the supervisor again and informed him that armored vehicles had left the tunnel, commanded by a colonel he called Kazachenko. The supervisor asked Gassiev, “Listen, has the armor arrived or what?” Gassiev replied, “The armor and people.” Asked if they had gone through the tunnel, he said, “Yes; 20 minutes ago. When I called you they had already arrived.” Supervisor: “Are they a lot, much military vehicles?” Gassiev: “Well, Tanks, armored carriers and that.”

These intercepts show that significant Russian forces, enough to “crowd” the Roki tunnel, entered South Ossetia some 20 hours before Georgian forces counterattacked.
The New York Times reports that senior American officials find the intercepts to be “credible”.
Significantly, Russia has not disputed the authenticity of the intercepts; merely their importance. The Russian explanation that these calls refer to a routine rotation of their peacekeeping troops is false. According to the peace agreement in force at that time, any rotation should have happened during daylight and all relevant parties should have been notified (i.e. the Georgian Government and OSCE) a month ahead of time. The previous rotation of Russian forces was in May 2008.
Furthermore, prior to the publication of these intercepts, the Russian side had never mentioned any rotation on August 7 in any of their communications (e.g. their timeline of events, public data or statements) and it insisted that its troops entered the region only at noon on August 8.
Western intelligence findings boost the credibility of these transcripts. Again according to the New York Times, the western services independently found that two battalions of the 135th Regiment moved through Roki either the night of August7 or the early morning of August 8.
The New York Times story appears in the next section of this document.

Why is this evidence only coming to light now, a month after the war started?
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs monitors mobile communications in South Ossetia carried over the Magti mobile network. Magti, which is one of Georgia’s three big providers, has an excellent network across the South Ossetia region, covering the territory with 20 cell towers. The local alternative is Ostelecom, a provider backed by the Russian Megafon network. It has a much more restricted reach based on a system of 5 cell towers, mostly serving the high-density areas around Tskhinvali. Crucially, it does not reach deep into the countryside. For that reason, Magti is widely preferred in the territory, especially by people who need to roam rural areas, such as officials, militia, border guards, truck and taxi drivers etc. They widely use Magti despite instructions by the separatist government to use Ostelecom.
The Georgian Interior Ministry seeks to monitor all communications between officials in the territory. In line with legal requirements, the Ministry of Internal Affairs monitored the conversations of a significant number of officials of the paramilitary structures of the de facto authorities involved in illegal activities
Georgia’s Interior Minister received a report on the intercepts from Georgian counter-intelligence within hours of recording. He relayed the information to the President and other members of Government.
The file with the recordings was lost during the war when the surveillance team moved operations from Tbilisi, the capital, to the central city of Gori. Georgian intelligence officers later sifted through 6,000 files to retrieve copies.
This analysis is not complete. Hundreds of recordings remain to be evaluated. It is, therefore, possible that fresh evidence will become known in the coming days or weeks.

Media stories

The evidence gleaned from the telephone intercepts is corroborated by stories that have appeared in both Russian and Western media.

These are summarised here; the next section lists links and the Russian originals.

1. In a story from August 4, life.ru describes the relocation of units of the Russian 58th Army and of a regiment of the Pskov-based 76th Airborne Division to the Georgian border, adjacent to the northern entrance to the Roki Tunnel:

Several battalions of the 58th Army of the North-Caucasus Military District, with permanent bases in the territory of North Ossetia, have been brought to the border of South Ossetia. Soldiers and military hardware have been moved to the end of the Roki tunnel, the only route that connects the two Ossetian republics.

As was reported to LIFE.RU sources in the republic, the movement of military units started on the night of 2nd to 3rd August. Reportedly, convoys of military forces began moving out from their bases in the Kirov region of North Ossetia (in Elkhotovo village) and from Ardone. The relocation of Russian hardware to the proximity of the Roki tunnel means these troops can support the Peacekeeping Forces as quickly as possible.

2. In a story from September 11, newsru.com analyses the movements of the 58th Army and concludes as follows :

“On August 7, the Russian regiment received an order to move towards Tskhinvali. It was set on alert and before nightfall reached the positions prescribed. By midnight it was possible to see the outbreak of shelling in Tskhinvali from where regiment was located.

Between the Roki Tunnel and Tskhinvali there is only one such place [to see the shelling of Tskhinvali] : the village of Djava. So, the 135th regiment entered South Ossetia before the Georgian attack on Tskhinvali.”

3. In an interview with the Russian Ministry of Defence’s publication Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star), Russian armed forces Captain Sedristyi confirms his unit was ordered to Tskhinvali on August 7:

‘"We were at the exercises,” captain Sedristyi starts his story. “It is not so far from the capital of South Ossetia, Lower Zaramakh—a nature preserve in North Ossetia. That's the place where we had our camp after the exercises, but on 7 August we were ordered to move towards Tskhinvali. We were raised on an alarm – and sent on a march."’

Krasnaya Zvezda changed the date in its story from August 7 to August 8 following questions from Western media. Captain Sedristyi, it was explained, confused the dates because of an injury sustained during the fighting. According to the New York Times, Captain Sedristyi cannot be reached. The extract of the story in the next section quotes the original; the links to the doctored story and the original, kept in a Google cache, are given.

4. On August 15, the daily Permskie Novosti, reporting about the war, quotes a conversation between a soldier and his mother:

“ I have very little time, - the kid went on. – Look: we are here since 7 August. Well, the whole of our 58th army.”

5. On August 17, Komsomoslkaya Pravda quotes Sergeant Alexander Plotnikov of the 693rd regiment of the 58th Army, who was interviewed in Rostov after being wounded in the fighting:

“The gossip that the war would start soon went around in our regiment in the beginning of August. Nobody spoke about it officially. We understood everything, though, after two companies of our regiment were sent to the mountains, not far from Tskhinvali.”

6. On September 2, Vadim Rachkovsky, a journalist for Moskovskyi Komsomolets, wrote on his blog:

“As to the tank column. I see nothing particular about that. Attention! This is verified and nobody makes a secret from the fact that the battalion-tactical group of 693rd regiment of 58th army used to regularly move towards South Ossetia for military duty. And that’s from where they moved to Tskhinvali. Maybe this happened on August 7, maybe even earlier. This was not for the first time. Each time tension was rising, our tanks advanced to this direction. So, in this case Saakashvili says the truth.”

7. According to BBC Monitoring World Media Monitor, on August 7, the Abkhaz separatist leader Sergei Bagapsh told Rossiya TV that a Russian battalion had entered the conflict zone:

Abkhaz leader says Russian troops deployed in South Ossetia
The president of the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia, Sergey Bagapsh, has said that a Russian military battalion has entered the Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia. His remarks, made at a meeting of the Abkhaz security council, were broadcast by the Russian state-owned TV channel Rossiya on 7 August. "I have spoken to the president of South Ossetia. It [the situation] has more or less stabilized now. A battalion of the North Caucasian [Military] District has entered the area," Bagapsh said.

Source: Rossiya TV, Moscow, in Russian 1600 gmt 7 Aug 08

8. As the Russian military was preparing for the invasion, the Russian media was preparing to cover it. Said Tsarnayev, a freelance journalist working for Reuters, arrived in Tskhinvali on 7 August. In an article published on the website of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Tsarnayev is quoted as saying:

‘"At the hotel we discovered that there were already 48 Russian journalists there. Together with us, there were 50 people," Tsarnayev said. "I was the only one representing a foreign news agency. The rest were from Russian media and they arrived three days before we did, as if they knew that something was going to happen. Earlier at the border crossing, we met one man who was taking his wife and children from Tskhinvali."’

---

Conclusion
The telephone intercepts, their analysis and the Western and Russian media stories all indicate that the Russian armed forces entered the territory of Georgia in South Ossetia many hours before Georgia decided to counterattack at Tskhinvali. Some had progressed at least as far as Djava before nightfall on August 7.
The Georgian Armed Forces received intelligence on August 7 that Russian troops north of the border had received orders to roll into Georgia. They received this information hours before Georgia conducted its military operation in response to the Russian invasion.
Military necessity dictated the choice of Tskhinvali as the objective for the Georgian counterattack, as any topographical map makes clear—it was the only way the Georgian army could move from its core territory to meet the advancing Russian columns. The counterattack aimed for military targets and did not significantly damage the town of Tskhinvali itself, as a study by the UN using satellite pictures makes clear. (See http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat/freeproducts/Georgia/Russia_ConflictAug08/UNOSAT_GEO_Village_Damage_Summary_Tskhinvali_19aug08_Highres.pdf.)
Moreover, the media stories and analyst reports support the view that the Russian military designed its exercises of July 2008 to prepare Russian troops for an invasion of Georgia. A leaflet entitled Know Your Enemy, which was distributed to participating soldiers confirmed this view (see annex). The leaflet makes the target of the exercise clear, detailing the composition and main armaments of the Georgian Army.

Stories, translations and links

1. life.ru description of relocation of Russian units: http://life.ru/news/27624/

2. newsru.com analysis of the movements of the 58th Army

“All roads lead to the Roki tunnel: the war started on provocative territory “
11 September 2008
http://newsru.com/russia/11sep2008/voshli.html

The regiment, which has a permanent place of deployment in the village Prokhladni near Nalchik, was posted in Nizhny Zaramag after the exercises (2 August), writes Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star).

Nizhny Zaramag is located a few kilometers from the Roki tunnel’s northern entrance. A checkpoint and customs post are located in this village. Russia and Georgia have different views as to whom the Roki tunnel belongs to. The Roki pass includes the Roki tunnel; an essential part of the Transcaucasian road. The Roki tunnel is the only connection linking South and North Ossetia. The Mamisoni pass is, in fact, the border between Georgia and Russia. These are extremely important strategic places from a military point of view. A regiment of the 58th Army was located in close proximity to this border, in the city of Zaramag close to the Transcaucasus roadway, and was able to cross the border of South Ossetia in the shortest time.

On August 7, the Russian regiment received an order to move towards Tskhinvali. It was set on alert and before nightfall reached the positions prescribed. By midnight it was possible to see the outbreak of shelling in Tskhinvali from where regiment was located.

Between the Roki Tunnel and Tskhinvali there is only one such place [to see the shelling of Tskhinvali] : the village of Djava. So, the 135th regiment entered South Ossetia before the Georgian attack on Tskhinvali.

Russian original:
Все дороги ведут в Рокский тоннель: война началась на провокационной территории
Полк, имеющий место постоянной дислокации в поселке Прохладный под Нальчиком, после окончания учений (2 августа) был размещен в Нижнем Зарамаге, пишет "Красная звезда".
Нижний Зарамаг находится в нескольких километрах от северного портала Рокского тоннеля; в этом поселке находятся пропускной пункт и таможня.
Принадлежность Рокского тоннеля Россия и Грузия рассматривают по-разному. Рокский перевал включает в себя Рокский тоннель - важнейшую часть Транскавказской магистрали. Это единственная дорога, соединяющая Южную и Северную Осетию. Мамисоновский перевал - по сути, граница между Грузией и Российской Федерацией. Это крайне важные стратегические плацдармы с военной точки зрения. В непосредственной близости к границе в районе города Зрамаг на Транскаме был расквартирован полк 58-й армии, который в краткие сроки способен перейти границу Южной Осетии, отмечал накануне боевых действий LIFE.ru.
7 августа российский полк получил команду выдвигаться к Цхинвали, был поднят по тревоге и до исхода дня успел прибыть на предписанный рубеж выдвижения. После полуночи из расположения полка можно было наблюдать вспышки артиллерийского обстрела Цхинвали.
Между Рокским тоннелем и Цхинвали такое место только одно - Джава. Итак, 135-й мотострелковый полк вступил на территорию ЮО до начала грузинской атаки на Цхинвали, полагают СМИ.
3. Krasnaya Zvezda interview of captain Sedristyi:

“Life Goes On”By Irina Zhirnova,
Krasnaya Zvezda
3 September 2008
Doctored story at http://www.redstar.ru/2008/09/03_09/2_03.html
Original story at http://74.125.39.104/search?q=cache:http://www.redstar.ru/2008/09/03_09/2_03.html

“- We were at the exercises, - captain Sedristyi starts his story. – It is not so far from the capital of South Ossetia. Nizhnyr Zaramag - nature reserve in North Ossetia. That’s the place where we had our camp after the exercises, but on 7 August we got orders to move towards Tskhinvali. We were raised on an alert – and sent on a march.”

Russian original:

“- Мы были на учениях, - начинает рассказ капитан Сидристый. - Это относительно недалеко от столицы Южной Осетии. Нижний Зарамах - природный заповедник Северной Осетии. Вот там после плановых учений и стояли лагерем, но 7 августа пришла команда на выдвижение к Цхинвалу. Подняли нас по тревоге - и на марш.”

4. Permskie Novosti interview of the mother of a soldier:

“Soldiers from Perm got into the epicenter of the war”By Irina Kizilova
Permskie Novosti
15 August 2008
http://www.permnews.ru/story.asp?kt=2912&n=453

During the morning of 10 August one of the mothers, who sent her son to Alania [in North Ossetia] less than 3 months ago received a call. “
– Mom, I am just back from Tskhinvali.
– What do you mean, from Tskhinvali?! There’s war down there! You were not supposed to be sent there!
- I have very little time. Look: we are here since 7 August. Well, the whole of our 58th army. You are probably watching TV to find out what is going on over there? Today, we battled through from Tskhinvali to Vladikavkaz for arms supplies. Now we are going to fight through back there. That’s all, I am being called. Regards to everyone from me. Kiss you…

Russian original:

Утром 10 августа в доме одной из матерей, отправившей меньше трех месяцев назад своего сына в Аланию, раздался звонок. – Мама, я только что из Цхинвали. – Как из Цхинвали?! Там же война! Вас не должны были туда отправлять!
– У меня очень мало времени, – продолжал мальчишка. – Слушай: мы там с 7 августа. Ну, вся наша 58-я армия. Ты же, наверное, смотришь по телику, что там происходит? Сегодня мы пробились из Цхинвала во Владикавказ за вооружением. Сейчас будем обратно пробиваться. Всё, зовут. Передавай всем привет. Целую…

5. Komsomoslkaya Pravda interview of Sergeant Alexander Plotnikov:

“We knew even in the beginning of August that the war would start”, Maria Zhuykova,
Komsomolskaya Pravda
17 August, 2008
http://www.kp.ru/daily/24147/364238/
“The gossip that the war would start soon went around in our regiment in the beginning of August. Nobody spoke about it officially. We understood everything, though, after two companies of our regiment were sent to the mountains, not far from Tskhinvali.”
Russian original:
“- Слухи о том, что, скоро будет война, стали ходить в полку в начале августа. Никто официально об этом не говорил. Но мы все поняли, когда две роты нашего полка переправили в горы, недалеко от Цхинвала.»

6. Blog of Vadim Rachkovsky, the journalist with Moskovskyi Komsomolets:

2 September 2008
http://voinodel.livejournal.com/33871.html?thread=916559#t916559

Question: Vadim…what about this strange column of tanks or some other heavy armored vehicles that allegedly entered South Ossetia through Roki Tunnel in the evening of August 7? Georgian representative to UN is mentioning this on every session.

Answer: As to the tanks column. I see nothing particular about that. Attention! This is verified and nobody makes a secret from the fact that the battalion-tactical group of 693rd regiment of 58th army used to regularly move towards South Ossetia for military duty. And that’s where from they moved to Tskhinvali. Maybe this happened on August 7, maybe even earlier. This was not for the first time. Each time tension was rising, our tanks advanced to this direction. So, in this case Saakashvili says the truth. What else to do? Wait until these tanks would pass through Roki tunnel?

Russian original:

И что слышно насчёт этой непонятной танковой колонны или каких-то бронемашин, которые якобы прошли в Рокский туннель 7 августа вечером в сторону Южной Осетии? Грузинский представитель в ООН на каждом заседании говорит об этом?
--------
А насчёт танковой колонны. На самом деле вообще ничего особенного в этом факте не вижу. Внимание! Доподлинно известно и этот факт особо даже не скрывается что батальонно-тактическая группа 693-го полка 58 армии регулярно выдвигалась в сторону Южной Осетии на боевое дежурство. Оттуда они и на Цхинвали пошли. Может это было 7 августа, а может и раньше. И это случилось не впервой. При любом обострении обстановки наши танки туда выдвигались. Так что Саакашвили в данном случае говорит правду.
А что ж на делать прикажете? Ждать, когда его танки в Рокский тоннель пройдут?

7. BBC Monitoring 7th August report separatist leader Sergei Bagapsh interview on Rossiya TV:

BBC World Monitor is a subscription service. No link can therefore be given.

8. Interview of Reuters photographer Said Tsarnayev, in Tskhinvali on 7 August:

Scene At Russia-Georgia Border Hinted At Scripted Affair
By Brian Whitmore
RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY
August 23, 2008

Said Tsarnayev stumbled into a war.

A Chechen freelance photographer with the Reuters news agency, Tsarnayev arrived in the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, during the day on August 7. Travelling together with a colleague, Tsarnayev said he planned to take photographs of the environment and natural surroundings in the area for a project he was working on.

Once in Tskhinvali, he discovered a virtual army of Russian journalists at his hotel.

Speaking to RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service, Tsarnayev, a resident of the Chechen capital, Grozny, said the Moscow-based reporters had been sent from various Russian media outlets days earlier, and were preparing to cover something big.

"At the hotel we discovered that there were already 48 Russian journalists there. Together with us, there were 50 people," Tsarnayev said. "I was the only one representing a foreign news agency. The rest were from Russian media and they arrived three days before we did, as if they knew that something was going to happen. Earlier at the border crossing, we met one man who was taking his wife and children from Tskhinvali."

Late that night, armed conflict broke out between Russia and Georgia.

'No Relationship To Reality'

Tsarnayev's account could not be independently confirmed. But it is consistent with mounting indications that Russia had been planning an attack on Georgia in advance, and was just waiting for a pretext to carry it out.

Russia's state-controlled media seemed extremely well-prepared to cover the outbreak of armed conflict in Georgia. Television networks immediately presented elaborate graphics with news anchors and commentators appearing to stick to disciplined talking points accusing Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili of aggression, and the Georgian armed forces of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

The country's best English-speaking officials were made readily available to Western media, where they relentlessly pushed Moscow's line on the conflict: Russia was simply protecting its citizens and peacekeepers in South Ossetia from atrocities at the hands of Georgia's military.

In an interview with RFE/RL in the early days of the conflict, Steven Pifer, a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine who is now a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, said Moscow's rhetoric and media narrative suggests they were preparing a large-scale operation.

"The rhetoric that is coming out of Moscow, ethnic cleansing and genocide, is just way over the top," Pifer said. "It's almost approaching the point where there is just no relationship to reality. But again, certainly the rhetoric is appropriate to a larger operation against Georgia to just stop and reverse whatever military gains the Georgians made in South Ossetia on [August 7]."

The apparently well-prepared media narrative is only part of the picture.

On August 3, authorities in Georgia's Moscow-backed separatist province of South Ossetia began evacuating hundreds of children to Russia. At the time, Georgian officials said the move could be a signal that separatist authorities, and their patrons in Russia, were preparing an offensive.

South Ossetian authorities said at the time that the evacuations were a precaution in case Georgia attempted to retake the province by force -- something Moscow and Tskhinvali had been accusing Tbilisi of plotting to do.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on August 21, the deputy head of Russia's General Staff, Colonel General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, reiterated Moscow's claims that the Georgian side was preparing to use force.

"We have complaints against the OSCE regarding the initial stage of the conflict -- they were informed by the Georgian side that there would be an invasion, but they didn't warn the Russian peacekeepers," Nogovitsyn said.

In remarks reported by "The Washington Post," Georgian Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili said he gave the order for Georgian forces to "go out from their bases" at 6 p.m. local time local time on August 7, just one hour before Saakashvili announced a unilateral cease-fire.

Months In The Works

Kezerashvili said the Georgian troop movement was designed to deter South Ossetian separatists, who were firing across the de facto border into Georgian-controlled villages.

But observers say the march toward war on Moscow's side began months earlier.

In fact, hostilities began escalating soon after NATO delayed granting Membership Action Plans -- a key phase before full membership -- to Georgia and Ukraine at its summit in early April.

Less than two weeks later, Vladimir Putin, who was in the last month of his presidency, signed a decree authorizing direct relations with and assistance for Georgia's two pro-Moscow separatist provinces, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Later in April, Russia deployed 1,500 additional troops, some of them heavily armed, to its "peacekeeping" contingent in Abkhazia without Georgia's consent -- an express violation of the 1994 cease-fire agreement.

Russia also began shooting down Georgia's unmanned drone aircraft that were conducting reconnaissance over Abkhazia. Russian military aircraft also began regularly violating Georgian airspace near the separatist territory.

In June, Russia deployed unarmed troops to Abkhazia to rebuild a rail link between Sukhumi and Ochamchira. At the time, Moscow presented the move as a humanitarian gesture to improve Abkhazia's transportation infrastructure. But U.S. and Georgian officials later pointed out that the railway was used to transport military equipment and munitions into Georgia during the conflict.

Then, with everybody watching Abkhazia, the focus abruptly shifted to South Ossetia.

In July, Russia's armed forces began massive military training exercises in the north Caucasus involving 8,000 servicemen and 700 pieces of military hardware. Russia's 58th Army, which would later spearhead the incursion into Georgia on August 8, was the key unit in those maneuvers.

The 58th Army remained in the North Caucasus after the exercises. Shortly thereafter, Georgian and South Ossetian separatist forces began exchanging artillery, mortar, and sniper fire across the de facto border. Georgian officials accuse the separatists of instigating the exchanges, but South Ossetian authorities deny the allegation.

Pifer said is appears that Russia laid a well-prepared trap for the Georgians, and Tbilisi took the bait.

"The Georgian leadership made a mistake on [August 7]. They should have understood from what they have seen from the Russians that the Russians were looking for a pretext. They [the Georgians] gave them that pretext when they decided to go in a fairly large way into South Ossetia," Pifer said. "The speed of the Russian response suggests that the Russians were ready, they were just waiting for the reason and they took that as the reason."

9. New York Times analysis of the telephone transcripts:

Georgia Offers Fresh Evidence on War’s Start
New York Times
DAN BILEFSKY, C..J. CHIVERS, THOM SHANKER and MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ
September 16, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/world/europe/16georgia.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

This article was reported by Dan Bilefsky, C. J. Chivers, Thom Shanker and Michael Schwirtz and written by Mr. Chivers.

TBILISI, Georgia — A new front has opened between Georgia and Russia, now over which side was the aggressor whose military activities early last month ignited the lopsided five-day war. At issue is new intelligence, inconclusive on its own, that nonetheless paints a more complicated picture of the critical last hours before war broke out.

Georgia has released intercepted telephone calls purporting to show that part of a Russian armored regiment crossed into the separatist enclave of South Ossetia nearly a full day before Georgia’s attack on the capital, Tskhinvali, late on Aug. 7.

Georgia is trying to counter accusations that the long-simmering standoff over South Ossetia, which borders Russia, tilted to war only after it attacked Tskhinvali. Georgia regards the enclave as its sovereign territory.

The intercepts circulated last week among intelligence agencies in the United States and Europe, part of a Georgian government effort to persuade the West and opposition voices at home that Georgia was under invasion and attacked defensively. Georgia argues that as a tiny and vulnerable nation allied with the West, it deserves extensive military and political support.

Georgia also provided audio files of the intercepts along with English translations to The New York Times, which made its own independent translation from the original Ossetian into Russian and then into English.

Russia, already facing deep criticism and the coolest audience in European capitals since the cold war, is arguing vigorously against Georgia’s claims. Last week, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin expressed bafflement at what he saw as the West’s propensity to believe Georgia’s version of events.

In an interview arranged by the Kremlin, the Russian military played down the significance of the intercepted conversations, saying troop movements to the enclave before the war erupted were part of the normal rotation and replenishment of longstanding peacekeeping forces there.

But at a minimum, the intercepted calls, which senior American officials have reviewed and described as credible if not conclusive, suggest there were Russian military movements earlier than had previously been acknowledged, whether routine or hostile, into Georgian territory as tensions accelerated toward war.

They also suggest the enduring limits — even with high-tech surveillance of critical battlefield locations — of penetrating the war’s thick fogs.

The back and forth over who started the war is already an issue in the American presidential race, with Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, the Republican vice presidential candidate, contending that Russia’s incursion into Georgia was “unprovoked,” while others argue that Georgia’s shelling of Tskhinvali was provocation. Georgia claims that its main evidence — two of several calls secretly recorded by its intelligence service on Aug. 7 and 8 — shows that Russian tanks and fighting vehicles were already passing through the Roki Tunnel linking Russia to South Ossetia before dawn on Aug. 7.

By Russian accounts, the war began at 11:30 that night, when President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia ordered an attack on Russian positions in Tskhinvali. Russian combat units crossed the border into South Ossetia only later, Russia has said.

Russia has not disputed the veracity of the phone calls, which were apparently made by Ossetian border guards on a private Georgian cellphone network. “Listen, has the armor arrived or what?” a supervisor at the South Ossetian border guard headquarters asked a guard at the tunnel with the surname Gassiev, according to a call that Georgia and the cellphone provider said was intercepted at 3:52 a.m. on Aug. 7.

“The armor and people,” the guard replied. Asked if they had gone through, he said, “Yes, 20 minutes ago; when I called you, they had already arrived.”

Shota Utiashvili, the director of the intelligence analysis team at Georgia’s Interior Ministry, said the calls pointed to a Russian incursion. “This whole conflict has been overshadowed by the debate over who started this war,” he said. “These intercepted recordings show that Russia moved first and that we were defending ourselves.”

The recordings, however, do not explicitly describe the quantity of armor or indicate that Russian forces were engaged in fighting at that time.

Competing Accounts

Gen. Lt. Nikolai Uvarov of Russia, a former United Nations military attaché, who served as a Defense Ministry spokesman during the war, insisted that Georgia’s attack surprised Russia and that its leaders scrambled to respond while Russian peacekeeping forces were under fire. He said President Dmitri A. Medvedev had been on a cruise on the Volga River. Mr. Putin was at the Olympics in Beijing.

“The minister of defense, by the way, was on vacation in the Black Sea somewhere,” he said. “We never expected them to launch an attack.”

As for the claim that Russian forces entered the enclave early on Aug. 7, General Uvarov said military hardware regularly moved in and out of South Ossetia, supplying the Russian peacekeeping contingent there.

“Since we had here a battalion, they need fuel, they need products; naturally you have movement of troops,” he said. “But not combat troops specifically sent there to fight.” He added, “If it were a big reinforcement, then we wouldn’t have lost about 15 peacekeepers inside.”

Georgia disputed the Russian explanation, saying that under peacekeeping documents signed by both sides in 2004, rotations of the Russian peacekeeping battalion could be conducted only in daylight and after not less than a month of advance notification. There was no notification, Mr. Utiashvili said.

Why, he asked, was the duty officer at the Roki Tunnel apparently caught off guard, if this was, as the Russians said, a routine deployment of peacekeepers?

Georgian officials said they provided the materials last week to the United States and France, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, in addition to two reporters for The Times. The Times hired an independent Ossetian linguist in Russia to translate the recordings.
Vano Merabishvili, Georgia’s minister of interior, said he was told of the intercepts by Georgian intelligence within hours of their being recorded. The information, he said, was relayed to Mr. Saakashvili, who saw them as a sign of a Russian invasion.

Pressed as to why more than a month passed before the conversations came to light, Mr. Merabishvili said the file with the recordings was lost during the war when the surveillance team moved operations from Tbilisi, the capital, to the central city of Gori. Georgian intelligence officers later sifted through 6,000 files to retrieve copies, he said.

The Times provided a range of American government and military officials with copies of the independent translations for comment. They cautioned that while the conversations appeared to be from genuine cellphone intercepts, no complete or official assessment could be made without access to the entire file of cellphone audio gathered by the Georgians. They said the question of provocation and response in the conflict remained under scrutiny in Washington.

“We continue to look at that, both in terms of our intelligence assessment and then from what we get from on the ground,” said one senior American military officer who follows the situation in Georgia and agreed to discuss the matter on the condition of anonymity because it involved intelligence matters. “We have not been able to establish the ‘Who shot John?’ — the first shot.”
Talk of Armor in Tunnel

Georgia said its main evidence consisted of two conversations on Aug. 7 between Mr. Gassiev at the tunnel and his supervisor at the headquarters.

In the first conversation, logged at 3.41 a.m., Mr. Gassiev told the supervisor that a Russian colonel had asked Ossetian guards to inspect military vehicles that “crowded” the tunnel. Mr. Gassiev said: “The commander, a colonel, approached and said, ‘The guys with you should check the vehicles.’ Is that O.K.?”

Asked who the colonel was, Mr. Gassiev answered: “I don’t know. Their superior, the one in charge there. The B.M.P.’s and other vehicles were sent here and they’ve crowded there. The guys are also standing around. And he said that we should inspect the vehicles. I don’t know. And he went out.” A B.M.P. is a tracked armored vehicle that vaguely resembles a tank. It was one of the principal Russian military vehicles seen in the war, and in the peacekeeping contingent.

At 3:52 a.m., Mr. Gassiev informed the supervisor that armored vehicles had left the tunnel, commanded by a colonel he called Kazachenko. The colonel’s first name was not mentioned. According to unrelated Russian press reports after the war, Col. Andrei Kazachenko served in the 135th Motorized Rifle Regiment. The regiment provided peacekeepers in South Ossetia and fought in Tskhinvali during the war, General Uvarov said. The general said he had no information about Colonel Kazachenko.

Georgia’s claims about Russian movements appear to be at least partly supported by other information that emerged recently. Western intelligence determined independently that two battalions of the 135th Regiment moved through the tunnel to South Ossetia either on the night of Aug. 7 or the early morning of Aug. 8, according to a senior American official.

New Western intelligence also emerged last week showing that a motorized rifle element was assigned to a garrison just outside South Ossetia, on Russian territory, with the aim of securing the north end of the tunnel, and that it may have moved to secure the entire tunnel either on the night of Aug. 7 or early in the morning of Aug. 8, according to several American officials who were briefed on the findings.
On Sept. 3, Krasnaya Zvezda, the official newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry, published an article in which a captain in the 135th Regiment, Denis Sidristy, said his unit had been ordered to cease a training exercise and move to Tskhinvali on Aug. 7.

After a query by The Times about the article, the Russian newspaper published an article last Friday in which the captain said the correct date for the advance to Tskhinvali was Aug. 8. Efforts to reach Captain Sidristy were unsuccessful.

A U.S. Official’s Account

Matthew J. Bryza, the deputy assistant secretary of state who coordinates diplomacy in the Caucasus, said the contents of the recorded conversations were consistent with what Georgians appeared to believe on Aug. 7, in the final hours before the war, when a brief cease-fire collapsed.
“During the height of all of these developments, when I was on the phone with senior Georgian officials, they sure sounded completely convinced that Russian armored vehicles had entered the Roki Tunnel, and exited the Roki Tunnel, before and during the cease-fire,” he said. “I said, under instructions, that we urge you not to engage these Russians directly.”

By the night of Aug. 7, he said, he spoke with Eka Tkeshelashvili, Georgia’s foreign minister, shortly before President Saakashvili issued his order to attack. “She sounded completely convinced, on a human level, of the Russian presence,” Mr. Bryza said. “ ‘Under these circumstances,’ she said, ‘We have to defend our villages.’ ”

General Uvarov, the senior Russian official, contended that the Georgians had acted rashly and without a clear understanding of their own intelligence.

According to the cease-fire agreement signed in the 1990s after the first war between Georgia and South Ossetia, Russia was allowed to maintain a 500-member peacekeeping force in the region, he said. And 300 reserve peacekeepers can be deployed in emergency situations, he said.

As the Georgians began their attack, about 100 reserve peacekeepers from the 135th Regiment were put on alert and moved close to the tunnel, he said. They were ordered through the tunnel to reinforce forces in Tskhinvali around dawn on Aug. 8, he said.

The first Russian combat unit — the First Battalion of the 135th Regiment — did not pass through the Roki Tunnel until 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, more than 14 hours after the Georgians began shelling Tskhinvali, he said.

The battalion, he said, did not reach Tskhinvali until the next evening, having met heavy Georgian resistance. Georgia disputes that account, saying it was in heavy combat with Russian forces near the tunnel long before dawn. One thing was clear by then. The war had begun.

Dan Bilefsky and C. J. Chivers reported from Tbilisi, Georgia; Thom Shanker from Washington; and Michael Schwirtz from Moscow.

Annex: “know your enemy” leaflet distributed to soldiers participating in the exercises in the north Caucasus in July 2008

Statement by the Ministry of Defence of Georgia

2008-09-10T17:23:00.000+04:00

On September 6 the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung published an article by Nikolas Busse titled “Soviet war of movement in Georgia” (Sowjetischer Bewegungskrieg in Georgien).

The article claims that representatives of the Georgian General Staff have briefed NATO headquarters in Brussels about the war, and says: “The representatives of the Georgian Forces have reported to the allies that they were against a military attack on South Ossetia.” It adds: “diplomats at NATO say that the statements of the General Staff could be an attempt to wash itself clean and put the blame about the lost war to Saakashvili”.

The Ministry of Defence of Georgia hereby states that no representative of the Georgian General Staff have ever given NATO such a briefing. The General Staff of Georgia is under the civilian control of the democratically elected Government of Georgia, an arrangement whose effectiveness has been praised by numerous NATO assessment teams commenting on the success of the democratic reforms of Georgia’s military forces.

The position of the Georgian Government on the events leading to the War and explanations why and when decisions by the Government were taken can be found in the Government document Timeline of Russian Aggression in Georgia. This document has been distributed to all NATO capitals and to NATO headquarters days before the FAZ article was published. It is self-evident that this is also the position of the Georgian Ministry of Defence and its General Staff.
We are not aware of any briefings given by anyone formally connected with the Armed Forces of Georgia. Therefore, we hereby request that the NATO press office publicly respond to the false claims disseminated by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Russia continues to violate ceasefire agreement resulting in death

2008-09-10T15:25:00.000+04:00

At 10:15am this morning, shots were fired from a nearby Russian post at a Georgian police post near the entrance to the village of Karaleti in the Gori district. As a result, a Georgian policeman, Kakha Tsotniashvili, was badly wounded in the head and throat. He died shortly afterwards in hospital. The Georgian side did not return fire.

This incident provides yet another proof that the Russian side continues to grossly violate the six-point ceasefire document. The Russian Federation’s armed forces not only do not comply with the political commitments undertaken by their President before the European Union and Georgia but go as far as to completely disregard them thus causing the death of innocent people.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls on the international community, European Union and OSCE in particular, to give due assessment to the killing of the Georgian policeman and employ all levers at their disposal to investigate this crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

Shots fired from Russian checkpoint

2008-09-10T12:38:00.001+04:00

STATEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

TODAY AT 10.15, SHOTS WERE FIRED FROM THE RUSSIAN CHECKPOINT KARALETI IN THE DIRECTION OF A GEORGIAN POLICE POST SITUATED NEARBY. ONE GEO.POLICEMAN KAKHA TSOTNIASHVILI WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED AND DIED IN HOSPITAL. GEO.POLICE DID NOT FIRE BACK.

10 SEPTEMBER 2008

Meeting with Lubomir Zaoralek

2008-09-08T17:58:00.000+04:00

On 8 September 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze met with Vice-Chairman of Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament Lubomir Zaoralek and his Adviser in issues of Foreign Relations Peter Feleg.

The meeting was attended by Director of the Department of European Affairs Kakha Sikharulidze and III Secretary of the Department Maka Khvadagiani.

During the meeting the sides discussed the issues of current situation in Georgia, Russian aggression towards Georgia and ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population by the Russian side on the occupied Georgian territories. The sides also paid attention to the necessity of EU’s more strong involvement.

Two Jets Enter Georgian Airspace, Poti Checkpoints Reinforced

2008-09-08T12:14:00.001+04:00

Tbilisi, 7 September 2008 - from about 11:20 AM this morning, two jets illegally entered Gorgian airspace from the Russian Federation and proceeded to circle over Tskhinvali and Shatili for a period of about 45 minutes, presumably on a reconnaissance mission. The precise aircraft type could not be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Russian occupation force are reinforcing, rather than vacating, its checkpoints near the strategic commercial port of Poti, which was visited by the USS Mount Whitney, the command ship of the US Navy's 6th Fleet, yesterday. The Nabada checkpoint was today expanded by 5 armoured presonnel carriers (APC) and about 50 troops. The Patara Poti checkpoint was reinforced by one APC, another vehicle and about 10 troops.

These troop movements come a day before Presidents Sarkozy and Barroso and High Representative Javier Solana are scheduled to visit Moscow and Tbilisi to ascertain the implementation of the 6-point ceasefire agreement. According to that agreement, Russian forces ought to have left Georgian core terrority weeks ago already. The repeated violation of Georgian airspace and the expansion of Russia's checkpoint system far from the conflict zone suggests that the Russian Federation has no intention to honour its commitments.

Ethnic Cleansing Case Against Russia to Open on Monday, September 8, at the International Court of Justice

2008-09-08T12:11:00.001+04:00

Hearing to focus on Georgia’s request for provisional measures by the Court to prevent further cases of ethnic cleansing following the Russian invasion of Georgia

The International Court of Justice will hear arguments on Monday, September 8, in the case Georgia has brought against the Russian Federation for ethnic cleansing and for its support of separatism on Georgian territory. The charges relate to instances of ethnic cleansing beginning in the early 1990s and through recent days.

Since ethnic cleansing by Russia and its proxy forces appears to be continuing, the Government of Georgia has asked the ICJ to consider, in parallel to its original application, an emergency Provisional Measure Request. If endorsed by the Court, the emergency measures could help forestall further violence against ethnic Georgians.

Georgia’s application to the ICJ, filed on August 12, 2008, was initiated under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to which both Georgia and Russia are party. The Ministry of Justice of Georgia began preparing the case against Russia earlier this year; but the recent Russian invasion of Georgia, which triggered a new wave of ethnic cleansing, forced Georgia to speed up its submission to the Court.

During the hearings—which begin tomorrow, September 8—the Court will examine the Provisional Measure Request and will not rule on the merits of the case.

The Government of Georgia will present its arguments on Monday from 10:00-13:00 CET. The respondent state, the Russian Federation, will have the opportunity to submit its arguments on the same day, from 15:00-18:00 CET. Georgia will be given time for a rebuttal on Tuesday, September 9; Russia can follow with a sur-rebuttal on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 10. The Court will have time for its decision.

Statement concerning Der Spiegel article

2008-09-08T12:09:00.000+04:00

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia finds it necessary to make its comment regarding an article published in the last week’s issue of German magazine ‘Der Spiegel’ claiming that the OSCE Mission in Georgia released a report on the acts of aggression committed by the Georgian side in the Tskhinvali region and this report was not submitted to all member states of OSCE. Immediately after the publication of this article respective OSCE agencies stated unequivocally that all kinds of reports prepared regularly by the OSCE Mission in Georgia are sent immediately and without exception to all members states of OSCE and none of the Mission’s reports contains information similar to that indicated by ‘Der Spiegel’.

The Georgian side was convinced that the misunderstanding was only a matter of the use of unverified information by the media agency and the issue would be closed shortly after OSCE’s respective clarifications.

It is regrettable, however, that a week after resolving this misunderstanding, the Russian side artificially brought forward the issue again and started to speak about certain ‘investigations’.

It points to a worrisome fact that the Russian side in order to justify its large-scale aggression against Georgia, occupation of Georgian territories and ethnic cleansing of ethnic Georgians, tries to shift the blame for the crimes committed by Russian troops in the Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia as well as on other parts of the Georgian Territory to Georgia by any means, including by invoking non-existing ‘reports’ of the OSCE Mission in Georgia and manipulating over this issue.

It needs to be emphasized that at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council held on 4 September the OSCE Chairmanship made it clear once again that the information published by ‘Der Spiegel’ does not correspond to the reality.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia strictly condemns the Russian Federation’s yet another attempt to involve the international community in its manipulations and calls on the Russian side to refrain from the use of similar cheap maneuvers in the future.

Tbilisi, 5 September 2008

Violations of the Six-Point Cease Fire Agreement by the Russian Federation

2008-09-08T12:05:00.001+04:00

On August 15, 2008 President of Georgia signed the six-point cease-fire agreement mediated by President N. Sarkozy. A day later, the same document was signed by President Medvedev. President Sarkozy later issued a Communiqué in which he made public common vision of various provisions of the agreement, which he had previously shared with the signatory parties to achieve shared understanding of the document.

Despite numerous calls from international community, the ceasefire agreement has not yet been implemented by the Russian Federation, while Georgia continues to implement it in good faith, disregarding the provocations from the Russian Federation.

Provision of humanitarian assistance (Point 3)

Cease-fire agreement envisages that the parties should give free access to the humanitarian assistance towards those in need. Despite this, the Russian Federation’s armed forces have consistently blocked access of the humanitarian aid to the Tskhinvali region and villages around it. Several international organizations have complained about this.

Moreover, unarmed OSCE MMOs who are supposed to monitor the situation on the ground and report on a number of issues, including humanitarian needs, are not allowed into the Georgian villages south to the zone of conflict.

Withdrawal of the Russian military forces to the places of their permanent deployment (point 5)

Withdrawal of the Russian military forces to the positions prior to the outbreak of hostilities implies that they have to go back to the positions they held prior to August 6. This is the position reiterated by the European Union, United States and other members of international community, including Georgia. Unfortunately, Russian Federation has not yet fulfilled this provision. Reportedly, more than 10.000 troops are located in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region even today. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities the Russian Federation was supposed not to have any troops in either the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, or Abkhazia. In South Ossetia only a peacekeeping battalion of 500 (plus 300 reserves) was to be deployed, whereas in Abkhazia only up to 2.500-3.000 CIS peacekeepers were to be located. Currently the number of the Russian Federation’s military forces on the Georgian territory significantly exceeds margins allowed under the cease fire agreement.

To fully implement the provision in question, the Russian Federation has to withdraw its entire military (non-peacekeeping) contingent from the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and to immediately withdraw all forces from other parts of Georgia. Setting up military basis in these regions as intended by the Russian Federation also runs contrary to the provisions of the cease fire agreement.

Right of the Russian peacekeepers to implement additional security measures (Point 5)

Nature of the additional security measures:

The Russian Federation keeps claiming that, according to the six-point ceasefire agreement, it may establish permanent checkpoints, make dig-outs and conduct various activities as the ceasefire agreement envisages the implementation of additional security measures. Nevertheless the Communiqué issued and made public by the President of France states that the additional security measures "will take the form of patrols”, not any kind of permanent checkpoints. This is the common interpretation of the nature of additional security measures by the EU, US and Georgia.

However, the Russian Federation has already established 23 permanent checkpoints in various parts of Georgia, which is a clear and grave violation of the cease-fire agreement.

Geographic scope of the additional security measures:

In compliance with common understanding of territorial limits for the additional security measures to be implemented, their geographic scope is limited by the "area not further than a few kilometers, around Tskhinvali within the zone of conflict”. While the documents which have regulated the conflict are now defunct, the zone of conflict, however, was considered to be a 15-kilometer area around the center of Tskhinvali (Protocol of a JCC meeting of 12 July 1992). Therefore, any additional security measure that the Russian Federation may implement under the cease-fire agreement has to be limited to the zone under review. [1] In this regard it is absolutely unacceptable and unjustifiable to have Russian military forces stationed in Western Georgia, including such places as Poti and Senaki. Their presence in these areas is completely illegal and can not be explained. Same applies to Akhalgori region, which has always been administered by the central authorities of Georgia. Currently Akhalgori region is occupied by Russian military forces and Georgians are being expelled en masse. According to the ceasefire agreement Russian military troops also have to be withdrawn from Akhalgori region, as they have not been stationed there before and no additional security measures can be applied to this region.

Communiqué of the President of France states that the additional security measures can in no way”limit or jeopardize freedom of movement and traffic along the length of the major highways and railways of Georgia”. Russian soldiers are currently stationed in Western Georgia (Poti and Senaki) along the major highway, whereas in Eastern Georgia they are limiting freedom of movement towards Satchkhere, villages that are located north of Gori and Akhalgori. Russian soldiers frequently stop and search the cars.

Therefore, as there is no legal or political justification of the Russian presence outside of the zone of conflict, they have to withdraw from the occupied territories as soon as possible.

Until then core principle of the cease-fire agreement is being violated.

International mechanism, which substitutes additional security measures undertaken by the Russian peacekeepers (Point 5)

According to the ceasefire agreement "while awaiting an international mechanism, Russian peacekeeping forces will implement additional security measures”. It is a common understanding reflected in the above Communiqué that these measures "will have a provisional character while awaiting the establishment as quickly as possible of the "international mechanism” whose nature and mandate are still the subject of discussion by different international entities, in particular the OSCE, the European Union, and the United Nations”.

This means that as soon as the decision to deploy OSCE monitors, or to deploy the EU monitors in and around the zone of conflict is finalized, Russian peacekeepers will have to immediately cease implementing additional security measures in the conflict zone in South Ossetia. Currently, 20 OSCE MMOs are already in Georgia and have started to work, while EU is contemplating to send monitors. This means that the first step towards the creation of international mechanism has been taken. Negotiations on the mandate of additional 80 MMOs are still pending in the OSCE, whereas EU is still elaborating details of the deployment of 200 observers. As soon as either of the decisions is finalized, Russian forces will lose the right to implement "additional security measures”.

Opening of international discussions on security and stability modalities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Point 6)

According to the cease-fire agreement, the signatories agreed that international discussion was to be launched on the modalities of security and stability in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The President of the Russian Federation preempted all future discussions regarding the stability and security in Abkhazia and South Ossetia by unilaterally recognizing their independence. By doing so, Russian Federation acted contrary to the spirit and letter of the agreement.

[1] Russian Federation claims that its troops are located currently in the security zone (also referring to it as a buffer zone) around South Ossetia. There is not a single document which establishes the security zone, or a buffer zone around South Ossetia, therefore locating Russian troops in a self-proclaimed security zone is unacceptable and constitutes the occupation of Georgian territory. At various times Russian Federation justified its presence on the territory of Georgia by referring to the former so-called area of responsibility of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces as established by the 1999 JCC Protocol. This claim is irrelevant. Albeit in 1999 the lines of the area of responsibility were approved by the JCC, mandate of the peacekeeping force itself was not enhanced to operate in this area. Mandate of the JPKF was limited to the zone of conflict, whereas all the decisions to act within this zone were to be taken by the joint decision of the heads of the peacekeeping battalions from Georgian, (North-) Ossetian and Russian sides. Therefore, Russian claim to use 1999 JCC protocol to justify its presence on the territories well beyond the conflict zone is deprived of any legal ground and irrelevant.

Meeting with U.S. Ambassador John Teft

2008-09-08T12:04:00.000+04:00

On 5 September 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Georgia John Teft.

Discussions focused on the results of US Vice President Dick Cheney’s visit to Georgia and the issues of bilateral relations.

Meeting with Peter Semneby

2008-09-08T12:03:00.000+04:00

On 5 September 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili met with EU Special representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby.

The sides discussed the situation resulting from Russia’s aggression and occupation of part of the Georgian territory. In this context discussions focused on the format and possible directions of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) Observer Mission.

Talking points included, inter alia, a broad spectrum of topical issues, icluding relations between Georgia and the European Union.

Meeting with Slovenian Ambassador

2008-09-08T12:02:00.000+04:00

On 5 September 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mr. Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia Mr. Primož Šeligo (with residence in Kiev) due to come through with his mission in Georgia in the upcoming days.

During the meeting the sides discussed the issues of current situation in Georgia, Russian aggression towards Georgia and ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population by the Russian side on the occupied Georgian territories. The sides also paid attention to the necessity of EU’s more strong involvement.

On a final note, Mr. Deputy Minister gave a high appraisal to the Ambassador’s activity in Georgia and thanked him for his significant contribution to advancing the existing relations between the two countries.

Meeting with Per Eklund

2008-09-08T12:01:00.002+04:00

On 4 September 2008, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eka Tkeshelashvili and Secretary of the National Security Council Aleksandre Lomaia held a meeting with Special Representative of the European Commission in Georgia Per Eklund and a representative of the EU Assessment Mission to Georgia Kim Friedberga.

The sides discussed the situation in Georgia’s conflict regions. They also focused on a future mandate of the EU Observer Mission in Georgia and principles of cooperation with the Georgian side.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to continue actively their consultations and cooperation in this direction.

Grigol Vashadze meets with experts of the EU Council

2008-09-08T12:01:00.001+04:00

On 4 September 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze met with experts of the EU Council and political advisers to the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus, on their request.

The aim of the meeting was to continue a regular dialogue between the European Union and Georgia on the situation resulting from Russia’s aggression and invasion of the Georgian territory. The sides also focused on the decisions adopted by the Extraordinary European Council Meeting held in Brussels on 1 September 2008 and EU-initiated concrete measures aimed at their implementation.

European experts noted that the extension of the office of the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus has already been launched in compliance with the Council decisions. Up to 20 European experts (so-called crisis response team) are already on the ground engaged in choosing locations for EU groups of monitors throughout the entire territory of Georgia and preparing them for the European Union’s ESDP Mission.

The Georgian side once again noted with satisfaction that the European Council’s decisions register clearly the European Union’s joint, firm and unequivocal position on the recognition of the principle of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as a basis for resolving the crisis between Russia and Georgia; strict demand to Russia to ensure immediate implementation of the 6-point ceasefire agreement and withdrawal of all troops from the territory of Georgia; the strengthening of the European Union’s role in addressing the crisis and securing a lasting solution to the conflicts, as well as in promoting Georgia’s integration with the European Union.

On the European side’s request, the Deputy Foreign Minister acquainted the European experts with the actual state of affairs in Georgia as well as on its occupied territories and provided them with full information on all illegal control checkpoints set up by Russia in Georgia.

Info regarding simplification of visa regime with the Russian Federation

2008-09-08T12:00:00.001+04:00

On 3 September 2008 the President of Georgia issued Decree N 426 on the simplification of visa regime with the Russian Federation.

In connection with the lifting of martial law on the territory of Georgia and the Russian Federation’s suspension of consular relations with Georgia, the Georgian Border Police – a state agency under the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has been entrusted to restore the issuance of visas (with a validity of up to three months) to citizens of the Russian Federation at all border checkpoints for international traffic.

To obtain a Georgian visa, a citizen is required to submit a valid foreign passport and fill in a visa application form. Visa fee is 60 GEL.

The Presidential Decree will enter into force upon publication.

Comments on Ceasefire Agreement implementation

2008-09-08T11:59:00.001+04:00

Question: How would you assess the comment of the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached through the mediation efforts of the President of France?

Answer: First of all, it needs to be emphasized that contrary to the Russian side’s claim there is no document titled ‘Medvedev-Sarkoz’ plan or initiative. There applies a six-point ceasefire agreement, which French President Sarkozy offered to Russia and Georgia and which was signed by the President of Georgia on 15 August 2008 and by the President of Russia on 16 August.

Given the Russian Federation’s large-scale military aggression against Georgia, occupation of an important part of its sovereign territory and mass ethnic cleansing conducted there, Russia’s attempts to mislead the international community and its own population and justify illegal acts committed in Georgia come as no surprise to anyone.

The Russian Foreign Ministry claims that the Ceasefire Agreement’s first paragraph on the non-use of force concerns ‘first of all the Georgian Authorities’. This claim, however, is only a product of the Russian side’s wrong interpretation. Neither the Ceasefire Agreement nor President Sarkozy’s explanations give any such definition. Provision on the non-use of force applies to and is equally binding on both, rather than either, of the parties to the conflict – Russia and Georgia. We’d like to remind the Russian side that it was the Russian Federation that continued to violate ceasefire within a number of days from the signing of the ceasefire agreement. Georgia, in the meantime, unilaterally announced ceasefire on 10 August and transmitted a respective official note to the Russian Federation. We remain committed to our obligations.

Another principle regarding abstinence from military actions was also subject to violation for several days by the Russian Federation, despite President Medvedev’s statement of 12 August on termination of military actions. Russian troops remain stationed on the occupied territories of Georgia – not only in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region but also outside the conflict zones. Moreover, Russia is planning to deploy military bases in the Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia. Against such background, the Russian side’s demagoguery ‘accusations’ concerning the threat of Georgia’s militarization served the only purpose of showing to the international community how much ‘consistently’ Russia is complying with its treaty commitments.

The Russian Federation is also in systematic violation of the third paragraph of the Ceasefire Agreement envisaging unhindered access of humanitarian cargoes to the Tskhinvali region. The international organizations concerned have confirmed repeatedly that Russian troops are barring them from entering the Tskhinvali region and distributing humanitarian aid there. It should also be noted that as a result of Russia-masterminded ethnic cleansing in the Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia, which is still underway, tens of thousands of Georgian citizens were forced to leave their places of residence under direct threat from the part of Russian servicemen and illegal armed gangs. The international non-governmental organization HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH has confirmed repeatedly in its reports that Russian servicemen deny Georgians access to their homes.

Also groundless is the Russian Federation’s accusations against the Georgian Authorities concerning violation of the fourth principle. Georgian troops returned to the places of their permanent deployment before the French President-initiated ceasefire agreement was signed. And this return took place despite the fact that Russian troops robbed and inflicted heavy damage on the military bases in Gori and Senaki. Not a single military unit of the Georgian armed forces is presently stationed outside the place of its permanent deployment. The Russian side stubbornly keeps turning the blind eye to that. There is however one point on which we would agree with the Russian side – it concerns activation of the role of an international observer mission in Georgia. To put an end to the Russian side’s speculations is only possible through an effective international monitoring.

The Russian side’s statements with respect to the fifth principle contain mutually exclusive claims. On the one hand, the Russian side claims that it has concluded withdrawal of its troops from the territory of Georgia to the positions that existed prior to the war. However, it becomes known that a certain contingent of Russian troops still remain in the Tskhinvali region allegedly on request of the so-called ‘South Ossetian leadership’. It is a widely known fact that not a single paragraph of the Ceasefire Agreement envisages leaving any division of Russian troops on the territory of Georgia, except for a contingent designed for ‘temporary security measures’. It is interesting to note that over 17 000 Russian servicemen are currently stationed in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, based on the reliable information available to the Georgian side.

According to the Ceasefire Agreement, ‘temporary measures of security’ envisage patrolling in a radius of a few kilometers around Tskhinvali without the right to set up permanent checkpoints. The actual state of affairs, however, is that there are 23 illegal checkpoints functioning outside Abkhazia and South Ossetia staffed by 1000 Russian servicemen.

It also proceeds from the Russian side’s statements that they have defined a so-called ‘security zone around South Ossetia’ that has never been agreed between the sides. Nor the Ceasefire Agreement envisages creation of any such zone.

Totally unacceptable are the Russian side’s speculations with respect to the sixth point of the Ceasefire Agreement. By unleashing a large-scale military aggression against Georgia and occupation of its territories, the Russian side has itself disrupted all the agreements that used to regulate peacekeeping processes in both Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region prior to the breakout of the war. Georgia was forced to assert this new reality and repeal these agreements formally.

After conclusion of ‘temporary measures of security’ envisaged by the Ceasefire Agreement, there can be no talk about continuation of any form of Russian armed presence on the territory of Georgia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls on the Russian side to comply in good faith with the commitments undertaken before the international community, abstain from the use of hostile and inflammatory rhetoric and resort to the practice of resolving matters in a civilized way.

Through the use of the illegal Abkhaz and Tskhinvali regimes, employment of ethnic cleansing and misinformation as an instrument of foreign policy and the rhetoric aimed at misleading the international community, the Russian side is trying absolutely illegally to maintain its military presence on the territory of Georgia, continue invading a large part of the sovereign territory, legalize the consequences of the ethnic cleansing and thus inflict maximum damage on the development of the Georgian State.

Franco Frattini visits Georgia

2008-09-08T11:56:00.001+04:00

On 3 September 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy Franco Frattini paid a visit to Georgia.

The Italian Foreign Minister met with his Georgian counterpart, Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili, Prime Minister Vladimer Gurgenidze, Minister of Refugees and Accommodation Tamar Martiashvili and President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili.

Mr. Frattini reaffirmed Italy’s support for the territorial integrity of Georgia and emphasized that Italy was one of the first countries to render Georgia humanitarian assistance and remains committed to further assist Georgia in case of necessity.

The Italian Foreign Minister focused on the decisions adopted by the leaders of the EU member states in Brussels and confirmed that 27 countries of Europe were unanimous in recognizing the principle of Georgia’s territorial integrity and the necessity for Russia to comply with the six-point ceasefire agreement.

Following the meeting, Mrs. Tkeshelashvili and Mr. Frattini held a joint press conference.

Transcript of the joint briefing of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the Republic of Italy:

Mrs. Eka Tkeshelashvili:

Thank you for your attendance. I had a very interesting meeting with Mr. Frattini and it is very important that this meeting was held shortly after the EU Council adopted its decision. We had a good opportunity to discuss in detail the essence and contents of this decision and share our views on a number of issues.

Of great importance in this context was to outline one fundamental point on which our positions fully coincide - it is our firm expectation from the Russian side to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement. it is an imperative, which both the European Union and Italy have made clear in the aforesaid decision and this message to the Russian Federation is unequivocal, absolutely distinct and reinforced with certain timeline.

On 8 September the European Union will make at the highest level its first assessment of the extent to which Russia complies with the ceasefire agreement that will allow the European Union to determine its further steps with respect to the Russian Federation.

The decision adopted in Brussels was of paramount importance in many respects. First of all, the European Union’s motivation and involvement in the process of Georgia’s reconstruction and economic development was demonstrated very clearly. But even more important was the European Union’s unequivocal support for the Georgian Authorities. Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will be always supported and reinforced by the European Union. Moreover, the European Union sent a clear signal to all other states to adhere to the same principle. The decision adopted in Brussels marks the start of a new process, which is just beginning to come into existence. Such are the general expectations of the European Union and Italy is one of the founders of EU values. Our great thanks for the Italian Government for this support and now let me give the floor to my colleague.

Mr. Franco Frattini:

Thank you very much. It was a great pleasure to be here to have this very fruitful dialogue with my dear college. I wanted to be here after the very important EU Council meeting. I want to stress the importance of walking together towards keeping balance and reaffirming commitment towards helping Georgia and people that are in need here and Italy played its part in this process.

Also, we want to reaffirm the principle of Georgia’s territorial integrity and our good will to cooperate in order to get Georgia closer to European Union. This was very important decision that was taken by European Union unanimously and I would say Italy has playing a positive role.

What is very important is to send a strong message to the Russian Federation. Europe is united; Europe does want six points agreement to be fully implemented. So we want this to be a success before the visit of President Sarcozy on 8 September to Moscow. And I am here to reaffirm Italian commitment to cooperate towards the full implementation of the six-point agreement and implementation of the decision taken by the EU council. Italy is ready to play its part, first to contribute to improving capacity of getting Georgia closer to EU in many areas – visa regime, walking towards a free trade area between EU and Georgia, capacity to attract investments, capacity to reconstruct all areas that are damaged by this August crisis that led to losses of human lives.

Italy is ready to participate in launching a European Monitoring Mission in Georgia. We will ensure that the monitoring mission has an access to all the territory of Georgia, including South Ossetia. We need to remove all checkpoints that contradict the six-point agreement which talks about the patrolling by Russian troops and not establishing permanent checkpoints.

There is also another point of political cooperation between Georgia and EU. We want to offer opportunities not only for economic reconstruction, but to have a political dialogue between EU member states and Georgia. Italy intends to contribute to such discussions with thoughts in perspective of providing the European Commission with further elements to prepare a comprehensive proposal to be put on the table on the sidelines of the European Council by March.

But now we need urgent action and the urgent action is first of to guarantee as soon as possible in few days’ time before the visit of President Sarkozy the full implementation of the six-point agreement including the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Georgia. You know we have decided to postpone technical negotiations with the Russian Federation until the withdrawal process is completed. We know the Russian Federation has announced this afternoon to have withdrawn troops from Poti area, we will check it.

On a bilateral point of view, I reaffirmed to my colleague the practical and political commitment of the Italian Government to cooperate in terms of humanitarian aid. Italy was the first country to be here on the 17th of August to send humanitarian aid for people who were in need of help. But what is more necessary is to guarantee a political support and we are ready to do exactly so, thank you.

Statement regarding the Extraordinary European Council Meeting

2008-09-03T18:05:00.000+04:00

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia commends the conclusions adopted by the extraordinary meeting of the leaders of the EU member states unanimously condemning the Russian Federation’s decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It is underlined in the statement that a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict must be based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

In compliance with the Georgian Parliament’s Resolution of 28 August 2008 the Georgian side remains committed to the ceasefire agreement achieved on 12 August 2008 on the basis of the European Union’s mediation efforts and welcomes the European Council’s decision on the necessity of full and immediate implementation of the aforesaid agreement.

The Georgian side welcomes the European Council’s decision to participate actively in developing an international monitoring mechanism in the conflict regions so as to replace additional Russian military troops deployed on the territory of Georgia outside the conflict zone, as provided for in point 5 of the ceasefire agreement.

The Georgian side attaches a paramount importance to the European Council’s decision to further strengthen the European Union’s role in securing a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Georgia.

The Georgian side expresses its gratitude to the European Union for its assistance already rendered or planned towards economic rehabilitation of Georgia, including the regions affected by hostilities, and commends the European Union’s readiness to further deepen cooperation with Georgia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia positively assesses the European Union’s decision to postpone meetings on the negotiation of the Partnership Agreement with Russia until Russian troops have withdrawn to the positions held prior to 7 August, as stipulated in the Ceasefire Agreement.

The Georgian side expresses its readiness to cooperate actively with EU member states as well as EU institutes to ensure full and timely implementation of the decisions of the Extraordinary European Council Meeting.

Georgia terminates Diplomatic Relations with the Russian Federation

2008-09-03T13:47:00.000+04:00

On 2 September 2008 Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Georgia A. Smaga was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

Director of the Department of Russia Ir. Toronjadze presented two Notes to the Russian Envoy.

One Note indicates that with respect to Russia’s hostile actions, in particular military aggression against Georgia, invasion of a part of the Georgian territory, ethnic cleansing conducted in Georgia’s internationally recognized parts – Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region and illegal recognition of their so-called independence, and on the basis of Resolution N243 of the Parliament of Georgia (28 August 2008), Georgia terminates the Protocol of 2 July 1992 on the ‘Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Georgia and the Russian Federation’.

The other Note of the Georgian Foreign Ministry notifies the Russian side that in compliance with paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (24 April 1963), the Georgian side maintains consular relations with the Russian Federation and the Consular Office (consul, two vice-consuls, technical personnel) continues its activity.

Reply to News-Georgia Agency concerning Mr. Nesterenko's statements

2008-09-03T13:45:00.001+04:00

Question: How would you comment on the statement by spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry A. Nesterenko that the Georgian Authorities are allegedly creating problems for Russian citizens intending to return to Russia?

Answer: Mr. Nesterenko’s statement is yet another piece of misinformation. The Georgian Authorities have caused no restriction or hindrance for Russian citizens in terms of movement throughout or departure from the territory of Georgia.
Besides, the Georgian Foreign Ministry posted on 11 August 2008 a press release indicating a contact person of the Ministry, whom Russian citizens can address in case they are faced with problems in returning to the country of their origin.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry has so far been contacted by five persons appealing for help in arranging their departure to Russia. All the five persons received due assistance.
Given below are details of the contact person - Director of the Department of Russia Irakli Toronjadze:

Telephone numbers
(cellular): 995 95 500 825
(office): 995 32 284 615

Deputy Minister and German Ambassador meet

2008-09-02T18:00:00.002+04:00

On the 2nd of September 2008 a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mr. Grigol Vashadze and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Georgia Mrs. Patricia Flor.

The sides discussed the current situation of Georgian-Russian military confrontation and the numerous facts of ethnic cleansing performed by the support of the Russian side against Georgian population.

The Georgian side reconfirmed that the integration to the European and Euro-Atlantic structures remains as the key priority of the Georgian foreign policy, despite the fact that this inspiration was one of the main reasons of Russian uncovered aggression against Georgia.

The results of the EU Summit held on the 1st of September in Brussels were also discussed during the meeting.

Deputy Minister and U.S. Ambassador meet

2008-09-02T17:59:00.002+04:00

On 2 September 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Georgia John Tefft.

The sides discussed the existing situation in Georgia, aggression and ethnic cleansing conducted by Russia and the results of the EU Extraordinary Summit held in Brussels on 1 September.

Statement of Mr. T. Iakobashvili, the State Minister for Reintegration

2008-09-02T17:58:00.002+04:00

The Parliament and Government of Georgia made most important decision with regard to the conflicts in the territory of my country, the military aggression of Russian Federation against Georgia, the attempt to depose democratically elected Government of my country, as well as partial occupation and ethnic cleansing in the occupied territories of Georgia.

Through its actions, the Russian Federation has destroyed all peace formats that were envisaged by documents passed at bilateral level and within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

In conformity with paragraph 1 of Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia ‘On Peace-Keeping Forces Deployed in the Territory of Georgia’ (N3483 of 18 July 2006), on 29 August 2008 the Government of Georgia passed Ordinance N552 aimed at commencing due procedures to promptly terminate so-called ‘peacekeeping operations’ carried out in Abkhazia and former South Ossetian autonomous province, and to immediately withdraw armed forces of the Russian Federation from the entire territory of Georgia.

Following the aforesaid decision and in accordance with paragraph 1 of the Decision by the CIS State Heads Council’s ‘On Presence of Joint Peacekeeping Forces in the Conflict Zone in Abkhazia, Georgia and Further Conflict Settlement Measures” of 7 August 2003, Georgia declared termination of the CIS peacekeeping operation in Abkhazia, Georgia (Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to the CIS Executive Council N7/244-10 of 01.09.2008).

Besides, in conformity with the decision under review, Georgia unilaterally declared termination of the Agreement ‘On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June, 1992 and demanded an immediate withdrawal of the peacekeepers (Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation N6/4141-10 of 01.09.2008).

These decisions of the Parliament and Government of Georgia are strongly motivated by the most recent events, namely, a full-scale military aggression and intervention carried out by the Russian Federation against Georgia and occupation of significant parts of the territory of my country and ethnic cleansing committed in the occupied territory of Georgia. First of all, this is about Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, but currently the Russian military forces are also occupying other areas of Georgia that are located beyond the conflict zones.

While the Georgian side remains committed to the 6-point ceasefire agreement brokered by President of France and signed by Presidents of Georgia and the Russian Federation, the Russian side continuously violates its contractual obligation under the agreement, in particular regarding to withdraw its military forces to the lines held prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Georgia. Distorting the essence of the above agreement and contradicting to explanations provided by the President of France, the Russian side keeps retaining illegal military presence both within the conflict zones and far beyond them.

Moreover, on 26 August 2008 President of Russia D. Medvedev, with the violation of the aforementioned agreement issued an order on the recognition of independence of the so-called "republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”. .

These actions of Russia are the result of the aggression policy against Georgia carried out by Russian Federation since 1992 through its client separatist regimes on the territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia.

By unilateral recognition of "independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, the Russian Federation violated fundamental principles and norms of international law, namely, the principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, non-interference in internal affairs of another state and respect for human rights and freedoms enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act (1975).

The actions of the Russian Federation also contradict the UN Security Council’s resolutions recognizing the territorial integrity of Georgia: 876 (1993), 881 (1993), 892 (1993), 896 (1994), 906 (1994), 937 (1994), 971 (1995), 993 (1995), 1036 (1996), 1065 (1996), 1096 (1997), 1124 (1997), 1150 (1998), 1187 (1998), 1225 (1999), 1255 (1999), 1287 (2000), 1311 (2000), 1339 (2001), 1364 (2001), 1393 (2002), 1427 (2002), 1462 (2003), 1494 (2003), 1524 (2004), 1554 (2004), 1582 (2005), 1615 (2005), 1666 (2006), 1752 (2007), 1781 (2007), 1808 (2008). Its important to note that until recently, allegedly formally the Russian Federation was among supporters of all these resolutions.

In attempt to justify its actions by deliberately misinterpreting the fundamental norms and principles of international law, the Russian Federation gravely violates the basics of the contemporary international system. It is an attempt to unilaterally alter the borders of a sovereign State with use of military force and reestablish its spheres of influence and dividing new lines in Europe. These actions of the Russian Federation are aimed at putting a stop to democratic development of the countries in the region and usher them in a soviet totalitarianism era.

The Russian Federation has used and is using ethnic cleansing of Georgian population as an instrument of its foreign policy. Having emptied the occupied territories of ethnic Georgians, the Russian Federation later claims that the remaining minority in these regions objects to living within the state of Georgia. It is remarkable that after the "recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia” by the Russian side, the ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population has become more intense not only in the conflict zones, but beyond them.

Through military aggression against and occupation of the part of sovereign territory of Georgia and by recognition of "independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, the Russian Federation has demonstrated to the international community that it is a party to the conflict and has no legal, political and moral grounds to pose as facilitator in the peace process aimed at peaceful solving of conflicts in Georgia.

It must be stressed that Georgia is not terminating the peace process as we understand the importance of its continuity. Our proposal is to replace negotiation and peacekeeping formats, which have been destroyed following the military aggression of Russia, with neutral international peacekeeping mechanisms.

The Government of Georgia remains strongly committed to the cease-fire agreement achieved with the mediation of President of the French Republic, as well as to the provisions of the respective letter of the President N. Sarkozy and the explanations enclosed.

Statement of the State Minister for Reintegration of Georgia

2008-09-02T17:58:00.001+04:00

In conformity with the Resolutions of the Parliament of Georgia "On Peace-Keeping Forces Deployed in the Territory of Georgia” of 18 July 2006, and "On the Occupation of the Territories of Georgia by the Russian Federation” of 28 August 2008; and according to paragraph 3(b) of the Ordinance N552 of the Government of Georgia of 29 August 2008, the State Minister for Reintegration of Georgia is authorized to declare that Georgia withdraws from the Joint Control Commission that was established in conformity with the Agreement "On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June 1992.

The above decisions have been made after the Russian Federation, by its belligerent actions against Georgia, have invalidated all the peacekeeping and conflict resolution formats that had been in place until now, established through bilateral agreements and within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Proceeding from the aforementioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has implemented due procedures in order to unilaterally terminate the Agreement "On Principles for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict” of 24 June 1992.

As a result, the Joint Control Commission for Settlement of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict ceased existence; all protocols and agreements that were adopted within the framework of the Joint Control Commission are null and void; the mandate of the Joint Peacekeeping Force is annulled which should be followed by the immediate termination of so-called "peacekeeping operation” in the former South Ossetian autonomous province and the immediate withdrawal of the Russian military units, which are deployed in the region, from the territory of Georgia.

At the same time, the Government of Georgia remains strongly committed to the cease-fire agreement mediated by the President of the French Republic, as well as to the provisions of the respective letter of President N. Sarkozy and the explanations enclosed.

Response to Human Rights Watch inquiry about use of M85 bomblets

2008-09-02T09:55:00.003+04:00

Georgian armed forces have GRADLAR160 multiple launch rocket system and rockets of MK4 LAR160 type (with M85¹ bomblets) with the range of 45 kms.

These rockets were never used against civilians, civilian targets and civilian populated or nearby areas during the conflict with Russia, in South Ossetian region or beyond. The Gradlar system was used against Russian military equipment and armament marching from Rocki tunnel to Dzara road.

There were no Gradlar systems or rockets deployed in Shindisi at any moment during the hostilities or afterward. Shindisi was one of the last positions that Georgian army was holding before the disengagement and complete withdrawal from the war theatre.

No GRADLAR launchers have been destroyed during the war by enemy forces.

Since the moment of withdrawal of Georgian troops from Shindisi, Georgian armed forces have not used artillery.

The discovery of M85 bomblets in Shindisi raises a lot of suspicion, especially if there are no signs of damage caused by these bomblets. This fact demands proper investigation and Georgian side is ready to participate in and provide all necessary assistance for the conduct of such investigation. If needed, for the investigation purposes, we can provide the name of the supplier company.

We would like to receive some more information from and examine the evidence in possession of HRW in this regard.

1 - M85 dual-purpose bomblet has unique self-destruction mechanism. This important safety feature is designed to ensure that no armed duds will be left on the battlefield to endanger advancing friendly troops or civilian population; safety mechanism makes it impossible manually to arm duds inadvertently, and a highly sensitive impact fuse functions at steep angles of impact and at lower impact velocities and do not pose a seriouse threat to civilians.

Breaches by Russia of the Ceasefire Agreement

2008-09-01T12:23:00.002+04:00

CHECKPOINTS

As of 18:00 - August 30, 2008

The Russian Army has illegally established 23 checkpoints deep within sovereign Georgian territory, contravening the six-point ceasefire agreement brokered by France.

Twelve of the checkpoints are located in central Georgia and eleven in western Georgia.

There are an estimated 970 Russian soldiers and 73 heavily armored vehicles stationed at these checkpoints. Armored patrols are dispatched regularly from the checkpoints into surrounding towns and villages. Additionally there are an estimated 10 000 Russian soldiers in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.

Estimated number of Russian personnel &equipment at all 23 illegal Russian checkpoints:

Russian servicemen: 970

Armored vehicles: 66

Infantry combat vehicles: 7

Grenade launchers: 2

Ural-type vehicles: 22

UAZ-type vehicle: 3

Gaz-66 vehicles: 2

Vilis-type car: 1

Military Army tents: 8

Cranes: 3

Military power shovel: 3

Vehicle with communication systems: 1

Vehicle with electricity generator: 1

Mobile medical unit: 1

Central Georgia

At 18:00 on 30 August, the Ministry of Interior confirmed 14 checkpoints in central Georgia (Shida Kartli and other areas adjacent to South Ossetia, as well as in parts of South Ossetia that were never part of the conflict). Their location is given on the map number 2. The checkpoints are in the following locations:

LIST OF CHECKPOINTS IN CENTRAL GEORGIA

Perevi (Sachkhere district)

Ghodora (Sachkhere district)

Ali (Khashuri district)

Ptsa (Kareli district)

Variani (Gori district)

Karaleti (Gori district)

Shavshvebi (Gori district)

Ergneti (Gori district)

Ikoti (Akhalgori district) 7 infantry combat vehicles, 1 armored vehicle, 6 Ural-type vehicles, 2 Gaz-66 vehicles, 1 military power shovel, 1 mobile medical unit, 2 grenade launchers, trenches, and 100 soldiers

Meghvrekisi and Brotsleti (Gori district) Large concentrations of about 150 vehicles, most of them armored, are stationed between the villages.

1 km north of Odzisi in the Akhalgori district (1 armored vehicle, 15 Russian servicemen)

Village of Mosabruni in the Akhalgori district (1 armored vehicle, 15 Russian servicemen)

Western Georgia

At 18:00 on 30 August, the Ministry of Interior confirmed at least 20 checkpoints in western Georgia (in the regions of Samegrelo, Svaneti, Upper Kodori, Gali, and Ochamchire). Their locations, listed below,areindicated on map number 3.

LIST OF CHECKPOINTS IN WESTERN GEORGIA

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region

Teklati (near Senaki) 5 armored vehicles, 1 crane, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 vehicle with communications systems, 1 UAZtype vehicle, 1 GAZ-type car, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 40 Russian servicemen

Pirveli Maisi (Khobi district), Near the former Georgian police checkpoint: 2 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 40 Russian servicemen

Between Shua Khorga and Chaladidi (Patara Poti, Khobi district) Near the turnoffto the Kulevi oil terminal: 4 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 large army tent, 30 Russian servicemen

Menji (Senaki district) In the Bakaraia neighborhood of the town, on the grounds of the Menji sanatorium, about 10 meters from the railroad: 3 armored vehicle, 4 Ural-type vehicle, 2 cranes, 1 military power shovel, 1 large army tent, 40 Russian servicemen

Kantisubani (Tsalenjikha district) On the Tsalenjikha-Chkhorotsku road: 3 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 30 Russian servicemen

Chale and Muzhava (Tsalenjikha district) At the entrances of the two villages: 3 armored vehicles, 1 Ural-type vehicle, 20 Russian servicemen

Chkhorotsku On an old airfield, near the Senaki-Chkhorotsku highway: 3 armored vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 vehicle with electricity generator, 2 large army tents, 40 Russian servicemen

Nabada (a suburb of Poti) 2 armored vehicles, 1 Ural-type vehicle, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 military power shovel, 1 large army tent, 30 Russian servicemen 3

Additional checkpoints

Khudoni

Anaklia

Mount Kvira

Map No. 1: This map gives an overview of the current checkpoint situation:

Map No2: Location of checkpoints in Central Georgia

Map No3: Location of checkpoints in Western Georgia

Environmental consequences of the conflict

2008-08-29T12:33:00.001+04:00

Military operations that took place in Georgia during the past two weeks directly and/or indirectly have affected the six countries of the Caucasus region as well as the courtiers of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins. The consequences of the armed conflict have to be evaluated after returning of Russian military troops to the positions as of August 6, 2008.

Assessment of the impact of the given armed conflict on the environment and consequently on the social and economic spheres goes far beyond simple calculation of hectares of burnt forests or the level of pollution of the Black Sea and transboundary rivers of the Caucasus.

Assessment of the impact of the conflict on the environment and perspectives of sustainable development can be grouped according to existing risk factors, expected/potential risk factors (since although so-called cease-fire agreement has been signed the military forces have not yet returned to the pre-conflict positions), and thematic risk factors:

Loss of biodiversity, habitats, landscapes and forests

Military operations in South Ossetia, Kodori, etc.;

Aviation raids into the Oni district, Kodori, South Ossetia, city of Poti located in immediate proximity to the Kolkheti National Park;

Use of heavy weaponry in South Ossetia, Kodori and on the 1/3 of the Georgian territory, including the Kolkheti National Park famous for its wetland ecosystems;

Bombing of the forest massifs of the Borjomi gorge including Pan-European Park of Borjomi-Kharagauli with flammable substances and destruction of 230 ha of unique centuries old forest cover and its ecosystem took place after cessation of military operations at a distance of 100 km from the conflict zone;

Bombing of the forest massifs of the Ateni gorge rich in cultural heritage with flammable substances. The state of the cultural heritage of Georgia is not yet known.

Threat to agriculture includes:

Interruption of the cycle of agricultural activities and burn out of agricultural lands. According to preliminary information, as a result of military operations the number of IDPs reached about 200,000, the majority of which were residents of rural areas of South Ossetia and Shida Kartli. Thus, the cycle of agricultural activities has been violently interrupted on about 40% of the territory of Georgia. The period needed for restoration of the given cycle is not clear yet, since mane villages are burnt out. Therefore, in the long run this risk factor will affect the state of cultivated cultural landscapes and their productivity;

Pollution of soil and irrigation water resources with fuels, military waste generated as a result of military operations, massive destruction of military ammunition will also affect agriculture.

Damage of infrastructure includes:

Damage and destruction of water supply systems as a result of aviation attacks, military operations, etc. in South Ossetia, Shida Kartli, Kodori, city of Poti, etc. unavoidable will cause pollution of drinking water which consequently will affect agriculture and human health;

Damage and/or deliberate destruction of railroads, bridges on main motor roads of the Caucasus, pipelines, road infrastructure, ports (Poti), aerodromes, factories (for example: concrete factory in Kaspi), etc. Along with the blow on the economy of the whole Caucasus region, such actions cause pollution of rivers the majority of which belong to transboundary watersheds, as well as pollution of marine environment, soils and underground waters, complicate distribution of humanitarian aid to affected people thus aggravating the humanitarian catastrophe. Since operation of main oil and gas pipelines was suspended major regional environmental disasters as a result of aviation attacks has been avoided.

Pollution of marine environment:

Explosion of vessels within the area of water of city of Poti will cause pollution of marine environment of the Black Sea as a result of oil spills and disposal of military waste in the water area of the city.

Pollution of soil and destruction of topsoil:

About 40% of the territory of Georgia is under this risk factor as a result of improper disposal of military waste, destruction (explosion) of military ammunition, use of heavy weaponry, military operations, etc.

Threat to human health and outbreak of epidemics:

In the context of the environment the human health can be affected by any of the listed risk factors, however the damage of water supply and sewerage systems, i.e. deterioration of sanitary conditions can be classified as the main risk factor.

Use of land mines:

Considering the level of preparation of the sides of armed conflict and the previous experience of withdrawal of Russian military troops from Georgia it can be hardly predicted which territory and what facilities will be mined. Therefore the damage caused by such actions to infrastructure, human health and the environment can not be determined in advance.

Humanitarian catastrophe:

Humanitarian catastrophe taking place within and outside the conflict area is a result of the aggregate of all the above listed. Humanitarian catastrophe aggravates each of risk factors and can not be resolved only through satisfaction of basic needs of thousands of IDPs in food, shelter and clothes;

Deterioration of the order of regional concepts of spatial development as a basis for economic and social development and human well-being in the region.

Assessment of the environmental damage and impact on perspectives of sustainable development shall be and may be done only after returning of military forces to pre-conflict positions. As for long-term impacts of the mentioned risk factors, they can be assessed only in a perspective. All risk factors are interlinked between each other and a factor having the strongest impact on others can be hardly identified – these are usual consequences of military operations.

Environment Devastated by Russian Military Attacks

2008-08-29T10:28:00.001+04:00

In addition to killing civilians, attacking and destroying both military and civilian infrastructures, the Russian military caused an ecological disaster in Georgia. According to the official as well as various international information sources and eyewitness reports, the Russian military attacks caused substantial negative impact on natural ecosystems of Georgia.

Although being far from conflict zones, three Protected Areas of Georgia are affected by military operations. These protected areas are: mountain forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (IUCN category 2) Terrestrial and marine parts of Kolkheti National Park (IUCN category 2) and riparian forests of Liakhvi Nature Reserve (IUCN category 1). Particularly high level damage is observed in the forests of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and adjacent areas.

Forest fires:

Russia military bombing of Borjomi Forests and Borjomi-Kharagauli National park

On August 15, at approximately 15:30 local time, Russian military helicopters started bombing the bordering territories of the City of Borjomi and settlement of Tsemi using incendiary munitions - weapon prohibited by the international convention. The broad areas of precious forest have been set on fire and fifteen seats of fire have been broken out in southern part Georgia.

The Borjomi forests are located in a mountainous central part of Georgia that are internationally recognized as having great significance to the global biodiversity. The area has one of the most popular spa and ski resorts and is famous for its mineral waters. But most importantly, the site is located at least 100 km away from the South Ossetia conflict zone.

On August 18, the BTC pipeline patrol again detected breaking out fire soon after the Russian helicopters flew over the Borjomi Gorge. The fire became stronger and spread as the Russian military forces occupied large part of the country, including major highways and hindered transportation of Georgian fire brigades. In response to the Georgian Government's appeal for assistance to neighboring countries, Turkey and Ukraine expressed their readiness to provide help, however as of August 19, have not been given safe, timely and adequate corridor by the Russian military forces.

The Borjomi-Kharagauli National park is the first national park in the Caucasus established according to IUCN criteria by WWF. In the core zone of the national park, the protection regime exists more than hundred years. The park includes pristine forests, sub-alpine meadows and represents habitat for many endemic, rare and relict species; it is the largest area of endemic oriental spruce.

Due to the forest fires, biodiversity of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park has been seriously damaged and adjacent settlements and tourist resorts, as well as to the BTC oil pipeline and the South Caucasus gas pipeline are put at danger.

At present, according to preliminary estimations, around 350 ha of precious forest are burnt down in the Borjomi Gorge. The fire is still continuing.

Setting the fire in the national park and then creation of obstacles to extinguish the fire confirms that the Russian military intervention went beyond the local military operation and aimed at causing maximum damage to the population, economy and the nature. It is also important to note that fire bombs attack in Borjomi took place just after the President Medvedev signed the ceasefire agreement.

Black Sea:

Ecological Catastrophe caused by the oil spills by the Russian occupational forces in the Georgian coastal zone of the Black Sea

In addition, the Russian military attacks in western Georgia, i.e. blasting and sinking of Georgian vessels by the Russian forces in the Georgian Poti port, caused spilling of large amount of hydrocarbon (diesel and benzin) as well as hydraulic oil from the vessels.

Occupational forces did not allow the national environmental organizations to assess the situation on-site and determine quantity of oil spilled in the sea. According to the experts’ judgment, some 50-70 tons of oil were spilled in the Black Sea. Spilling of such large quantity of oil is unprecedented in the Georgia’s coastal zone of the Black Sea.

The port authorities and relevant institutions were not allowed by the Russian military forces to employ skimmer and containment booms, which made impossible to respond adequately to the spill and hindered minimizing damage on the environment.

The Black Sea current moved the spilled oil to the north of the city of Poti to the direction of the Kolkheti National Park and its protected sea zone. The Kolkheti National Park located 5 km north from the oil spill site is distinguished for its unique biodiversity and is a part of internationally recognized Ramsar protected sites

Since the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia and environmental organizations are not allowed to work on site (to go to the sea), it is rather difficult to indicate exact qualitative and quantitative parameters of environmental damage. However, considering the scale of oil spills, it is already possible to state that protected sea zone of the Kolkheti National Park and its surroundings are under ecological catastrophe, which could have serious negative impact on the whole Black Sea ecosystem.

Legal violations concerning Ecological Disaster caused by Russian attacks

By employing methods or means of warfare which are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment, the Russian Federation violated international obligations it has undertaken. Russia is a party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the two 1977 Additional Protocols of the Conventions. Paragraph 18 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions (ratified by Russia 10-05-1954) stipulates the following:

All armed forces, whether regular or irregular, should continue to observe the principles and rules of international environmental and humanitarian law to which the parties to the conflict are bound in times of peace. Natural and cultural resources shall not be pillaged under any circumstances.

In Additional Protocol I (ratified by Russia on 29-09-1989), Article 35 - Basic Rules - states:

It is prohibited to employ methods or means of warfare which are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment.

Also in Additional Protocol I, Article 55 - Protection of the Natural Environment - states:

Care shall be taken in warfare to protect the natural environment against widespread, long-term and severe damage. This protection includes a prohibition of the use of methods or means of warfare which are intended or may be expected to cause such damage to the natural environment and thereby to prejudice the health or survival of the population.

Attacks against the natural environment by way of reprisals are prohibited

With specific relevance to the Borjomi operation, Russia is also a party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, Protocol III, Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Geneva, 1980) which states (among other things):

It is prohibited to make forests or other kinds of plant cover the object of attack by incendiary weapons except when such natural elements are used to cover, conceal or camouflage combatants or other military objectives, or are themselves military objectives.

As well, the Statute of the International Criminal Court, established by the 1998 Rome Statute, which entered into force on July 1, 2002, stipulates in Article 8(2)(b)(iv) that the following act may constitute a war crime:

Intentionally launching an attack in the knowledge that such an attack will cause incidental loss of life or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects or widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment which would be clearly excessive in relation to the concrete and direct overall military advantage anticipated.

And although Russia is not an official party to it, the Rome Statute and International Criminal Court is presumed to represent customary international law and to be respected as binding by all states. Under Article 8, individuals, including heads of state, can be held criminally accountable if an attack is intentional; inflicts widespread; long-term and severe environmental damage; and the attacker knew the damage would be excessive. This applies to individuals that commit, order, or aid in the commission of such attacks.

Other rules of customary international law that prohibit damage to the environment in warfare and are binding on all states (Bronkhorst and Koppe, 2007), include:

Firstly, a duty of care or an obligation to show due regard for the environment during international armed conflict; secondly, a prohibition to cause wanton destruction to the environment during international armed conflict; and thirdly, a prohibition to cause excessive collateral damage to the environment during international armed conflict.

Even in self-defense, states are prohibited from engaging in military operations that are either unnecessary or disproportionate.

Thus, if the reports of use of incendiary devices by the Russian military in the Borjomi region are accurate, then it is likely that Russia has violated the above provisions of international law. Such malicious behavior - intentionally inflicting significant and unnecessary environmental harm as a weapon of war - has no place in modern warfare, and cannot stand uncontested by the international community.

The consequences for an international wrongful act as stipulated in the Draft Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts, adopted by the International Law Commission November 2001 (discussed in Bronkhorst and Koppe, 2007) include:

The obligation to offer assurances and guarantees of non-repetition, the obligation to make full reparation for the injury caused by the internationally wrongful act, either by means of restitution, i.e. to re-establish the situation which existed before the wrongful act was committed, or by means of compensation insofar as such damage is not made good by restitution.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and national and international environmental organizations call upon the International Community to resolutely condemn Russian actions on Georgian soil and judge the relevancy of membership of the Russian Federation to such international environmental treaties as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention of Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution, Ramsar Convention, CITES and others.

Moscow through military aggression has invaded parts of the Georgian territory

2008-08-29T10:24:00.000+04:00

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and restoration of Georgia’s independence, the Russian Federation has been pursuing the targeted policy aimed at fragmentation of the Georgian State and infringement of its sovereignty. To achieve this goal Moscow through military aggression has invaded parts of the Georgian territory conducting total ethnic cleansing on the occupied areas.

This is a follow-up to the policy the Russian State has been pursuing for many years through its client separatist regimes on the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Obviously, the Russian Federation uses ethnic cleansing as an instrument of its policy aimed at emptying the occupied territories of ethnic Georgians, in order to claim then that the population of these regions object to living within the state of Georgia.

It is an extremely cynical attempt to justify steps taken to infringe Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russian president’s statement of 26 August 2008 came as a culmination of these acts.

On 26 August 2008, the president of Russia D. Medvedev made a statement on the recognition of independence of the so-called republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia created on the territories occupied by Russia.

By recognising independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Russian Federation violated the principles of the equal rights and self-determination of peoples, non-interference in internal affairs of another state and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act (1975), which constitute fundamental principles of international law.

In attempt to justify its own actions by deliberately misinterpreting the fundamental norms and principles of international law, the Russian Federation gravely violates the basics of the contemporary international system.

By recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Russian authorities not only undermine the principles of international law but also pose a real threat to the new world order established as a result of the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is an attempt to unilaterally alter the borders of a sovereign State with use of military force and reestablish the spheres of influence and dividing lines in Europe that would put a stop to democratic development and usher in an era of totalitarian rule through the same means that were employed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

In legal terms, the right of peoples to self-determination means that this process should proceed within democratic frames. The will once expressed freely may only be superseded by an analogous decision made under no duress or interference by the external forces.

In the process of gaining independence from the colonial regime of the Soviet Union, all ethnic groups of the Georgian population which took part in the referendum of 31 March 1991 voted in favour of ‘restoration of Georgia’s independence on the basis of the 26 May 1918 Independence Act’, which, inter alia, represents a freely expressed will of the population to live in an independent state within the borders as defined in 1918-1921. The international community confirmed the democratic character of the referendum by recognising Georgia’s independence. The referendum involved over 90.79 % of the population, of which 99.8% voted in favour of Georgia’s independence, which means that the population of Georgia implemented the right of peoples to self-determination upheld by the UN Charter, UN General Assembly Declaration on Principles of International Law (1970) and the Helsinki Final Act (1975).

Therefore, all claims of the Russian Federation that Georgia’s international legal status was defined in disregard for the will of the Abkhaz and Ossetian peoples are absolutely groundless. The 1991 referendum was held throughout the entire territory of Georgia, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which implies that the aforesaid national minorities were also involved in this process. Recognising the right of the Abkhaz and Ossetian peoples to self-determination, Georgia emphasises the imperativeness of placing this process within a democratic framework and the necessity of upholding the fundamental principles of the contemporary international system: respect for the territorial integrity of sovereign states and inviolability of frontiers.

The realisation of the right of peoples to self-determination by violating the principle of territorial integrity puts in jeopardy the peace and security of not only Georgia, but the international community as a whole.

A special mention should also be made of a great number of judgments of the International Court of Justice, which give recognition to the right of peoples to self-determination providing that the territorial integrity of a state concerned and inviolability of its frontiers are respected.

While considering the right to self-determination, the UN Human Rights Committee also emphasises the internal nature of this right.

The referendas in Abkhazia and South Ossetia referred to by the president of Russia as the basis of his decision were declared as illegitimate by the international community for they were held in violation of all basic principles of international law. The destiny of a concrete territory can be only decided by its indigenous population. And the indigenous population of the autonomous republic of Abkhazia is not made up of only those people who survived the ethnic cleansing and remained to live on the territory of Abkhazia, Georgia, but also of all internally displaced persons and refugees who became targets of ethnic persecution. The ethnic cleansing mentioned above was recognised by the OSCE Summits in 1994, 1996 and 1998 and the UN General Assembly’s Resolution of 15 May 2008.

The referendum indicated by the Russian Federation involved only a certain part of the indigenous population of Abkhazia, Georgia, who were exposed to obvious interference from the external forces, the Russian Federation in particular. By this time estimated 2/3 of the indigenous population had been expelled from the territory of Abkhazia, Georgia.

The results of the plebiscite held on 28 November 1996 indicate that an absolute majority (99%) of internally displaced persons from Abkhazia unanimously support the definition of the status of this territory only after the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity.

Also groundless is the reference in the Russian President’s statement to Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation Among States in Accordance with the Charter of the United Nations (UN General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV) 24 October 1970). The Declaration’s formulation of the principle of the equal rights and self-determination of peoples makes clear its specific implications: ‘to bring a speedy end to colonialism, having due regard to the freely expressed will of the peoples concerned’. This provision carried a particularly meaningful focus in the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union, but after a span of 17 years, with the former Soviet republics already subjects of international law and the epoch of colonialism well sunk into oblivion, it should have long exhausted its topical meaning. With respect to the aforesaid Principle, the Declaration gives a clear explanation that ‘Nothing in the foregoing paragraphs shall be construed as authorising or encouraging any action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent States conducting themselves in compliance with the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples”. Moreover, the last paragraph of the same Principle: ‘Every State shall refrain from any action aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and territorial integrity of any other State or country’ contains a direct prohibition for the states against actions that the Russian Federation has been carrying out systematically.

The territorial integrity of Georgia has been recognised by the world community, including the Russian Federation. Georgia’s territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers have also been upheld in all respective documents adopted by various international multilateral forums. Georgia defined its state borders in full compliance with all principles of international law, on the basis of the 1921 Constitution of Georgia and the principle of uti possidetis stipulating that administrative borders of the Georgian SSR be recognised as state borders of Georgia until their final detailed delimitation, including the territories of the autonomous republic of Abkhazia and the autonomous region of South Ossetia.

The actions of the Russian Federation also contradict the UN Security Council’s resolutions recognising the territorial integrity of Georgia and adopted with the participation ofthe Russian Federation: 876 (1993), 881 (1993), 892 (1993), 896 (1994), 906 (1994), 937 (1994), 971 (1995), 993 (1995), 1036 (1996), 1065 (1996), 1096 (1997), 1124 (1997), 1150 (1998), 1187 (1998), 1225 (1999), 1255 (1999), 1287 (2000), 1311 (2000), 1339 (2001), 1364 (2001), 1393 (2002), 1427 (2002), 1462 (2003), 1494 (2003), 1524 (2004), 1554 (2004), 1582 (2005), 1615 (2005), 1666 (2006), 1752 (2007), 1781 (2007), 1808 (2008).

In accordance with Article 25 of the UN Charter, resolutions of the Security Council are binding on all members of the United Nations. Any such resolution may be overruled by a next resolution adopted by the Security Council. Hence, no state is authorised to adopt unilaterally any decision contradicting the Security Council’s resolution, or to discuss in other multilateral format any issue within the Security Council’s competence without previous authorisation of the Security Council.

Due consideration should also be given to Resolution N62/249 (15 May 2008) of the UN General Assembly unambiguously recognising Abkhazia as an integral part of Georgia.

Russia claims that a state should be ruled by a government that represents all its population. There arises a rhetorical question: does it also hold true about the separatist authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia? Given that a vast majority of the indigenous population of these regions numbering over half a million could not take part in the election of the so-called ‘democratic government’ due to their forced expulsion from the original places of residence as a result of the ethnic cleansing conducted by the Russian Authorities.

It is cynical of Russia having violated the fundamental principle of the UN Charter on the non-use of force to accuse Georgia of the actions perpetrated by Russia itself.

Based on the foregoing, there is hardly any norm to be found in the entire international law system, which, in case of its due interpretation, would bring into legal frames the decision of Russia on the recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

For the time being the ethnic cleansing of Georgians on the Russian occupied territories, both in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and beyond is still under way. Moreover, after the Russian President’s recognition of independence of the separatist regions, the ethnic cleansing of the Georgian population has become even more intense. It provides yet another proof that persecution of ethnic Georgians on the occupied territories is a deliberate policy aimed at achieving political goals rather than being isolated cases of violence.

Through military aggression against and occupation of Georgia and by unilateral recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Russian Federation has shown to the international community that it does not refrain from violation of the fundamental principles of international law and illegal and indiscriminate use of force against its neighbouring sovereign state.

Russia’s aggressive acts threaten not only Georgia’s statehood but the modern world order as well since they aim at reinstating Cold War realities and run counter to the historical process of international community development based on democracy, equality and supremacy of international law. It is a highly regrettable that the UN Security Council’s permanent member is in deliberate violation of the fundamental principles, without strict adherence to which a peaceful and fair international order becomes a hardly conceivable prospect.

Timeline for 27th August

2008-08-28T11:26:00.000+04:00

27 AUGUST

18:35 Remaining 85 Georgian civilian hostages held by Ossetian forces have been released from Tskhinvali.

07:00 The US Coast Guard battleship “Dallas”, loaded with humanitarian aid, enters Batumi port.

Timeline for 26th August

2008-08-28T11:25:00.000+04:00

26 AUGUST

19:00 Statement of the President of Georgia in response to Russia’s decision regarding the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

16:00 Protest rallies continue
Local residents hold protest rally at the Russian check-point in village Teklati, near Senaki

14:30 Russia recognizes independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
• Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announces recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia.

10:00 Ossetians force Georgians leave their villages
• Residents of villages Karaleti, Meghvrekisi, Tkviavi north of Gori, near Tskhinvali, arrive to Gori. According to them, Ossetian paramilitaries were assaulting and looting them every day. Their houses were burnt, some of them killed while others were forced to flee.

Timeline for 25th August

2008-08-27T14:42:00.004+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to verification.

25 AUGUST

Russian soldiers seize products from “Nikora” grocery shop in Poti

At night Russian militaries entered ‘Nikora’ grocery shop located near their illegal block-post by a heavy armored vehicle, forced the security to open the store house and took away ‘Nikora’s’ ready products. The occupants were reported drunk.

15:00 Russian military and Ossetian separatist forces remain in Akhalgori. As reported from local population South Ossetian separatists and Russian troops continue lootings.

12:30 – Lower House of the Russian Parliament - State Duma recommends President Medvedev to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

11:15 Georgian and Russian sides exchange imprisoned persons with facilitation of Council of Europe High Commissioner for Human Rights in village Karaleti. Russian side released 7 prisoners. Georgia handed 6 persons to Russian side.

10:40 – Upper House of the Russian Parliament - Council of the Federation recommends President Medvedev to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

10:00 Russian soldiers with two armored vehicles enter the territory of Coast Guard infrastructure in Poti Port. They steal office equipment and air conditioners.

Timeline for 26th August

2008-08-27T14:42:00.003+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to verification.

26 AUGUST

Russian Attack: Summary

2008-08-26T17:48:00.005+04:00

Altogether, Georgia’s sovereign territory was subjected to aerial bombardment 42 times. The areas bombed far exceeded the putative conflict zone of South Ossetia.

The bombs and missiles were delivered during up to 158 illegal incursions into Georgia’s airspace, of which 96 are fully confirmed.

At least 165 bombs and missiles were used, including cluster bombs and other weapons banned by international agreements. At least three of the attacks directly targeted civilians in civilian areas.

Bombing runs before ceasefire

The list below indicates the areas bombed, the minimum number of times each was bombed, their distance from the conflict zone and/or Tbilisi, and the date(s) of the attack(s).

Target	# times bombed	Distance	Date
Shavshvebi village	1	30 km	08.08.08
Variani village	1	20 km, 75 km from Tbilisi	08.08.08
Gori	5	17 km	08-10.08.08
Vaziani Airfield	2	2-3 km from Tbilisi	08-09.08.08
Marneuli	3	20 km from Tbilisi	08.08.08
Bolnisi	1	35 km from Tbilisi	08.08.08
Senaki	1	213 km from Tbilisi	09.08.08
Oni	1		09.08.08
Village Urta	1	330 km from Tbilisi	10.08.08
Tbilisi Airplane Factory	2	Tbilisi	09-10.08.08
Knolevi (Kareli district)	1		10.08.08
Urta (Zugdidi district)	1		10.08.08

In Upper Abkhazia, the Russian air force bombed villages and positions at least 4 times. The gorge was invaded by airborne Abkhaz and Russian troops on 10 August.

Bombing runs after Georgian ceasefire offer

At 17:30 on 10 August, the Georgian Foreign Ministry hands a diplomatic note offering an immediate Georgian ceasefire to the Russian Embassy. The Russian Air Force continues its attacks for three more days.

Anaklia (Zugdidi district)	10.08.08
Settlements near Batumi (Khelvachauri district), close to Turkish border	11.08.08
Shiraki airfield (Kakheti region)	11.08.08
Gori, twice	11-12.08.08
Senaki military airport	11.08.08
Kodori gorge, Upper Abkhazia	11.08.08
Senaki military base	11.08.08
Kere and Sakasheti (Gori district)	11-13.08.08
Kaspi (30 km from Tbilisi)	11.08.08
Tkhviavi (near Tskhinvali)	11.08.08
Vaziani military base (on the outskirts of Tbilisi)	12.08.08
Orchosani (Gori district)	12.08.08
Sakoritno (Kaspi district)	12.08.08
Ruisi village (Kareli district)	12.08.08

Occupation of Georgian towns and villages

Zugdidi (11.08.08);
Beloti village near Eredvi, Tskhinvali district (11.08.08);
Shindisi, Gori district (11.08.08);
Senaki (11.08.08);
Gori, the only connection between East and West connection blocked by Russians (11.08.08);
Khaishi, Svaneti region (12.08.08);
Upper Abkhazia (12.08.08);
Additional troops enter Gori (13 - 14.08.08);
Atosi village, Kareli district, East of Gori (13.08.08);
Pakhulani village, Tzalenjikha district (13.08.08);
Additional troops enter Zugdidi twice (14.08.08);
Mejvriskhevi village, Gori district (14.08.08);
Ruisi and Tzveri villages, Kareli district (14.08.08);
East deep from Senaki (14.08.08);
Abashistzkali village, 40 km.s away from the second largest city of Georgia, Kutaisi (15.08.08);
Igoeti (15.08.08);

Tbilisi Intrusion Threat:
12 August
15 August

Occupation of Georgian towns and villages after French-mediated ceasefire

Following the signature of the ceasefire agreement by all parties (Georgia, France and Russia), the Russian offensive should have ceased and a pullback to positions held before August 7th engaged. Instead, Russia deepened its occupation of Georgia, entering and occupying towns and villages far away from the conflict zones.

Igoeti, Kaspi district, 40 km.s away from Tbilisi (15.08.08);
Khashuri, 30 km.s west from Gori (15.08.08);
Surami, west of Khashuri (15.08.08);
Sachkhere parts, Western Georgia (16.08.08);
Akhalgori, 40 km.s North-West of Tbilisi (16.08.08);
Aditional Russian troops entered Senaki military base (17.08.08)
South Ossetian separatist paramilitaries entered additionally to Akhalgori (17.08.08)
Russian armored vehicles advanced towards Supsa oil terminal near Poti (17.08.08)
Russian Troops advanced and blocked road near Kaspi again (18.08.08)
Russian troops advanced towards Sachkere (19.08.08)
Russian troops entered Poti port again (19.08.08)
Russians opened checkpoints in Poti entrance (20.08.08)
Russians occupy village Chogha of Chkhorotsku district, Samegrelo region, in western Georgia (20.08.08)
Russian militaries occupy villages Perevi, Sachkhere in Sachkhere district, Imereti region, western Georgia (20.08.08)

Mines

Roads in the Svaneti Region were mined on 17.08.08. Road bridges on the old Gori road south of Kaspi were mined on the same date.

Russian troops used explosive devices to destroy military installations in the Senaki base on 18.08.08 and the Osiauri base on 23 and 24 August.

A landmine blew up a crude oil train 5 km west of Gori on 24 August. Other mines and buried artillery shells were subsequently found at other spots of the tracks.

Landmines and bomblets left by the departing Russian army are targeting civilans. A blast killed a woman in Gori on 24 August and injured a man in Tirdznisi on the same date.

Mines of the "frog" type have been found in civilian gardens and orchards in Gori. These are antipersonnel mines that, when stepped upon, jump into the air and explode at chest or head height.

Cluster bombs

The use of cluster bombs against civilian targets has been confirmed by Human Rights Watch. Cluster bombs explode at altitude in order to scatter bomblets over a wide area. Most bomblets explode on impact. The effect of hundreds of bomblets exploding at the same time is to saturate the targeted area with high-speed shrapnel, killing everything alive. Because the bomblets can be scattered over a wide area, these are among the most destructive antipersonnel conventional weapons.

Bomblets that fail to explode on impact become landmines.

The exceptionally destructive power of these weapons has led them to be banned by 107 countries, including all of the European Union.

Current civilian, military and journalist casualty figures

2008-08-26T17:44:00.002+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to verification. They do not include data on South Ossetian and Russian casualties, which they government of Georgia has no way of assessing.

The numbers of dead and wounded are based exclusively on bodies received by Georgian morgues, and does not include those kept, buried, burned or otherwise disposed of within the area of Russian control.

About 160 military personnel remain unaccounted for.

The number of registered IDPs only includes those IDPs who fled to areas of Georgian control, and does not include those who fled to Russia or who are displaced within areas of Russian occupation.

Georgians wounded:

Total: 2231
Military: 1964
Civilian: 267
Discharged: 1069

Georgians killed:

Total: 216
Military: 143
Civilian: 73

Journalists:

Killed: 3 (1 international, 2 Georgians).
Injured: 6 (3 internationals, 3 Georgians).
Detained by Russians/Ossetes: 10 (8 internationals, 2 Georgians).
Attacked by Russians/Ossetes: 3 (2 internationals, 1 Georgian).
Robbed by Russians/Ossetes: 12 (all internationals).

Number of registered IDPs: 119, 000

Russian Ceasefire Agreement Breaches: Checkpoints

2008-08-26T17:25:00.003+04:00

The Russian Army has illegally established a number of checkpoints deep within sovereign Georgian territory, contravening the ceasefire agreement. On average, they consist of about 4 armoured vehicles, 60 soldiers, support vehicles and sometimes fortifications such as concrete blocks, razor wire, trenches or earthen berms.

When the number of vehicles or personnel differs significantly from this average, details are given.

The checkpoints regularly dispatch armoured patrols into surrounding towns and villages.

This map gives an overview of the current checkpoint situation:

Central Georgia

At 22:00 on 25 August, the Ministry of Interior confirmed 12 checkpoints in central Georgia (Shida Kartli and other areas adjacent to South Ossetia, as well as in parts of South Ossetia that were never part of the conflict). Their location is given on the map below, a list follows.

List of checkpoints in Central Georgia

Perevi (Sachkhere district)
Ghodora (Sachkhere district)
Muguti (Znauri district)
Ali (Khashuri district)
Ptsa (Kareli district)
Variani (Gori district)
Karaleti (Gori district)
Shavshvebi (Gori district)
Ergneti (Gori district)
Tsiara (Java district)
Ikoti (Akhalgori district) 7 infantry combat vehicles, 1 armoured vehicle, 6 Ural-type vehicles, 2 Gaz-66 vehicles, 1 military power shovel, 1 mobile medical unit, 2 grenade launchers, trenches, and 100 soldiers
Meghvrekisi and Brotsleti (Gori district) A large concentration of about 150 vehicles, most of them armoured, are stationed between the villages.

Western Georgia

At 22:00 on 25 August, the Ministry of Interior confirmed at least 20 checkpoints in western Georgia (Samegrelo, Svaneti, Upper Kodori, Gali, Ochamchire). Their location is given on the map below, a list follows.

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region

Teklati (near Senaki) - 5 armoured vehicles, 1 crane, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 vehicle with communication systems, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 GAZ-type car, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 40 Russian servicemen

Pirveli Maisi (Khobi district) - Near former Georgian police check-point: armoured vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 40 Russian servicemen

Between Shua Khorga and Chaladidi (Khobi district) - Near the turning to Kulevi oil terminal: 4 armoured vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 large army tent, 30 Russian servicemen

Menji (Senaki district) - In the Bakaraia neighborhood of the town, on the grounds of the Menji sanatorium, about 10 meters from the railroad: 3 armoured vehicle, 4 Ural-type vehicle, 2 cranes, 1 military power shovel, 1 large army tent, 40 Russian servicemen

Kantisubani (Tsalenjikha district) - On the Tsalenjikha-Chkhorotsku road: (3 armoured vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 large army tent, trenches are dug, 30 Russian servicemen

Chale and Muzhava (Tsalenjikha district) - At the entrances of the two villages: 3 armoured vehicles, 1 Ural-type vehicle, 20 Russian servicemen

Chkhorotsku - On an old airfield, near the Senaki-Chkhorotsku highway: 3 armoured vehicles, 2 Ural-type vehicles, 1 vehicle with electricity generator, 2 large army tents, 40 Russian servicemen

Nabada (a suburb of Poti) - 2 armoured vehicles, 1 Ural-type vehicle, 1 UAZ-type vehicle, 1 military power shovel, 1 large army tent, 30 Russian servicemen

Upper Abkhazia/Kodori Gorge

Sources report substantial Russian and Abkhaz deployments in the region. Howver, access is currently impossible, precluding an accurate count of Russian and Abkhaz personnel deployed.

Gentsvisi

Omarishara

Sakeni

Chkhalta

Kvapchara

Additional chekpoints

Colonel-general Anatoly Nogovitsin, the deputy head of the Russian General Staff, listed the following additional checkpoints during a press conference on 22 August:

Khudoni

Jikmuri

Ochamchire

Gupagu

Meore Gudava

Anaklia

Mount Kvira

Estimated number of personnel and equipment at illegal checkpoints:

Russian servicemen: 970

Armoured vehicles: 66

Infatry combat vehicles: 7

Grenade launchers: 2

Ural-type vehicles: 22

UAZ-type vehicle: 3

Gaz-66 vehicles: 2

Vilis-type car: 1

Military Army tents: 8

Cranes: 3

Military power shovel: 3

Vehicle with communication systems: 1

Vehicle with electricity generator: 1

Mobile medical unit: 1

Summary of Damage Inflicted by Russia

2008-08-26T17:07:00.003+04:00

Russia's invasion is inflicting massive damage to the economy, infrastructure, and environment of Georgia. This document assesses the destruction caused by Russia during August 8-25, the period of ongoing occupation of Georgia.

The Russian army has significantly destroyed the country’s transport, energy, administrative, social, and civilian infrastructure, as well as damaged environment. Their actions have inflicted severe damage to the property of hundreds of Georgian and foreign companies, and to the houses and flats of thousands of civilians. Russian military planes intentionally set fire to large swathes of Georgia’s forests, resulting in a major environmental catastrophe and the potential loss of crucial natural assets, including endemic species.

The destruction by Russia catalogued in this document took place beyond the conflict zone, often close to Tbilisi. Damage caused by Russia inside the conflict zone cannot be assessed by the Government, since it has no access to the areas in question.

This document does not attempt to calculate the economic, environmental and commercial losses caused by Russia’s invasion and occupation of Georgia, since large areas of the country are still beyond the reach of Georgian authorities. Thus the exact estimation of the damage in monetary terms is the task for future.

Types of infrastructure damaged:

Transport infrastructure
Energy infrastructure
Industrial enterprises
Administrative, social & civilian Infrastructure
Intentional Forest Fires

Transport Infrastructure
Ports:
- August 9 and 13, Russian military jets bombed the Port of Poti on the Black Sea, in western Georgia. The bombs damaged Container Terminal #7, the largest and best-equipped terminal for handling containers. One of the two energy generators and fire control systems of the port were damaged.
- Russia’s bombs killed 5 workers and injured more than 15 others. The Port of Poti is the main link on the TRACECA East-West transport corridor that handles cargo between Europe, Central Asia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- August 12, Russian troops have entered Poti Port and occupation of port is continuing till present.
Main Railway Bridge:
- August 16, Russian forces blew up the Grakali bridge on the central railway route connecting the eastern and western parts of Georgia. Passenger and cargo transport, including the transport of humanitarian aid was abruptly stopped.
- The destruction of the bridge has disrupted international cargo traffic between Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Azerbaijani oil exports through Georgia were stopped. Armenia was effectively cut off from the world. Petrol rationing is in force there, and food prices have risen dramatically.
- It will take at least two weeks to repair the bridge.
- Ralway bridge in Marneuli 25 km from Tbilisi damaged.
Road Bridges:
- 17 August, Russian troops mined the road to the highly mountainous region of Svaneti (close to Abkhazia, Georgia, another conflict zone), thus potentially cutting off the region from the rest of Georgia and preventing goods and services from reaching its population.
- August 17, two bridges in Kaspi mined.
Railways:
- The Russian Air Force bombed the Kaspi and Senaki rail stations, located 52 and 230 km respectively from Tskhinvali, Georgia, thus destroying vital rail infrastructure
Maritime Blockade:
- Since August 10, Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet has been blockading the territorial waters of Georgia, preventing ships carrying civilian cargo from entering the Port of Poti for example the cargo ship "Lotus - 1", loaded with wheat and other civilian goods, was prevented from entering Poti Port by Russian military forces (August 8-9).
- This is resulting in massive commercial losses for companies and transporters, and preventing needed supplies from reaching Georgia and other countries in the region.
Civilian Airports:
- 9 August, Russia bombed Kopitnari Airport (20 km from Kutaisi, Georgia’s second largest city, and a full 180 kilometers from Tskhinvali, South Ossetia). The main runway was damaged.
Civilian Radar Stations:
- 13 August, a civilian radar station serving the civil aviation system of Georgia, located 5 km north of downtown Tbilisi on Makhata Mountain, was bombed and destroyed by Russian warplanes.
Damage to Roads & Highways:
- August 9, Russian jets bombed the bypass road of the Rikoti road tunnel, which connects the eastern and western parts of Georgia, therefore cutting country’s transport infrastructure.
- Several hundred kilometers of roads and highways have been mined and damaged by the movement of heavy Russian military vehicles.

Energy Infrastructure
International energy pipelines:
- Areas adjacent to all three international pipelines - BTC, SCP, and Baku Supsa - were attacked by fighter jets between August 8 and August 12.
- The bombed locations were 20 km east of Tbilisi, far beyond the conflict zone. Several bombs were dropped only 5 meters from the Baku Supsa oil pipeline on August 8. Russian rockets caused an explosion on the 27th kilometer of the Baku-Supsa crude-oil pipeline near Tbilisi.
Electricity:
- August 12, Russian bombers damaged electricity transmission lines leaving more than four thousand civilians without power.
- Three transmission lines connecting the western and eastern parts of Georgia also have been damaged: "Kavkasioni" and "Kartli 2," and "Liakhvi" .
- At present, the eastern and western parts of Georgia’s energy infrastructure are operating as separate systems.

Industrial Enterprises
Aircraft plant:
- August 10, an aircraft plant adjacent to Tbilisi International Airport was bombed twice with long-delay blasting bombs. The landing strip and adjacent infrastructure was destroyed.
Cement factory:
- August 12, a cement factory in Kaspi owned by German manufacturer Heidelberg Cement was bombed; the factory is 30 km from Tbilisi.
Wine factory:
- August 16, Russian jets dropped unidentified devices on the wine factory in the village of Okami, in the Kaspi district, 52 kilometers from Tbilisi.

Administrative, Social & Civilian Infrastructure
Administrative buildings:
- Russian forces and paramilitary troops have robbed and damaged nearly all the administrative buildings they have occupied. A precise damage assessment can only be made after the Russian Army withdraws.
Damage to Civilian Police Equipment:
- August 18, Russian armored vehicles intentionally drove into and damaged several police cars in Kaspi, 52 kilometers from Tskhinvali.
Schools and Kindergarden:
- Four schools in Gori district - Gori school #7, Nikozi, Tviti and Karzji schools were partially destroyed and several schools were damaged.
- As A result of Russian jets bombing a kindergarten in Gori was destroyed.
Cemetery:
- August 11, Bombs hit a cemetery and fields near Batumi, 15 kilometers from the Georgian-Turkish border.
Hospital:
- August 12, a bomb exploded in the backyard of the hospital in Gori (30 kilometers from Tskhinvali), killing a doctor and significantly damaging the hospital.
University:
- August 12, the University of Gori was hit by numerous bombs, destroying parts of the main building in the central square of the city.
Market:
- August 12, the main market in Gori was bombed.
TV Broadcasting Station:
- August 12, Russian troops destroyed the Gori TV broadcasting station. As a result, TV and radio broadcasting has been interrupted in Gori and surrounding areas. One employee was killed, three wounded.
Tele-communication:
- More then 30 base stations of leading mobile operators "MAGTI" and "GEOCELL" in Gori and Kaspi were completely destroyed.
- Two fider-optic lines, following the railway and the highway in Gori and Kaspi was damaged.
Civilian Homes:
- In every territorial-administrative unit invaded by the Russian Army, its forces have robbed and/or burnt civilian houses. A precise assessment of damage can only be made after the Russian Army withdraws.
- Thousands of houses in villages across South Ossetia and in the villages north of Gori have been looted and burned. A precise assessment is impossible at the moment, but the likely scale of the damage is suggested by satellite maps of burning Georgian villages published by UNOSAT.

Environmental Damage
Forest Fires:
- According to UNOSAT, about 450 hectares of forest in southwestern Georgia, about 108 kilometers from Tskhinvali, burned after being intentionally set ablaze by Russian military helicopters on August 15. This has caused an ecological catastrophe and damaged the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
- August 16, helicopters set fire in the Kaspi district and in Surami, Khashuri district.
- August 20, Russian military helicopters dropped fire setting bombs in Djevera (Gori district) and in Kiketi, 10km west of Tbilisi. The latter area was firebombed again after the fire was put down the next day.

President Medvedev to recognize independence

2008-08-25T14:50:00.000+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge,
but is subject to verification.

25 AUGUST

10:40 – Upper House of the Russian Parliament - Council of the Federation recommends President Medvedev to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Meeting with NATO representative Robert Simmons

2008-08-25T10:30:00.001+04:00

On 22 August 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshalashvili held a meeting with NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons.

The sides discussed the issues of NATO’s assistance to Georgia in various fields with focus on the Alliance’s firm and steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Note was also taken of the Alliance’s general approach to Russia’s aggression against Georgia and the urgency of immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Georgia.

The sides focused on details of setting up a NATO-Georgia commission as well.

Following the meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative held a joint press conference.

Timeline for 24th August, to 12:50

2008-08-25T10:04:00.001+04:00

24 AUGUST

12:50 Forest is on fire in the surroundings of village Gldani on the outskirts of Tbilisi.

11:30 Georgian police release AP journalists detained by Russian soldiers
• An AP TV crew operating near Poti was arrested this morning by the Russian army because they did not have Russian media accreditation. They were taken to the Georgian police station in Poti and released there.

11:00 US Navy destroyer McFaul enters Batumi port.

10:30 Train carrying petroleum explodes on the railroad west of Gori.
• A train carrying 34 tanks of crude oil exploded at about 10:30 near the village of Skra, 7 km west of Gori, when moving from Azerbaijan to Batumi. 13 tanks are burning. The cause is suspected to be a Russian mine: Skra had been under full Russian control until the Russian pull-out of Gori. No casualties reported.

Intentionally set fires

2008-08-25T10:02:00.002+04:00

Timeline for 23rd August, to 12:00

2008-08-25T09:54:00.000+04:00

23 AUGUST

12:00 Chief of staff of Russian Army Anatoly Nogovitsin names at the press conferense places where Russian intends to organize checkpoints. In violation of the ceasefire agreement they are well out the conflict zone, namely in: Perevi – near Sachkhere; Ali - 90kms from Tbilisi and 7 Km from east-west highway, on the way from Khashuri to Sachkere and South Ossetia; Kvenatkotsa – in Kareli district near Agara, 1 km from eas-west highway; Variani – 10km north of Gori, on the road from Gori to Tskhinvali; Karaleti – 10km north of Gori, on the road to Tskhinvali; Shavshvebi – 40km west of Tbilisi on the east-west Highway, Monasteri – 35 Kms noerth-west from Tbilisi on the way to Akhalgori and 7kms from eastwest highway, Ikoti – 40Kms north-west from Tbilisi near town Akhalgori and 12kms from east-west highway.

11:30 Parliament of Georgia prolongs Martial Law till September 8.

Meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

2008-08-23T11:03:00.001+04:00

On 22 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, President of Ukraine’s special representative Konstantin Eliseev.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia provided his Ukrainian counterpart with exhaustive information concerning the situation resulting from the unlawful actions of the Russian occupation army as well as on the population affected by ethnic cleansing.

Mr Eliseev reaffirmed the Ukrainian side’s readiness to assist Georgia in overcoming the crisis. He also focused on the measures considered to be expedient in terms of Ukraine’s national security interests.

Meeting with Italian Ambassador

2008-08-23T11:02:00.001+04:00

On 22 August 2008 a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Italy to Georgia Vittorio Sandalli.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Nino Baratashvili, Counsellor of the First European Division of the European Affairs Department.

The sides discussed the issues of aggression and ethnic cleansing conducted by the Russian side in Georgia.

The Italian Ambassador once again confirmed the support and solidarity of his country towards Georgia.

Meeting with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office

2008-08-23T11:01:00.000+04:00

On 22 August 2008, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eka Tkeshelashvili and State Minister for Reintegration Issues Temur Iakobashvili held a meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Alexander Stubb.

The sides discussed the situation consequent to the Russian Federation’s intervention in Georgia and the issues related to implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed through the mediation of the President of France.

The sides also discussed prospects for elaboration of an international peace format aimed at resolution of the conflicts in Georgia and immediate steps to be taken shortly afterwards. The Finnish Foreign Minister stated that the assignment of an additional contingent of OSCE monitors to Georgia is an initial step for developing a new international peace mechanism.

The sides agreed to continue active cooperation on the issues of priority.

Following the meeting, the Georgian and Finnish Foreign Ministers held a joint press conference:

Press conference transcript:

Mrs. Eka Tkeshelashvili:

Greetings! I’d like to brief you on main aspects of our meeting.

As far as you know twenty OSCE monitors will shortly arrive in Georgia to assess the extent to which the Russian side complies with its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. It is the beginning of the process. OSCE plans to increase the number of monitors soon and extend the scope of their activity. We therefore discussed the ways in which this mission should be carried out and the area that needs to be covered by monitors and international observers. We also focused on the role the European Union should play in resolving the existing crisis.

Today we are faced with two tasks. The first task is a short-term one and envisages ensuring full compliance with the ceasefire agreement, which means that the Russian side should not be allowed to interpret this agreement wrongly and unilaterally and continue, based on its own discretionary decisions, deploying Russian troops on the territory of Georgia. We are also seriously focused on the second stage of the process, which will ensue after reaching compliance with the ceasefire agreement and de-escalation of the situation. This second stage envisages achieving restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity through international peaceful mechanisms and full protection of human rights throughout the entire territory of Georgia, which will prevent further emergence of such ‘uncontrolled places’ where human rights violations will run rife and criminal regimes will become a functioning reality. It must forever become a past chapter of Georgian history. The population on the territory of Georgia whatever their ethnic origin should be allowed the opportunity to benefit from the rule of law, democracy, absolute protection of human rights, they should consider themselves members of a European country and enjoy all the benefits of being citizens of a European country.

I would like to thank once again our guest for his personal and active involvement in the problem resolving process both in the capacity as OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Finnish Foreign Minister. Let me give him the floor.

Mr. Alexander Stubb:

Thank you very much.

I would like to stress three points. Point number one is about our operation of military monitors. So far things run very smoothly. We will able to bring in totally twenty monitors by this weekend, including seven so called APCs, armored vehicles with contributions from many OSCE countries. I think they will have calming effect on the ceasefire. And I think this very important element in providing us with objective information. It is very important that with the leadership of Colonel Lieutenant Steven Yang we can get this operation up and running. And that is what we are doing together with the head of the mission Terhi Hakala. So, point number one the operation of military observance is running smoothly.

Point number two. I still think that the ceasefire agreement is fragile, that is why we must focus all of our efforts to the withdrawal of the troops and to return to normalcy. I think the military monitors will play a very important role in this. But remember we must now focus on the withdrawal of troops. We hope that this process takes place smoothly.

Point number three. I think it is time for us in the international community not to start thinking of true international assessment of this conflict. We need to start reflecting upon how we arrange the future of stabilization of the region, how and what form of peacekeepers, international peacekeepers will be brought in, how do we get the political process going, will we have a high representative for the region, what is the long-term prospective. Because, all of us are involved in these processes from the beginning, we are in this process from the long run. So, that’s why we must start thinking of how all of us, the international community, the USA, the EU, the UN, the OSCE, Russia can solve this conflict and stabilize the region.

So, these are three main points that I wanted to stress. Thank you.

Timeline for 22nd August, to 20:00

2008-08-23T10:58:00.002+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge,
but is subject to verification.

22 AUGUST

20:00 Russian troops are leaving Gori and Khashuri in eastern Goergia and Senaki and Khobi in Western Georgia. Russian troops remain in Poti and village Perevi in Sachkhere district.

19:30 Russian troops explode remaining installations of military base near Gori in village Khurvaleti.

14:30 Russian troops start withdrawal from Igoeti and Kaspi 25kms from Tbilisi towards Gori. Gori remains under Russian control.

14:00 100 armored vehicles start movement from Senaki towards Zugdidi. Russian troops still remain in Senaki and Poti.

12:00 Deputy Chief of Staff of Russian Army Anatoly Nogovitsin says on press conference that Russia will keep 18 checkpoints on South Ossetian-Georgian “border” and in buffer zone. The same amount of Check points and 2142 soldiers will remain on Georgian-Abkhazian “border”.

10:00 No evidence of Russian troops withdrawal is observed by 10:00

02:30 Unknown explosive device exploded in Marneuli, installed under the railway bridge – no damage reported

Reportedly antitank missile or explosive exploded under the Imiri railway bridge, Marneuli district, 25 kms south from Tbilisi. The bridge was not damaged

Russian troops dig entrenchments in village Chuberi near Enguri Power Plant. Military presence of Russian troops reported at the dam infrastructure of power plant.

Ukraine-Georgia press conference

2008-08-22T10:05:00.000+04:00

On 19 August 2008, at the GUAM press centre in the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Ukraine Merab Antadze and GUAM Secretary General Valeri Chechelashvili held a press conference for representatives of the mass media and diplomatic missions concerning the consequences of the Russian-Georgian conflict.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Ukraine Merab Antadze discussed the reasons behind the Russian-Georgian conflict and the consequences that ensued after the Russian Federation’s military aggression and ethnic cleansing conducted in Georgia.

GUAM Secretary General Valeri Chechelashvili focused the attention of the attending audience on the fact that Russia’s actions resulted in the disruption of regional cooperation and blockade of energy and transport communications and called on the chairs of the international organizations of which Russia is a member to exert pressure on Moscow in order to bring it back within the frames of international law.

Mr. Chechelashvili noted that with its actions Russia undermined BlackSeaFor, disintegrated CIS, restored the Big Seven and denied itself access to WTO and the right to act as a mediator in conflict resolution process on the territory of Georgia.

Civilians Killed by Russian Cluster Bomb ‘Duds’

2008-08-22T00:08:00.001+04:00

(Tbilisi, August 21, 2008) – Georgian and Russian authorities should take urgent measures to protect the civilian population in Georgian villages from unexploded ordnance left by Russian attacks, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch researchers documented additional Russian cluster munitions attacks during the conflict in Georgia, refuting Russia’s earlier denials that it used the weapon.
Human Rights Watch researchers saw and photographed unexploded submunitions from cluster munitions in and around the villages of Shindisi, in the Gori district of Georgia. Residents from Shindisi and the nearby Pkhvenisi village told Human Rights Watch researchers there are hundreds of unexploded submunitions in the area. Submunition “duds” are highly dangerous and can explode if picked up or otherwise disturbed.

“Many people have died because of Russia’s use of cluster munitions in Georgia, even as Moscow denied it had used this barbaric weapon,” said Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst at Human Rights Watch. “Many more people could be killed or wounded unless Russia allows professional demining organizations to enter at once to clean the affected areas.”

Witnesses told Human Rights Watch that on August 8, 2008, Russian air strikes on Georgian armored units located near Shindisi and Pkhvenisi were followed by extensive cluster munition strikes that killed at least one civilian and injured another in Shindisi. At least two more civilians were killed and five wounded in the following days when they handled unexploded submunitions, including an incident 10 days after the initial strikes. As of August 20, Shindisi and Pkhvenisi areas remain under Russian control.

Zviad Geladze, 38, points to a cluster munition strike on the path to his farm field. © 2008 Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch called upon Russia to immediately stop using cluster munitions, weapons so dangerous to civilians that more than 100 nations have agreed to ban their use. Human Rights Watch also called on Russia to provide precise strike data on its cluster attacks in order to facilitate cleanup of areas contaminated by submunitions. Human Rights Watch called on Georgia to undertake an immediate risk education program for its population, including radio and television announcements about the dangers of submunitions.

In Shindisi, Human Rights Watch researchers saw unexploded dual purpose (anti-armor and antipersonnel) submunitions, commonly known as Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) submunitions.

“Highly dangerous unexploded bomblets now litter farms, roads, and pathways in Shindisi and Pkhvenisi,” said Garlasco. “People remaining in these areas don’t realize the dangers these submunitions pose and are at serious risk of injury or death if they handle, or even approach, the bomblets.”

Human Rights Watch first reported on Russian use of cluster munitions in Georgia on August 15, after it identified strikes on Gori and Ruisi on August 12 that killed at least 11 civilians and injured dozens more. Russia subsequently denied any use of cluster munitions. Colonel General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, deputy head of the Russian General Staff, stated on August 15, “We did not use cluster bombs, and what’s more, there was absolutely no necessity to do so.”

Unexploded Russian submunitions found by Human Rights Watch researchers in Shindisi, a village in the Gori region of Georgia. These submunition "duds" are highly dangerous and can explode if picked up or otherwise disturbed. © 2008 Human Rights Watch

Zura Tatrishvili, 62, showed Human Rights Watch researchers an unexploded submunition that he had picked up without realizing that just touching it could make it explode. “We were playing with them, as were the Georgian soldiers,” said Tatrishvili. “It was only when one of the bombs exploded after a soldier threw it that we understood that they were dangerous.” Even now, Tatrishvili continues to keep his livestock in a pen with unexploded submunitions, demonstrating the need for clearance as well as education.

During the attack on August 8 in Shindisi, Vano Gogidze, 45, was killed and his relative, Dato Gogidze, 39, was injured. Also in Shindisi, Ramaz Arabashvili, 40, was killed and four people were wounded when a submunition that they had gathered from a field exploded on August 10. On August 18, in Pkhvenisi, Veliko Bedianashvili, 70, died when a submunition exploded in his hand. “There are so many of these lying around. The fields are full of them,” said his son, Durmiskhan Bedianashvili.

Zviad Geladze, 38, showed Human Rights Watch researchers fields contaminated with submunitions. He estimated the submunitions covered an area extending at least one kilometer through his farm. The fields are full of produce ready to harvest. Because humanitarian agencies continue to lack access to much of the Gori region, fields like Geladze’s may provide residents of the region with their only food source.

Cluster munitions contain dozens or hundreds of smaller submunitions or bomblets and cause unacceptable humanitarian harm in two ways. First, their broad-area effect kills and injures civilians indiscriminately during strikes. Second, many submunitions do not explode, becoming de facto landmines that cause civilian casualties for months or years to come.

Under international humanitarian law, indiscriminate attacks including attacks in populated areas with weapons that cannot be targeted solely at military targets are prohibited. Russia has an obligation not only to cease any such attacks, but also to take all necessary measures now to ensure the safety of the civilian population in areas over which it exercises effective control.

Human Rights Watch called on Georgia, which is known to have cluster munitions in its stockpiles, to join the international move to ban the use of cluster munitions and to publicly undertake not to use such weapons in this conflict. Neither Russia nor Georgia was part of the Oslo Process launched in February 2007 to develop a new international treaty banning cluster munitions. In May 2008, 107 nations adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which comprehensively bans the use, production, trade and stockpiling of the weapon. It will be open for signature in Oslo on December 3.

Restricted freedom of movement for diplomatic corps through Georgia

2008-08-22T00:03:00.001+04:00

On 21 August 2008 the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Georgia sent a Note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The Note, in particular, indicates: ‘in order to arrange civilized movement throughout Gori for the delegations and persons intending to arrive or already present in Georgia and planning to travel to Gori, the Embassy requests advance notification on any such travel plan, delegation members, travel objectives and duration, transport vehicles and itinerary. In the given situation the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation must obtain such information in order to give respective instructions to the peacekeeping command, which will further ensure unhindered movement’.

In the aftermath of ethnic cleansing and mass and flagrant violation of human rights perpetrated by the Russian army on the territory of Georgia, the Russian Federation undertook to restrict freedom of movement for the diplomatic corps throughout the territory of Georgia. It points clearly to the degree of Moscow’s compliance with the ceasefire agreement signed by the Russian President and provides another proof of continued occupation of Georgian territory by the Russian armed forces.

By undertaking such actions, the Russian Federation grossly violates provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Article 26 of the Convention, in particular, stipulates that the receiving State shall ensure to all members of the diplomatic corps freedom of movement and travel throughout all of its territory.

Russia’s actions in Georgia contradict such universally recognized norms and principles of international common and codified law, which provide the basis and guarantee for establishing each state as a subject of international law within the international system.

It is a regrettable fact that the Russian Federation being a legal successor to the Soviet Union continues to base its actions on Soviet-imperialist traditions.

Extraordinary joint meeting

2008-08-22T00:02:00.000+04:00

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Security and Defence and the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus held an extraordinary joint meeting on 20 August 2008 to discuss the situation in Georgia.

French Minister of State for European Affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet was invited as a rapporteur at the first part of the session, which was closed to the public. Following his address European Parliament members heard the remarks of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili.

A majority of members of the European Parliament expressed their solidarity with and support for Georgia. The meeting condemned Russia’s aggressive actions. It was decided that the situation in Georgia will be discussed at the first plenary session of the European Parliament scheduled to take place at the beginning of September and that the European Parliament will adopt a respective resolution.

‘Given Russia defying its international commitments, the European Union can no longer continue its usual way of cooperation with Russia’ - Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Jacek Saryusz-Wolski is quoted as saying.

The focus of discussions was also the type of economic and political assistance the European Union may render to Georgia in the given situation.

Timeline for 21st August, to 21:00

2008-08-21T14:49:00.004+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge,
but is subject to verification.

21 AUGUST

21:00 Russian troops once again fail to pullout as agreed
Russia again delayed the pullout of its troops. According to the Commander of Russian Ground Forces, Army General Vladimir Boldirev, the process of withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Georgia will take 10 days. He declared that peacekeeping checkpoints will start operating from August 22nd and remaining Russian troops will pullout in the coming ten days.

19:30 Russian militaries release 10 soldiers out of 20, captured on 19th of August in Poti Port.

18:00 Russian military handed 62 Georgian civilian hostages to Georgian side. Government of Georgia claims 101 more civilians are kept by Russian side in Tskhinvali.

16:00 According to the Foreign Minister of Finland and the OSCE Chair in Office Alex Stubb, there is little evidence of Russian troops withdrawing.

Russia restricts the freedom of movement throughout territory of Georgia
Embassy of the Russian Federation to Georgia handed a Note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, according to which the Ministry of Defense of the RF must be in advance notified about any planned travel of all delegations and persons to Gori. The statement of Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers this as an attempt from Russian side to restrict the freedom of movement for the diplomatic corps throughout the territory of Georgia and serves as another proof of continued occupation of Georgian territory by the Russian armed forces.

15:00 Russians creating a buffer zone
According to Anatoly Nogovitsin,Ddeputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, Russian forces will establish two lines of checkpoints in “a security zone” in the vicinity of South Ossetia“. “The first line will include eight checkpoints across the line of zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers. The second line – involving 10 checkpoints – will be set across the administrative border of South Ossetia. Total of 272 soldiers will be deployed on the eight checkpoints of the first line,” he declared, and added that there will be a buffer zone between these two lines. Nogovitsin did not give any other details or specifics about the exact area of the zone; however he said that the town of Gori would not be included in the zone.

11:00 Ambassador of France to Georgia Eric Fournier is being blocked near Gori by Russian troops on his way from Satchkhere to Tbilisi and is prevented to continue his drive. He has been allowed to continue at 13:00.

10:30 Russian troops dig entrenchments in Poti

• Russian occupants start digging entrenchments in Poti. Russian `BMP` armored tanks and `URAL` trucks are located at the Nabadi territory at the entrance of the city

As reported, Russian troops open fire on Humanitarian Airplanes above Gori.

Another illegal act carried out by the Russian Federation’s armed forces

2008-08-21T11:23:00.001+04:00

It has become known that the Russian Federation’s armed forces illegally stationed on the territory of Georgia are mounting yet another provocation. In particular, Russian servicemen with the use of appropriate equipment are building a fixed control checkpoint on the Senaki-Poti highway, in the vicinity of the entrance to Poti, on the so-called 7th kilometer.

The aforesaid fact indicates the Russian side’s yet another attempt to proceed with and further expand its military intervention in and occupation of the territory of Georgia. It needs to be noted that Poti is located approximately 30 kilometers from the conflict zone of Abkhazia and approximately 160 kilometers from the conflict zone of the Tskhinvali region.

Against the background of the Russian Federation’s statement made at the highest level, actual facts of withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Georgia point quite to the contrary.

We once again call on the international community to employ all resources at its disposal to put an end to Russian aggression.

Georgian Foreign Minister holds bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministerial Session in Brussels

2008-08-21T11:22:00.002+04:00

On the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministerial Session on the situation in Georgia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili held a number of bilateral meetings at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

On 19 August 2008, the Georgian Foreign Minister met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France Bernard Kouchner, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Maxime Verhagen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Ivailo Kalfin and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.

The same day a working dinner was held with the foreign Ministers of the New Group of Friends. The Georgian Foreign Minister also met with OSCE Chairman-in-office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Alexander Stubb and High Representative of the Common and Security Policy of the European Union Javier Solana.

During these meetings, Minister Tkeshelashvili provided her foreign colleagues with exhaustive information on the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Georgia and the ongoing occupation. It was underlined that Russia continues naval and transport blockade disrupting military as well as civilian infrastructure and inflicting irreparable economic damage on the country.

The foreign diplomats unequivocally reaffirmed their support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the necessity of Russia’s unconditional compliance with its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, envisaging, in particular, immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the Georgian territory. The Alliance member states were unanimous in pledging their support for Georgia in various important fields.

The countries also expressed their readiness for active involvement in terms of providing humanitarian assistance and carrying out restoration works on the territory of Georgia.

On the UN Security Council Session

2008-08-21T11:22:00.001+04:00

On 19 August 2008, in New York, on the initiative of the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, an emergency session of the UN Security Council was held to deal with the tense situation in the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and other parts of Georgia.

Permanent Representative of Georgia to UN Irakli Alasania addressed the Security Council session acquainting its members in detail with the existing situation in Georgia. He asserted that the Russian Federation is carrying out a massive military intervention in Georgia and urged the Council members for action.

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet expressed their deep concern over the situation in Georgia and called on the Russian Federation for immediate compliance with the commitments undertaken on the basis of the ceasefire agreement.

Representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium and Costa Rica also registered unanimously their support for the principles of Georgia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders and urged Russia for adherence to the commitments under the ceasefire agreement and immediate withdrawal of its troops from the territory of Georgia.

The Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations developed a draft resolution of the UN Security Council, which should provide legal guarantees for the fulfillment of the peace agreement reached between Georgia and Russia.

Despite the commitment undertaken by the Russian Federation at the highest level to fulfill this agreement, Russia’s Permanent Representative to UN V. Churkin insisted on removal of the key points of this agreement from the draft resolution, which made it impossible to adopt the document.

The international community should no longer be surprised at the fact that the Russian Federation, which in the 21st century occupied the territory of Georgia thus lifting the veil from the hitherto disguised priorities of its own foreign policy, does all in its power to prevent the UN Security Council from adopting a resolution that could make Russia give up on its designs.

Timeline for 20th August, to 22:30

2008-08-21T11:21:00.002+04:00

20 AUGUST

22:30 Russians reopen Gori check-points
• Russian troops reopen check-points in Gori that had been reportedly closed several hours before.

18:30 Russians drop fire-setting bombs 10 Km from Tbilisi
• In Kiketi, 10 km from Tbilisi, Russian military aircrafts drop fire-setting bombs, the forest in burning.

16:00 Russians occupy village in Chkhorotsku district, Samegrelo region, western Georgia
• Russians enter village Chogha of Chkhorotsku district, Samegrelo region, with armored vehicles and start digging the trenches.

15:30 Russians make checkpoint in the entrance of Poti.

14:00 Houses in Gori district burning
• Houses in village Dzevera in Gori district are burning. Besides, the Boshuri forest is also burning and the villages Bisi and Bobnevi are under danger.

13:00 Russian militaries try to prevent Matyas Eorsi from entering Gori
• Representative of the Council of Europe Matyas Eorsi is prevented by Russian militaries from entering Gori. After long dispute he entered the city, and was stopped again on his way back.

12:00 Governor of Shida Kartli arrested
• Representative of President-Governor of Shida Kartli Lado Vardzelashvili is arrested by Russian militaries at one of illegal Russian checkpoints as he was trying to release the trucks with humanitarian aid to the population of Gori district. He was released from detention after two hours.

Russian militaries do not allow the trucks with humanitarian aid to enter village Karaleti in Gori district.

11:00 Russian militaries occupy village in Sachkhere district, Imereti region, western Georgia
• Russian militaries occupy the village of Perevi, Sachkhere district, Imereti region. Over 50 Russian soldiers and three tanks are stationed there. It is reported that aggressors urge the population to get out of their houses and flee the village.

Vashadze received members of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia

2008-08-21T11:20:00.001+04:00

On 20 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received members of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Sandra Kalniete and Karlis Sadurskis. The meeting was attended by Director of the European Affairs’ Department Kakha Sikharulidze and II Secretary of the same Department Eka Chokheli.

The guests once again reiterated the support of Latvia and the people of Latvia towards the territorial integrity of Georgia and emphasized that the aim of their visit is to support the Georgian people.

The sides respectively assessed the recent developments in Georgia and touched upon the possible ways out of the present situation.

The Latvian side stressed that the Latvian people maintain firm in supporting Georgia and its foreign policy goals and expressed its hope for the normalization of situation in the nearest future.

Vashadze met with EU Special Representative for South Caucasus

2008-08-21T11:19:00.000+04:00

On 20 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze met with EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby.

The sides focused on the European Union’s role in resolving the issue of immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied territory of Georgia and expressed their support for the unwavering principle of the international community’s respect for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Georgian Deputy Minister emphasized that Russia’s foreign policy is based on aggression the key instruments of which are conduction of ethnic cleansing in the neighbouring countries and complete destruction of their national economies.

Mr. Vashadze provided the European side, upon the latter’s request, with detailed information on the demographic composition of the Tskhinvali region prior to and after the Russian-Georgian conflict.

MFA reply to News-Georgia Agency

2008-08-21T11:18:00.000+04:00

Question: In his interview to Vremya Novostey, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko accused Georgia of gross violation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, the preamble of which reads that conscious of the need to prevent any military conflict, the state parties refrain from the use of force. How will you assess this statement?

Reply: It needs to be emphasized first of all that the Georgian side considers the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe as a cornerstone of the system of European security and strictly adheres to each of the Treaty-stipulated commitments.

As for Mr. Grushko’s comment, such absurd accusations take on a particularly cynical overtone when voiced by an official of the state, which has unleashed a large-scale military aggression against its neighbouring sovereign state, occupying a considerable part of its territory and conducting ethnic cleansing there.

It would be expedient for the Russian side to recall, while making similar statements, the so-called military operation Russia carried out in Chechnia, which entailed dire humanitarian consequences.

Furthermore, it is Russia’s non-fulfillment of its international commitments (Istanbul commitments) that has blocked the entry into force of the adapted CFE Treaty for so many years. Moreover, in December 2007 Russia violated the CFE Treaty by imposing a moratorium on its implementation thus putting the system of European security under serious threat.

NATO Foreign Ministerial Session

2008-08-21T11:17:00.002+04:00

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia welcomes the statement adopted by the NATO Foreign Ministerial Session on the situation in Georgia.

A special reference should be made to the Alliance’s unqualified support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Of paramount importance to Georgia is NATO’s firm position on the urgency of unconditional implementation of the ceasefire agreement and immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Georgia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses its gratitude to the Alliance member states for their readiness to render humanitarian and economic assistance to Georgia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia commends the Alliance’s decision to set up a NATO-Georgia Commission and expresses readiness to start, after reaching an agreement on respective modalities, active cooperation in this format in near future.

Georgia is determined to continue cooperation with the Alliance in the frames of Intensified Dialogue on Membership Issues and expresses hope that its relations with NATO will move to a qualitatively higher level of Membership Action Plan (MAP).

Georgian military servicemen taken hostage at the Poti seaport

2008-08-21T11:17:00.001+04:00

On August 19, 2008, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Colonel-General A. Nogovitsyn stated that the Russian peacekeepers had apprehended and disarmed twenty heavily armed Georgian paramilitaries, who were driving Hummer type five military vehicles (HAMVEE).

The above statement is slanderous and does not adequately reflect the real state of affairs.

In accordance with the ceasefire agreement, Georgian troops are returning to the places of their previous deployment. In particular, on 19 August, at 01:00, a small Georgian unit including 20 servicemen equipped with light weaponry was deployed at a small-sized military base next to one of the private terminals of the Poti Port.

On August 19, at 08:30 am, a column of Russian heavy military vehicles once again invaded the Poti seaport, which is a private-owned facility, and the Russian military unit took hostage the Georgian soldiers deployed there.

During withdrawal from the facility, Russian soldiers took with them five Hummer type military vehicles, which belong to the Armed Forces of the United States and were prepared for transportation to the United States. The above vehicles were brought to Georgia back in July, as US side needed them for participation in the international training "Immediate Response-2008”.

When moving out from the seaport territory, the Russian militaries blindfolded and placed several Georgian military servicemen on the Russian military vehicles to use them as "live shields”.

Thus, the General Nogovitsyn’s statement, according to which the heavily armed Georgian paramilitaries were allegedly imprisoned on August 18, by the Russian military servicemen deployed at the Russian peacekeeping check-point, is absolutely false and misleading.

It should be stressed as well that the Poti seaport is located far beyond the area envisaged in the ceasefire agreement brokered by the President of France; as a matter of fact, the above facility is situated approximately 30 kilometers away from the administrative border of Abkhazian region and 160 kilometers away from the administrative border of so-called South Ossetia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia strongly demands the Russian side to immediately release the illegally imprisoned Georgian military servicemen.

More military monitoring officers

2008-08-20T13:37:00.001+04:00

On 19 August 2008 the Permanent Council of the OSCE adopted the decision on increasing the number of Military Monitoring Officers in the OSCE Mission to Georgia by up to one hundred. The OSCE Member States have decided that 20 MMOs will be deployed immediately in the areas adjacent to South Ossetia. As regards to the rest of the additional MMOs, the modalities for their deployment are to be proposed by the OSCE Chairmanship, Finland without delay.

By deployment of additional OSCE Military Monitoring Officers in Georgia, the international mechanism is starting to operate, as stipulated by the cease-fire accord signed by the Georgian and Russian sides under the mediation of the President of France. According to paragraph 5 of the accord, "while awaiting an international mechanism, the Russian forces will implement additional security measures” in the conflict zone.

Furthermore, the deployment of the OSCE Military Monitoring Officers in Georgia implies that the Russian Federation, first of all, must withdraw unconditionally and without delay all its military forces from Georgia, and in parallel to this, immediately stop implementing aforementioned "additional security measures” carried out by so called peacekeepers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia would like to underline the active input and leading role of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, without which it would be impossible to reach consensus on such decision. The Georgian side expresses its hope that the Russian Federation will comply with its obligations in good faith and abstain from impeding further decisions, essential for meeting all obligations under the cease-fire accord.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Georgia

2008-08-19T18:49:00.000+04:00

On 19 August 2008, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grigol Vashadze met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.

The sides discussed the issues of Russia’s military intervention in Georgia and assistance for internally displaced persons emerging as a consequence. The focus of discussions was the rendering of humanitarian assistance to the affected people.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees expressed his readiness to provide maximum amount of assistance, both material and human resources, to Georgia. Mr. Guterres pledged support in ensuring unconditional and dignified return of displaced persons.

The Georgian side underlined that the Russian Federation is engaged in deliberate efforts to destroy Georgian infrastructure with the use of military means at its disposal. The Russian side tries to legalize the consequences of the occupation. In the final analysis, it is obvious that Russia has taken up a path of military aggression and ethnic cleansing in its foreign policy.

The sides agreed to continue consultations with respect to the aforesaid issues.

Russian Armed Forces Moved into Satchkhere

2008-08-19T18:45:00.000+04:00

On August 19, 2008 Russian several armored vehicles of the Russian armed forces moved into Satchkhere, and attempted to enter the military base located there. They were turned back by Georgian police, which blocked the road with the patrol cars. Before leaving the territory Russian soldiers threatened that they would return with more vehicles and troops in order to destroy the military base. According to our information, reinforced Russian troops and military technique is currently moving towards the Satchkhere military base, which is located beyond the conflict zones, in the Western part of Georgia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia would like to underline that in accordance with the point 4 of the cease-fire agreement signed by President Saakashvili on August 15, Georgian armed forces returned to their permanent bases of deployment, including the Satchkhere military base. Therefore, an attempt of the Russian armed forces to assault the Sathckhere base is another provocation undertaken by the Russian side.

This provocation has a clear aim of stirring the spiral of further violence and bloodshed between Russia and Georgia. Georgia is currently undertaking all the obligations it undertook by signing the cease-fire accord. Unfortunately we can not say the same about the Russian side, which has not withdrawn its armed forces from the territory of Georgia; moreover, they are continuing entering various cities, destroying military and civilian infrastructure, looting and robbing peaceful population, dropping fire bombs on the forrests, blowing up bridges, establishing new illegal checkpoints on the highways, et cetera.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia strongly calls upon the Russian Federation to immediately start implementing the principles set forth in the cease-fire accord and withdraw all its armed forces to the places of their deployment before the outbreak of the hostilities. More precisely, we call upon the Russian Federation government to immediately recall back their troops which are currently heading towards Satchkhere. We also call upon the international community to take urgent measures to stop continuous Russian provocations, and make sure that Russian armed forces leave the territory of Georgia.

Moscow chooses ethnic cleansing

2008-08-19T18:41:00.001+04:00

We would like to focus the international community’s attention on the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding on the territories occupied by the Russian armed forces.

There has been no decline in ethnically based mass robbery, persecution and slaughter of people on the Russian-occupied territories. As a consequence, ethnic Georgians are forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in the cities under the control of the Georgian Authorities. An added complication is the fact that Russian servicemen deny representatives of the international humanitarian organizations and mass media access to the territories still remaining under their control.

Apart from servicemen, urgent involvement of subdivisions of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in the ethnic cleansing process provides evidence that we are faced with a crime that has been planned previously and then carried out in keeping with this plan. One of the goals of the Russian-claimed ‘peace operation’ was to make hostage over 200 thousand ethnic Georgians.

Moscow has decisively chosen ethnic cleansing as an instrument for achieving its own political aims.

Timeline for 19th August, to 14:50

2008-08-19T16:57:00.001+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to verification.

19 AUGUST

14:50 Russian troops started movement from Gomi in Sachkhere direction. Local population blocked the road.

13:50 Russians troops where observed half an hour ago leading 6 blindfolded Georgian POWs and six US owned Hummers to the military base in Senaki from Poti. Hummers belonging to American military participated in US-Georgian military exercise “Immediate Response 2008” held in Georgia on 15th-31st of July 2008.

12:30 On the railroad in Gomi, 100 kms from Tbilisi, Russians have loaded blocks of concrete on rails, thus creating another obstacle for re-launch of West-East traffic.

09:00 According today’s Russian media, Government of Russia closed borders with Azerbaijan and Georgia for foreigners, except CIS citizens. Decree from 12th of August ^no592, was signed by Prime Minister Putin.

01:00 20 Georgian police entered Poti for protection of the commercial port. At 08:30 Russian militaries entered the port, disarmed Georgian soldiers and captured them.

Georgia's withdrawal from CIS

2008-08-19T11:48:00.001+04:00

On 14 August 2008 the Parliament of Georgia adopted resolutions terminating with respect to Georgia the Agreement on the Creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States of 8 December 1991, Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States approved by decision of 22 January 1993 of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Agreement on the Creation of Economic Union of 24 September 1993.

On 18 August 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia sent a note to the CIS Executive Committee notifying it of the aforesaid resolutions of the Parliament of Georgia and Georgia’s withdrawal from CIS.

Georgia hereby renounces all obligations related to its membership of CIS as of 18 August 2008. At the same time, in compliance with the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, all multilateral international treaties concluded within CIS and all decisions adopted by CIS respective agencies, which Georgia agreed to be bound by, will remain in force with respect to Georgia.

Russians block main highway

2008-08-19T10:55:00.001+04:00

As a result of Russian aggression against Georgia, the main highway of Georgia (M-27) has been kept closed by the occupation forces of the Russian Federation for several days. They have also blocked the seaport in Poti and blasted the segment of the main railway line at Kaspi. This measure is aimed at economic isolation of Georgia and impeding connection between its regions. The transit traffic is temporarily halted and the import limited, as a result of which innocent population suffers.

Even though the Government of Georgia has sufficient economic and financial resources at its disposal to overcome these problems, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to draw the attention of the international community to the fact that the Government of the Russian Federation is using military means at hand to enclose Georgia with economic blockade.

Witnessing these actions, it should be absolutely obvious to the international community that the Russian Federation chose destruction of economy with the use of military force as an instrument for implementing its foreign policy.

Statement of The Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia

2008-08-18T22:45:00.000+04:00

To all Foreign Diplomatic Representations in Georgia

To UNDP

To OSCE

To USAID

To KfW

To PAN Parks Organization

To the World Bank

To the GEF

To IUCN International

To WWF International

To CENN

To GCCW

The Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia urgently tries to attract the attention of all relevant international organizations to the dramatic situation created in Georgia with regard to the forest burning in several regions of the country as a result of Russian bombing, particularly in Borjomi region, where unique forests are burning creating danger also to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park which is situated in immediate proximity to these forests.

On August 15, after the attack of Russian military forces' helicopters, fire started in the Borjomi region forests affecting some part of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Since Saturday (August 16) we have been trying to put out the fire in Borjomi region forests, but almost 200 ha of unique forest is already burnt. The aim was to create an ecological catastrophe in the country.

All local recourses: fire brigades, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park stuff, Environment Inspectorate and local communities are involved in putting out the fire. The situation is quite dramatic since fire has caused great losses in biodiversity.

Since the morning of the eighteenth of August fire fighting aircraft from Turkey are already assisting to put out the fire. While the Ukraine and Azerbaijan, both are ready to do the same. Fire engines and fire brigades from Tbilisi are ready to enter the region, but highway from the capital of Georgia to Gori-Borjomi direction is under the Russian military forces control.

To avoid ecological catastrophe in the region we are calling all interested organizations' attention to react to the situation in Borjomi region.

The Ministry is asking for your help to convince Russian to open air and terrestrial corridor, which would let fire fighting aircraft, fire engines and fire brigades enter the Borjomi District and make possible putting out the fire there.

RF delays in the withdrawal of its military forces

2008-08-18T22:44:00.001+04:00

On 18 August 2008 the Russian occupation forces re-entered the territory of the Senaki military base and started exploding the available infrastructure.

Furthermore, over several days the Russian military forces continue installing landmines on the territories, bridges adjacent to the cities of Gori, Khashuri, Senaki, Poti and Zugdidi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia declares that by its actions, along with persistent delay in the withdrawal of its forces from Georgia, the Russian side is gravely violating the conditions provided for by the peace accord signed by the presidents of Georgia, France and the Russian Federation, according to which the Russian side should have immediately ceased all military activities in Georgia and withdrawn all of its military units from the Georgian territory.

RF chose destruction of economy with the use of military force and ethnic cleansing

2008-08-18T22:37:00.001+04:00

As it was indicated in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia dated 13 August 2008, representatives of Abkhazia’s separatist authorities profited from the escalated situation in the Tskhinvali region and, in violation of all agreements and treaties signed up to this day and with the assistance of Russian invaders, occupied Upper Abkhazia and conducted a mass cleansing of the region’s ethnic Georgian population.

The Russian Federation’s troops have gone beyond the security zone. Currently there are approximately 9,000 Russian servicemen and their hardware and military equipment stationed in Abkhazia’s adjacent Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region and Poti. Divisions of the occupation army are looting state buildings and population, mining and exploding bridges, transport and economic infrastructure.

Military and civilian vessels have been sunk in the Poti port, warehouses – robbed, docks – exploded. Exact amount of damage is difficult to calculate due to the presence of armed invaders in the region.

Russian ‘peacekeepers’ have not even tried to prevent the movement of Abkhazian separatists thus violating their mandated obligations, which were affirmed already on 10 August 2008 by the UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet at an emergency session of the UN Security Council held in New York.

It needs to be emphasized that such actions of the Abkhaz separatists and Russian ‘peacekeepers’ represent a gross violation of the 1994 Moscow Agreement on Ceasefire and Separation of Forces and all resolutions on the existing situation in Abkhazia, Georgia adopted by the UN Security Council.

Both the Russian Federation and representatives of Abkhazia’s separatist authorities call on the Georgian side for compliance with the agreement, which they have themselves ‘trampled’ without the slightest hesitation.

It is absolutely obvious to the international community that the Russian Federation chose destruction of economy with the use of military force and ethnic cleansing as an instrument for implementing its foreign policy.

Official Statement on War Prisoners' Exchange

2008-08-18T18:54:00.001+04:00

The Russian side spreads information that the Georgian side failed negotiations on exchanging the war prisoners'. This is obviously false accusation.

The Georgian side has confirmed several times its readiness on immediate exchanging of war prisoners according to the principle All to All. But unfortunately, the Russian side refuses to fulfill this principle.

The list of war prisoners handed by the Russian side is controversial and unclear. Some of those persons registered in the list had been already released for a long time. The most important is that according to the clarified information the number of Georgian war prisoners is much more.

Once more we confirm our readiness on immediate exchange of war prisoners according to the principle All to All.

Map of Russian military units in Georgia

2008-08-18T17:25:00.001+04:00

Timeline for 18th August, to 18:30

2008-08-18T17:23:00.005+04:00

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to verification.

18 AUGUST

18:30 Russian armored vehicles have moved from Igoeti to the village of Odzisi south of Akhalgori.

17:30 Russian military plane entered Georgian airspace from North near Stefantsminda (Kasbegi). It flew towards Jinvali dam, overflew it and returned.

17:30 Georgian police check point attacked by Russian Military near Igoeti. Tanks run over police cars.

Russian armored vehicles began movement from Igoeti towards Akhalgori. On the checkpoint of Georgian police they crashed police cars and continued their movement towards Akhalgori.

16:00 Russian military are exploding barracks and other installations of the Senaki military base.

13:00 Russian Troops start movement towards Sachkhere and Borjomi.

11:00 Russian Troops Blocked Road near Kaspi Again.

Bombing chronology

2008-08-18T13:43:00.001+04:00

August 12, 2008

(43) 09.30-10.55 Bombing of Gori (Central Square and Market).

August 11, 2008

(42) 07:15 Senaki airport runway and Senaki military base were bombed by Russian jets.
(41) 06:10 Gori tank battalion is bombed. A civilian apartment building nearby has been hit.
(40) 05:00 Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District on the east of the country is bombed by Russian jets.
(39) 04:37 Civilian radar station in the village of Leninisi in 5 kilometers from downtown Tbilisi was partially destroyed by Russian jet.
(38) 04:30 The Central Command Center of Georgian Air Forces was bombed.
(37) 03:26 Russian jets bombed Kodori Gorge (Upper Abkhazia).
(36) 03:12 Territory adjustment to military base in Khelvachauri (near Georgian-Turkish border) was bombed.
(35) 03:05 Villages of Sharabidzeebi, Kapandichi and Makho near Batumi (Georgian-Turkish border) were bombed by Russian planes. Graveyard and villagers’ backyard have been hit. No casualties reported.
(34) 00:31 Russian jets bombed Kodori Gorge (Upper Abkhazia).
(33) 00:30 Civilian radar station in the village of Shavshvebi west of Gori is bombed by Russian planes.

August 10, 2008

(32) 20:25 Two jets bombed Kodori Gorge (Upper Abkhazia).
(31) 19:35 Two jets bombed Senaki (West Georgia).
(30) 19:10 "Tbilaviamsheni" aviation factory was bombarded by Russian aviation again.
(29) 19:05 Russian aviation dropped bomb on Tbilisi Civil Airport.
(28) 16:10 Russian aviation bombarded only remaining bridge on the Highway linking eastern and western parts of the country. There was a fire on the bridge. Fire is extinguished. The traffic is restored.
(27) 16:05 Gori is being bombed by Russian aviation.
(26) 15:10 Russian troops and Abkhaz separatists launch ground attack on Upper Abkhazia. The region is being bombed by Russian aviation.
(25) 15:00 Russian aircrafts bomb the village of Knolevi in the northern Kareli district.
(24) 11:15 The village of Shavshvebi between Gori and Kareli have been bombed by Russian aviation.
(23) 08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet has been downed by Georgian Government troops.
(22) 07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.
(21) 05:45 Russian jet entered Georgian airspace from Dagestan and dropped 3 Bombs on Tbilisi airplane factory.

August 9, 2008

(20) 22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.
(19) 16:35 Oni was bombarded by Russian aviation.
(18) 14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.
(17) 12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.
(16) 10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.
(15) 10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.
(14) 01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.
(13) 01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.
(12) 00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone. Two air bombs didn’t explode.
(11) 00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.
(10) 00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily. One hydrographic vessel has been sunk.

August 8, 2008

(9) 18:45 Georgian Gori artillery brigade is bombarded by 5 Russian airplanes.
(8) 17:35 Marneuli military airbase, 20 kilometers south of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone, is bombed for the third time resulting in 1 death and 4 injured. As a result of three bombings, three grounded AN-2 type planes and military vehicles stationed there are destroyed.
(7) 17:00 Marneuli military airbase is bombed for the second time causing casualties.
(5)(6) 16.30 Russian aviation bombs Marneuli and Bolnisi military airbases, 20 kilometers and 35 kilometers south of Tbilisi respectively. Two aircrafts were destroyed on ground. Also several buildings were destroyed and there are casualties.
(4) 15:05 Russian military plane enters Georgia from the direction of Tedzami, just south of Gori, and drop two bombs on the Vaziani military airport and turned back.
(3) 10:57 Two of the six Russian aircraft drop three bombs in Gori. One of these fell near the stadium, the second near Gorijvari slope and third near a artillery brigade.
(2) 10:30 Russian Su-24 bombs the village of Variani in the Kareli district, 75 kilometers west of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone. Seven civilians were injured as a result.
(1) 09:45 A Russian military fighter plane drops about 3-5 bombs near the village of Shavshvebi, on the highway between Poti and Tbilisi and is 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

Timeline for August 17th, to 19:30

2008-08-18T10:44:00.000+04:00

17 August

19:30 More bridges mined by Russian Military in Kaspi district
Russian soldiers are mining two local bridges in Kaspi district.

16:30 Supsa oil terminal approached by Russian armored vehicle
One Russian armored vehicle approaches the Supsa oil terminal on the Black Sea coast.

14:05 Russians are mining roads in Svaneti
Russian troops are mining the road and bridges south of Mestia, Svaneti region.

13:25 Russian military helicopters land in Senaki
Eight Russian military helicopters have landed at the Senaki military base.

11:30 Russians withdraw from Senaki base
Russian troops left Senaki base and are moving towards the entrance of villages Rekha and Menji nearby.

11:25 More Ossetian militants enter the town of Akhalgori, 40kms Northwest from Tbilsi
According to information received from the head of administration of Akhalgori district, another 60 Ossetian militants have entered the town of Akhalgori.

10:45 Russian troops enter Senaki military base once again
21 Ural type Russian military tracks and 4 armored vehicles accompanied by 1 helicopter have entered Senaki military base.

Russian disinformation regarding Gori

2008-08-18T10:39:00.002+04:00

Russian information agencies quoted today an unnamed source at the Ministry of Defence of Russia as saying, that “according to the existing reconnaissance an armed group consisting of Georgians, Ukrainian nationalists and Chechen terrorists now in Georgia is planned to be set up near city of Gori. They will be handed over the Russian military uniforms and sent to the city, where they will start looting and humiliate the local population”. According to the same unknown source “all this will be filmed on video cameras and distributed to world society as “brutality of Russian soldiers”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia declares that Russian Federation continues to spread deliberate disinformation by the help of state controlled Russian information agencies and intends to conceal its own aggression.

As far as the Georgian territories near city of Gori are completely under control of the Russian occupation forces, this kind of information in its meaning could contain only the premeditated Russian provocation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls upon the international society not to be misled with the disinformation spread by the Russian information agencies.

Timeline of Events - Russians Invasion & Occupation of Georgia

2008-08-18T10:38:00.000+04:00

As of 21:30, August 16, 2008, 21:30

The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge,
but is subject to verification.

1 AUGUST

A pickup truck carrying six Georgian police officers is blown up by separatists.
• At 08:00, a pickup truck carrying six Georgian police officers is hit by two remote-control explosive devices on the Eredvi-Kheiti bypass road linking Georgia proper with the Didi Liakhvi Gorge, a Georgian enclave north of the breakaway region’s capital Tskhinvali. Five of the six Georgian policemen are severely wounded.
• The Government of Georgia decides not to retaliate in order not to escalate the situation.

2 AUGUST

Six civilians and one Georgian policeman are injured by gunfire coming from South Ossetian territory controlled by Russian peacekeepers.
• Six civilians and one Georgian policeman are injured by gunfire coming from South Ossetian territory controlled by Russian peacekeepers, following the shelling of Georgian villages in the South Ossetian conflict zone overnight.
• The Georgian-controlled villages of Zemo Nikozi, Kvemo Nikozi, Nuli, Avnevi, Eredvi, and Ergneti come under intense fire from the South Ossetian separatists with large-caliber mortars.
• Georgian law enforcers initially shoot back in self-defense, but are soon ordered to cease fire in order not to escalate the situation.

3 AUGUST

The separatist government of South Ossetia begins evacuating civilians.A
• At 12:00, the South Ossetian separatist government announces the evacuation of more than 500 people, including about 400 children. However, Ermak Dzansolov, deputy prime minister of Russia’s North Ossetian Republic, tells Russia’s Interfax news agency that this is not in fact an evacuation. He explains that the children had long planned to attend a summer-camp program in North Ossetia.
• Russian media outlets, meanwhile, launch a massive propaganda campaign to whip up public sentiment against Georgia.
• At 13:00, the South Ossetian separatist government calls for the mobilization of volunteers across the North Caucasus.

4 & 5 AUGUST

Throughout both days, separatist forces in territories controlled by Russian peacekeepers fire on villages inhabited by ethnic Georgians loyal to the pro-Georgian South Ossetia government. No casualties are reported.

6 AUGUST

16:00. Separatists reject plea for negotiations and refuse to meet with Georgia’s envoy for conflict resolution, Temur Yakobashvili, who has traveled to Tskinvali to meet with them.
• Temur Yakobashvili, Georgia’s chief negotiator and its state minister for reintegration, says in late-night televised remarks that the Georgian government is seeking a direct dialogue with the separatist authorities in order to reverse the deteriorating security situation. Mr. Yakobashvili says that Russia’s Ambassador-at-large Yuri Popov would attend the talks as a facilitator. The South Ossetian chief negotiator, Boris Chochiev, refuses to take part in any negotiations.

20:00. South Ossetian para-militaries open mortar fire on villages inhabited by ethnic Georgians.
• Separatists open mortar fire on Georgian populated villages of Eredvi, Prisi, Avnevi, Dvani, and Nuli. Georgian government forces fire back in order to defend their positions and the civilian population.
• As a result of intensive cross-fire during the night, two servicemen of the Georgian battalion of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces are injured. The separatist regime also claims several of their forces are hurt.
• Despite these provocative, targeted attacks on peaceful civilians and on Georgian police and peacekeeping forces, the Government of Georgia decides not to respond with heavy fire, in order not to injure civilians.

7 AUGUST

09:00. South Ossetian separatist government leader threatens to “clean Georgians out” from the region.
• In a morning interview with Russian news agencies, South Ossetian de facto president Eduard Kokoity declares that if the Georgian government does not withdraw its military forces from the region, he would start “to clean them out.” The Georgian military forces to which he refers are peacekeepers who are legally present in the South Ossetia conflict zone.

09:45. A Russian military jet drops bombs near a Georgian military radar based 30 kilometers outside of the conflict zone.
• According to local civilian witnesses, at about 09.45, a fighter plane, presumed to be Russian (it enters Georgia from the South Ossetian conflict zone) drops 3-5 bombs near the village of Shavshvebi, approximately 300-500 meters from the location of a Georgian military radar.

15:00. For the second time in two days, the separatist government of South Ossetia refuses to negotiate with Georgian envoy Temur Yakobashvili, who again travels to Tskhinvali to plead for peace.
• Yakobashvili visits the conflict zone in the morning of August 7 to meet with representatives of the separatist government. The separatists refuse to meet or negotiate with him. Instead, Yakobashvili confers in Tskhinvali with Marat Kulakhmetov, commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces.

16:00. Three Georgian servicemen from the Georgian peacekeeping battalion are injured by paralimitary troops.
• Separatist militia resume shelling the Georgian villages of Nuli and Avnevi.
• Three Georgian servicemen are injured after the South Ossetian separatist forces blow up an infantry combat vehicle belonging to the Georgian peacekeeping battalion in Avnevi.
• Georgian police respond by firing towards the separatist militia in the village of Khetagurovo, where two separatist militiamen are killed and two more wounded.
• Later, the Georgian peacekeeping checkpoint in Avnevi is bombed and several Georgian servicemen and civilians are killed.

18:30. The President of Georgia announces a unilateral cease fire.
• Georgia announces a unilateral ceasefire in an attempt by the Government to defuse tensions. Temur Yakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration and envoy for conflict resolution, says at a press conference at 18:40 that he is continually seeking to contact the separatist authorities, but without success.

20:00. President Saakashvili calls on Russia to recall those of its officials who are members of the South Ossetia separatist government.
• President Saakashvili, speaking with journalists at the military hospital in Gori (where he is visiting two injured Georgian servicemen), reaffirms that despite the deadly attacks on Georgian villages, the Government of Georgia is showing maximum restraint. The President also calls on Russia to “to recall its officials” from South Ossetia, who are members of the so-called South Ossetian government.

20:30. Despite Georgia’s unilateral cease-fire, the village of Avnevi in the South Ossetia conflict zone— inhabited by ethnic Georgians— is totally destroyed by mortar fire.
• Despite Georgia’s unilateral ceasefire, the Georgian village of Avnevi again comes under fire from South Ossetian militiamen. The village is totally destroyed.

21:00. The Security Council of the separatist government threatens to employ Russian Cossack mercenary troops fight Georgian peacekeepers.
• The chairman of the separatist republic’s Security Council, Anatoly Barankevich, says that armed Cossack militia from North Ossetia are heading towards South Ossetia to fight Georgian peacekeepers.

22:30. Separatist paramilitaries attack the Georgian-controlled village of Prisi, leaving several civilians wounded.

23:30. Heavy shelling by separatist forces destroy Georgian police stations on the administrative border of South Ossetia.
• Separatist authorities open fire on all Georgian checkpoints around the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali at about 23:30, including those located near the villages of Tamarasheni and Kurta. The police stations in the Georgian Kurta is destroyed as a result of heavy shelling.

23:30. 100 Russian armored vehicles and Russian troops invade Georgia, crossing the Roki Tunnel from Russia into Georgia
• The Government of Georgia receives reliable information from three separate sources that approximately 100 armored vehicles and trucks of the Russian armed forces, filled with Russian soldiers, are passing from Russia over the border of Georgia through the Roki Tunnel and are heading towards Tskhinvali. The Russian Federation is thus directly violating the sovereignty of Georgia, as these new forces are regular Russian military and not peacekeepers.

8 AUGUST

Early morning. South Ossetian paramilitaries and Russian peacekeepers direct heavy fire on Georgian peacekeepers.
• intensive fire emanates from the Ossetian villages of Khetagurovo, Dmenisi, Sarabuki, and Ubiat. Separatist authorities continue shelling Georgian police and peacekeeping units with mortars and artillery. The Government of Georgia orders its forces to return only limited fire in order to defend their positions.

04:28. For the first time, and in response to the entry of Russian armed forces into Georgian sovereign territory, Georgian military (as opposed to Georgian peacekeepers) enter the conflict zone.
• Georgian government forces take control of six villages in the Tskhinvali region: Muguti, Dmenisi, Didmukha, Okona, Akut, and Kohati and enter the village of Khetagurovo.

05:30. Additional Russian troops enter Georgia through the Roki Tunnel in South Ossetia. They pass Java, cross the Gufta Bridge, and advance one the Dzara road towards Tskhinvali.

08:00. Russian troops on the Gufta Bridge, connecting Djava and Tskhinvali, are the targets of a Georgian aerial bombardment.
• Later, two more groups of Russian troops enter South Ossetia through the Roki Tunnel, which connects Russia and Georgia, but cannot cross the Gufta Bridge, which has been destroyed; they advance instead by the Geri-Dmenisi road.

09:00. Georgian forces control the villages of Gromi, Artsevi, Tsinagara, Znauri, Sarabuki, Khetagurovo, Atotsi, Kvemo Okuna, Dmenisi, Muguti, and Didmukha.

09.45. A Russian military fighter plane bombs a Georgian military radar that lies 30 kilometers outside of the conflict zone.

10.30. Seven civilians are injured by bombs dropped by Russian Su-24 fighter jets on the village of Variani in the Kareli district, 75 kilometers west of Tbilisi and 20 kilometers outside of the conflict zone.

10.50. Six Russian Su-24 fighter jets enter Georgia from the Russian Federation.

10:57. Russian aircraft drop three bombs on the town of Gori, well outside of the conflict zone.
• One bomb falls near the Gori stadium, a second near the Gorijvari slope, and a third near an artillery brigade.

11:45. The emergency service of the Civil Aviation Authority reports receiving a signal from what is presumed to be a Russian fighter plane that has crashed near the Iuri range, 17 kilometers south of Gori.

11.45 Four Su-24 Russian fighter jets enter Georgia.
• Four Su-24 Russian fighter jet enter Georgia from the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbeg), northeast of the Roki Tunnel and outside of the conflict zone. Two of them pass Tbilisi and circle around Marneuli, south of Tbilisi. The other two circle above Gudauri, north of Tbilisi.

12.05. A Russian Su-24 fighter jet enters Georgian air pace from Russia and remains over Tskhinvali until 12.15.

13:00. Part of Tskhinvali comes under the control of the Georgian army and fighting continues in the center of the city.

14.15. The Government of Georgia announces a three-hour ceasefire.
• The Georgian government announces a ceasefire from 15.00 till 18.00 to allow civilians to leave Tskhinvali. The Government of Georgia offers the separatists full amnesty and humanitarian aid if they surrender.

14.30. Georgian government forces control Tskhinvali; resistance comes from small militia groups.

15:05. A Russian airplane bombs Vaziani airfield on the outskirts of Tbilisi.
• A Russian bomber enters Georgia from the direction of Tedzami, just south of Gori, and drops two bombs on the Vaziani military airport.

16:00. Georgian servicemen surround the village of Znauri near Tskhinvali.
• About 40 police officers and reservists are trapped in Znauri school.

16.30. Russia bombs Georgian airfields south of Tbilisi.
• Russian planes bomb the Marneuli and Bolnisi military airbases, 20 kilometers and 35 kilometers south of Tbilisi respectively. Two Georgian aircraft are destroyed on ground, as are several buildings. There are numerous casualties.

17:00. The Georgian airbase at Marneuli, 20 kilometers from Tbilisi and outside the conflict zones, is bombed again, causing casualties.

17:35. Marneuli airbase bombed for a third time.
• The Marneuli airbase is bombed for a third time, resulting in 1 death and 4 injured. As a result of the three bombings, three AN-2 type planes and several military vehicles are destroyed.

18:32. Georgian villages come under Russian aerial and artillery fire.
• Frone Gorge, northeast of Tskinvali, comes under intensive artillery fire from Russian forces. The villages of Avnevi and Phrisi, in the Tskinvali region, are bombarded by Russian military aircraft.

18:44. Russian ground forces of the 58th Army attack Tskhinvali.
• A column of Russian tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks reach Tskinvali by the Dzara bypass road, 2 kilometers west of Tskhinvali. Russian forces open intensive fire on Georgian forces located in Tskhinvali and on neighboring heights. A second column, also having come from Russia via the Roki Tunnel, is stopped near the Georgian government-controlled area of Dmenisi, 7 kilometers north of Tskinvali. Russian forces open heavy fire on Georgian forces.

18:45. Five Russian airplanes bomb Georgian artillery brigade in Gori.

19:18. Georgian forces down Russian jet near Tskhinvali, one of 5 planes shot down during the day.

19:20. Russian jets pass over the town of Ambrolauri, outside of the conflict zone, 170 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi.

20:30. Georgian troops withdraw from Tskhinvali.
• After severe clashes, Georgian forces start to withdraw from the center of the town, holding their positions at its southern outskirts. Russian tanks enter the eastern part of Tskhinvali.

22:40. According to the data of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia Russian planes violated Georgian airspace a total of 22 times during the day.

9 August

00:12. Russians bomb vital port of Poti.
• Black Sea Poti port, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, outside the conflict zone, purely civilian infrastructure, is bombed heavily.

00:17. Russian air force attacks railway station and military base in town of Senaki.
• Railway station in Senaki is bombed and eight reported killed. Lightening bombs dropped on Senaki military base, 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi, outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed.

00:20 Russia bombs an airfield in the outskirts of Tbilisi.
• Vaziani military airfield, 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport outside the conflict zone, is bombed again.

01:00 Russian jets continue bombing of Poti port
• Poti port bombed for the second time.

01:20 Russian jets drop bombs close to BTC pipeline.
• Gatchiani, Gardabani district, 20 kilometers south-east of Tbilisi, close to the BTC pipeline, bombed. Pipeline not damaged.

10:00 Russian jets bomb Georgian airfields as Russian ground forces launch massive invasion of the country.
• Russian air force bombed Kopitnari airdrome, few kilometers from Kutaisi. 58th Russian Army, positioned in the North Caucasus, enters South Ossetian region. They engaged in battles with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

10:20 Russian jet shot down over Gori.
• One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi, outside the conflict zone. Pilot captured.

10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori

12:40 Russia bombs airfield near Kutaisi in Western Georgia.
• Kopitnari airport runway bombed again.

14:00 Russian aviation attacks Georgian airfield in Upper Abkhazia.
• Russian air force attacks Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome.

14:30 Parliament approves President’s Ordinance on Declaration of State of War and general mobilization.

15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announces launching of Upper Abkhazia shelling.

16:05 Four Russian jets overfly Upper Abkazia.

16:15 Russia sends navy to the Georgian coast.
• Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port.

16:35 Town of Oni, north of Georgia, outside conflict zone, bombed by Russian aviation.

16:40 Russian Navy prevents Moldovan Cargo Ship “Lotus – 1” carrying wheat from entering Poti Port.

19:45 Tskhinvali is under control of Georgian regular troops.

22:30 Russian air force bombs Chkhalta, administrative centre of Upper Abkhazia.
• Russian air force bombs Chkhalta, administrative centre of Upper Abkhazia. No casualties reported.

10 August

Early morning 6,000 Russian troops enter Georgia through Roki tunnel: 90 tanks, 150 Armored Personnel Carriers, 250 artillery gunships. 4,000 Russian troops land at port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, from Black Sea port of Sevastopol.

05:45 Tbilisi airplane factory bombed.
• Russian jet enters Georgian airspace from Dagestan and drops three bombs near Tbilisi airplane factory.

07:00 Georgian Government Forces withdraw from Tskhinvali.

07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.

08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet downed by Georgian troops.

14.00 Turkish TV crew attacked near Gori. Journalist wounded.

15:00 Russian airplanes bomb Knolevi village in the northern Kareli district on the main highway of the country.

15:10 Russian troops and Abkhaz separatists launch joint ground attack on Upper Abkhazia, supported by Russian aviation.

16:05 Gori bombed by Russian aviation.

16:10 Russia bombs a bridge on the central highway connecting Eastern and western parts of the country.
• Russian aviation bombed the only remaining bridge on the highway linking eastern and western parts of the country. Bridge on fire.

Afternoon
Russia establishes rules for Journalists’ access to the conflict zones
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation announces journalists required to have special accreditation from Ministry of Defense of RF and second accreditation from MFA of RF to enter Russian-Georgian conflict zone.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia - Mr. Karasin announces terms of ceasefire.

17:30 Georgian MFA hands diplomatic note on cease fire to Russian Embassy.

• Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hands diplomatic note to the Charge d’affaires of Russian Embassy Mr. Smag, informing about order of the president Georgia on unilateral cease-fire.

18:00 Russian Airplanes bomb Black Sea town of Anaklia in Zugdidi district.
• Town is located 280 kms from Tbilisi, near the Georgian – Abkhazian conflict zone. No casualties reported.

19:10 Second bombing of the aviation factory in Tbilisi “Tbilaviamsheni” by Russian aviation

Two journalists killed in Tskhinvali.
Journalist of Itar-Tass agency Alexander Klimchuk and Alanya TV editor Giga Chikhladze were taken hostages and murdered. The journalists entered Tskhinvali together with Georgian government forces.

11 August

00:30 Russian aviation bombs radar station near the Tbilisi-Poti highway.
• Civilian radar station in the village of Shavshvebi, west of Tbilisi, destroyed by Russian planes.

03:05 Villages near Batumi bombed by Russian planes.
• Cemetery and fields have been hit. No casualties reported. Villages are close to Georgian – Turkish boarder.

04:37 Civilian radar destroyed.
• Radar station located on Makhata mountain, 5 kilometers from downtown Tbilisi bombed by Russian planes

05:00 Russian aviation bombs Shiraki airfield in Kakheti Region, east of Tbilisi
• Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District close to Azerbaijanee boarder is one of the biggest airfields of Georgian aviation in the eastern part of the country.

06:10 Gori was bombed. Civilian apartment buildings were destroyed.

07:15 Senaki airport 230 kms from Tbilisi and main airfield of Georgian aviation in Western Georgia bombed by Russian airplanes.

10:00 Georgian village of Eredvi near Tskhinvali under fire of Russian artillery.

12:05 Russian Aviation attacks Georgian positions in Kodori Gorge.

• Russian aviation bombs Georgian servicemen in Upper Abkhazia, Kodori Gorge. Kodori gorge is the only territory controlled by Government of Georgia in Abkhazia.

13:30 President of Georgia agrees to sign ceasefire agreement.
• President Saakashvili agrees to sign ceasefire agreement, prepared by the foreign ministers of France, Finland and Georgia.

14:30 Senaki base bombed by Russian aviation.

17:00 Russian troops occupy Zugdidi
• Russian peacekeepers armed with heavy weaponry enter Zugdidi and occupy administrative buildings.

17:30 Russian Aviation bombs village Kere of Gori District.

18:20 Separatists occupy villages, take hostages
• Ossetian separatists enter village Beloti near Eredvi. They take hostage remaining civilian population and lock them in a local church.

18:10 Russian troops attack and occupy village Shindisi of Gori district.

19:00 A camp for IDPs set up in Tbilisi.

19:30 Russian troops advance deeper into Georgian territory from west and enter Senaki 210 Km away from Tbilisi, outside of the conflict zone.

20:10 Russian army units move towards city Gori.

20:26 Russians prevent Georgian ships from entering Georgian port
• Ministry of Economic Development is being notified that cargo ships “Castor” and “Asha” are prevented from entering Poti Port by Russian military forces.

20:30 Russian Army occupies Gori and cuts main highway connecting Western and Eastern parts of the country.

12 August

02:05 Russia bombs Kaspi, city outside conflict zone
• Russian aviation bombs Kaspi, 30 km from Tbilisi. 3 bombs dropped near the German owned Heidelberg Cement factory, one of the two cement factories in the country.

07:00 Russian airplanes bomb village of Tkviavi near Tskhinvali .

10:15 Russians bomb Gori, civilians killed, including one journalist
• Russian jets bomb the city of Gori, including the territory around administration building, hospital, and university and city market. 5 civilians died including one child and a doctor of the hospital, 15 injured. Cameraman Stan Storimans of Dutch TV killed. Filios Ftangos, journalist from a Greek TV channel and his driver wounded.

12:25 TBC Oil pipeline 5 km from the city of Rustavi bombed by Russian jets. No damage to the pipeline.

12:30 Vaziani base close to Tbilisi bombed by Russian planes.

13:25 Three Russian airplanes drop bombs on the village of Orchosani near Gori.

14:00 An ambulance vehicle targeted by Russian military bombs in village Agara (Khashuri region).

14:50 Village Sakoritno in Kaspi region and village Ruisi in Kareli region bombed by Russian jets.

15.00. Russian soldiers destroy and rob Georgian Coast Guard
• Georgian Coast Guard command centre attacked by Russian troops three times. Equipment taken away or destroyed. The Georgian Coast Guard vessels damaged.

16:30 Russian troops destroy Gori TV broadcasting station, killing an employee
• Russian troops enter Gori TV broadcasting station. One employee killed and three injured, equipment of the TV station destroyed. The only Georgian, Russian-language TV station “Alanya” is out of air. The region can not receive Georgian Public Broadcasting channel as well.

17:30 Abkhazian troops mobilize heavy armored vehicles in demilitarized zone in village of Ganmukhuri and organize customs checkpoint.

18:00 The shareholders of Kulevi Terminal threatened by Russian troops possible bombing of the oil terminal.

18:00 Russian airplane drop 4 bombs in the village Tkotsa, Khashuri district. None of them exploded.

18:00 Russian soldiers attack Georgian navy, blasted Georgian ships harbored in Poti port.

18:30. Cases of ethnic cleansing in Georgian villages
• South Ossetian separatists enter villages Disevi and Karaleti, in Gori district and committ acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population. Russian soldiers witness and do not react.

19:10. Russian troops occupy Upper Abkhazia
• Russian troops move towards Khaishi, Svanetia north of Zugdidi, occupy the territory.

21:35 Cases of ethnic cleansing in Georgian villages of Gori district
• Ossetian separatists brutally massacring Georgian population.
• Georgian population of villages Kordi and Mereti, Gori district brutally assaulted and abused by Ossetian separatists. In Tkviavi, Gori district, Ossetian separatists are assaulting local Georgian residents.

21:50 Robbery of the Senaki military base.
• Senaki military base ravaged by Russian troops. Equipment and arms taken or destroyed by Russians.

22: 52 Three foreign Journalists in Karaleti, Gori district robbed, car taken.

23:12 Villages of Berbuki, Rakha, Sveneti, Kheltubani, Karaleti in Gori district ravaged by Russian Army. Journalist of Tel-Aviv Newspaper was wounded.

13 August

01.05 Civilians taken hostages in Georgian villages
• Georgian residents of villages Nikozi, Dzveri, Tkviavi, Karaleti (north of Gori) taken hostages by Ossetian separatists. Population of village Berbuki, Gori District gathered on the road, asking to be evacuated.

06:50 bombing of Saqasheti in Gori district
• Two bombs dropped by Russian aviation in village Saqasheti, Gori district. One did not explode.

08:00 Abuse of civilians in Karaleti
• The village of Karaleti, Gori district attacked by Ossetian separatists. Numerous cases of physical assault and abuse of the local residents reported.

09:12 Murder of civilians
• Four civilian cars with shot passengers found in the village of Tedotsminda, Gori district.

09:20 Russian armored troops (50 units) head towards Gori from Tskhinvali.

10:20 Russian troops re-occupy Gori.

12:00 Russian soldiers destroy the military base of artillery brigade near Gori.

12:35 Cases of kidnapping in Tkviavi
• 25 civilians kidnapped by Ossetian separatists from the village of Tkviavi. The bus, by which the kidnapped civilians have been transported to Tskhinvali, crashed. 4 hostages managed to escape.

13:00 Russian soldiers enter village Atotsi, Kareli district.
• Village of Atotsi, Kareli district, is being ravaged by invaders

13:05 Russian soldiers enter village Pakhulani, Tsalenjikha district.

14:00 In Poti port Russian troops blew up three Georgia Coast Guard vessels.

14:45. Young woman, traveling by mini bus kidnapped.
• Paata Sabelashvili, photographer, reports from highway nearby Gori that Georgian civilians traveling in a mini-bus are robbed by the Ossetian separatists, one of the passengers, 25-year old women kidnapped by the attackers.

15:00 Cases of looting in Gori
Gigi Mtvarelidze, member of Georgian CEC, was robbed by the Russian-speaking paramilitaries nearby Gori. His car taken.

15:15 Georgian civilians leave their homes.
• Georgian population of the Bobnevi, Marana, Dzevera, Khidistavi, Tchalaubani villages escape to the forest from the Ossetian separatists.

15:20 Looting continues in Gori district. The residents are being robbed.

16:10 Russian troops move from the city of Gori towards Tbilisi.

17:00 Russian troops turn to the east – located town Uplistsikhe.

17:15 Atrocities in numerous Georgian villages
• Villages Avnevi, Tseronisi and Knolevi in Kareli district, Khandaki, Doesi and Karaghadi in Kaspi district, Tkviavi in Gori district are ravaged. Witnesses report that a number of residents in the town of Gori are taken hostage.

17: 50 The residents of Gori escape.
• Russian troops and Ossetian separatists are launching brutal attacks on the town of Gori. In large numbers, they are heading towards Tbilisi.

18:00 lootings continues. While passing the troubled areas, the drivers of Turkish Travel Company were robbed by Russian soldiers.

20:12 Georgian population flees Kareli. The population of Breti and Aradeti villages in Kareli district leaves their homes. The deserted and abandoned villages are looted and robbed.

14 August

11:00 Russian troops destroy Georgian military installations in Senaki.

12:00 Additional Russian troops in Zugdidi.

12:00 Russian troops reenter Poti port.
• Russian military occupy the building of Coast Guard and destroy their vessels.

12:05 Canadian journalists robbed in the presence of Russian soldiers.
• Near Gori, 3 journalists of Canadian TV channel CBC, including head of the Moscow office, robbed of their car, equipment and passports. The accident happened in the presence of Russian soldiers, who did not react.

14:00 Russian troops reenter Gori taking the city over again.

14:40 Russian troops move around Gori. Russian troops enter village Mejvriskhevi, Gori district and villages Ruisi and Tsveri, Kareli district.

15:30 Looting in Gori district. Russian troops are looting village Debisi of Gori district.

15:40 Georgian policemen robbed in Kareli district.
• Russian soldiers robbed Georgian policemen of their car nearby village Tokhlaura, Kareli district.

16:00 Israeli journalists robbed in Gori.
• Four Israeli journalists, including Haaretz correspondent Anshel Pfeffer and photographer Nir Kafri, were robbed at gunpointed by Russian soldiers in the city Gori.

16:30 Looting reported in Russian controlled Georgian villages.
• The villages Brotsleti, Mejvriskhevi, Gorijvari of Gori district, and Breti of Kareli district ravaged by South Ossetian separatists.

17:00 A Journalist fired near Gori. A Georgian journalist of GPB TV Company Tamar Urushadze was wounded by direct shot in a hand presumably by sniper during the live broadcast near Gori.

17:30 50 Estonian volunteers arrived in Tbilisi to take part in humanitarian aid.

18:10. Russian General Viacheslav Borisov stated he refuses to assume any responsibility for the lives of the journalists in Gori.

18:30 Looting continues in Russian controlled Georgian villages. Atrocities and acts of looting were reported from villages Agara and Dzevera, Kareli district.

19:10 Russian army strengthens their checkpoints in Zugdidi.
• Russian army deployed additional troops to Zugdidi and began strengthening the checkpoints and positions in and around the town

19:35 German television ZDF journalist witnesses the robbery of Danish journalists.
• South Ossetian separatists robbed Danish journalists of their car and cameras, according to a German journalist.

22:10 Russian troops moving east deep of Georgia.
• About 100 armored vehicles and trucks of Russian army began movement from Zugdidi pass Senaki and continue movement east deep in the country.

23:50 Looting in Russian occupied villages.
• Lootings and abuses of local civilians reported from Russian occupied villages of Ruisi Gori district and Mokhisi Khashuri district.

15 August

Russian Navy continues controlling Georgian Territorial Waters.

07.00. Human Rights Watch reports the use of cluster bombs.
• HRW researchers have uncovered the evidence that Russian aircraft dropped cluster bombs (banned by 107 nations) in populated areas in Georgia during the air attacks from 6th of August, killing at least 11 civilians and injuring dozens.

08:00 Russian troops moving towards second largest city of Georgia, Kutaisi.
• 14 armored vehicles and 4 tracks of Russian military forces left Senaki and moved towards Kutaisi. Currently they are at Abashis Tskali river, 40 kms west from Kutaisi and 10 kms west from Samtredia - the main railway and highway crossroad in western Georgia.

09:20 Russian troops moving towards Gori.
• 71st regiment of 42nd division of 58th Army of Russia moved from Tskhinvali to the village of Ergneti heading towards Gori.

09:30 Russian troops continue moving western.
• 21 Military Tracks full of Russian military began movement from Senaki towards Poti port.

10:30 A journalist robbed in Gori district.
• South Ossetian separatists shot at a vehicle of a freelance journalist Margarita Akhvlediani near village Sagolasheni. The car, camera and other belongings were taken away.

13:00 Russian soldiers detain three journalists in Poti.
• Lasha Berulava, reporter of the radio “Imedi” and Murad Fartcvania, cameraman of the TV company “Odishi” were detained by Russian soldiers in Poti.

15:30 Forests in fire.
• Russian helicopters are overflying Bordjomi-Tsemi forests dropping fire setting engines. There are already from 12 to 15 fire locations. Russian military confirmed flying helicopters over this territory without further comments.

16:10 Cases of kidnapping by Russian soldiers. Russian soldiers kidnapped 4 member of Namgalauri family from village Ghogheti of Kareli district and moved towards Znauri.

17:00 Russian troops began withdrawal from Poti.
• They took with them 8 “Black Shark” boats, 7 A type boats, 2 Coastal Guard vessels and equipment from the buildings of the Coastal Guard in Poti.

18:30 Russian troops moved towards Tbilisi.
• 9 armored vehicles of Russian Army accompanied by 3 Mi-24 helicopters moved towards Tbilisi. They stopped and opened check point near village Igoeti 20 kms from Tbilisi, Kaspi district.

21:00 Russian troops entered Khashuri.
• Russian troops entered Khashuri about 100kms west from Tbilisi and opened checkpoint. About 10 Tanks are in the city. Eyewitnesses report that they terrorize civilians pointing guns to them or tank guns to their cars and houses.

23:30 Russian troops in Khashuri.
• On the east-west highway the Russian troops continued to move west from Khashuri and Surami. As reported by locals, they intruded the houses of the civilians taking food. At this moment, the Russian troops are controlling the Igoeti - Khashuri east-west highway. In both places they have established checkpoints.

16 August

00:30 Abuse of local population.
• The cases of looting and abuse of local civilians committed by separatists in Russian occupied villages of Abisi, Koda, Ptsa – Kareli district have been reported.

08:47 – Russian Army in Karaleti, Gori district.
• The battalion has stopped in the village Karaleti. The group is composed of lots of armored personnel carriers, tanks, army trucks and engineer unit. The staff meeting is taking place. The general joined later arriving by helicopter.

10:15 Russians return to Poti, Black Sea port.
• The Russians, who left the port of Poti yesterday, have returned with four armored personnel carrier, one crane, 10 army trucks (8 Ural, 2 Kamaz) and one army vehicle.

10:15 Tanks in move.
• Ten tanks from Igoeti headed towards Khashuri and seven to Znauri.

10:30 Bombing of Khandaki, Kaspi district.
• Russian aviation has dropped fire setting engines near the village of Khandaki, Kaspi district. The forest near the village is burning.

10:30 Bombing of Okami, Kaspi district.
• Russian aviation has dropped unidentified devices to the vine factory in village Okami, Kaspi district.

10:45 Russian tanks close to Tbilisi.
• Three Russian tanks are stationed in Kaspi and two in Igoeti, halfway between Gori and Tbilisi.

12:30 Main connection of railway in Eastern Georgia was blown.
• Grakali Railroad Bridge in Kaspi district has been blown up by Russian troops.

13:00 Russian troops moving to Western Georgia.
• Two Russian trucks with soldiers have moved through the Rikoti tunnel to the village Khevi, Kharagauli district.

13:20 Russian troops in moving to Gori.
• Russian troops have started moving from Igoeti, Kaspi district towards Gori.

14:30 Russian troops moving to Western Georgia.
• Eight units of Russian armored troops have started movement from Khashuri district towards the town of Sachkhere.

14:40 Forests in fire.
• The Karspi district forestes are in fire after Russian aviation dropped fire setting engines in the area.

16:00 Russian military terminates Turkish and Ukrainian help to down fire in forests.
• Russians denied to provide permission to the Turkish and Ukrainian planes to enter Georgian airspace in order to take part in putting down the fires in the Borjomi district forests. The fires started as a result of dropping of fire setting engines in the area by Russian aviation.

18:20 Russian troops have entered the town of Akhalgori.

18:30 Forests in fire.
• Russian aviation has dropped fire setting engines in the forests around Surami, Khashuri district.

19:30 Russian soldiers put into fire houses in village Gamdlistskaro, Kaspi district.

20:00 Russian passports are distributed in Akhalgori.
• Russian troops have started proposing Russian passports to the local population free of change in Akhalgori district.

21:15 Additional troops in Akhalgori.

Russian army deployed additional 60 cars have at the entrance of town Akhalgori 40 km north-west of Tbilisi.

Russian military aircraft drop fire-setting bombs in Borjomi woods

2008-08-18T10:33:00.000+04:00

Russian occupation troops continue to wage their barbaric war against Georgia. Russian military aircraft have dropped fire-setting bombs in the woods of the Borjomi district. Fire has now spread over 40 hectares of wood. Populated areas are also under threat. Unique ecosystem of the Borjomi gorge is being destroyed.

The Georgian Authorities are actively barred by Russian occupation troops from employing the means at their disposal or provided by friend countries to eliminate fire.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls on the international community and international ecological organizations to adopt all measures necessary to prevent Russian occupation troops from causing ecological catastrophe in Georgia.

Russian disinformation

2008-08-18T10:30:00.000+04:00

On 16 August the Russian information agencies spread the information that the Georgian Armed Forces have launched an attack on the Russian so called “Peacekeepers” in the conflict zone of Abkhazia and that, as they claim, the full-scaled military operations still continue”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia declares with full responsibility that the abovementioned represents the recurrent disinformation of the Russian side and intends further escalation of the situation and justification of Russian aggression.

Clarification: Abkhazia admin border

2008-08-18T10:27:00.001+04:00

Clarification regarding the statement made on 20:15, August 16, 2008 concerning the shift of the administrative border of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia towards the Enguri river by the units of the Russian regular army and Abkhazian separatist regime.

On 14 August 2008 armed gangs of the Abkhazian separatist regime together with the units of the Russian regular army shifted the administrative border of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia towards the Enguri River. This caused the villages of the Zugdidi region Ganmukhuri and Khurcha to fall under the occupation of the Russian army and armed gangs of the Abkhazian separatist regime. In those villages Abkhazian separatist government set up temporary administration.

According to the reliable information, the criminal situation has rapidly deteriorated in the Georgian villages bordering the Enguri River. There are cases of physical abuse and looting. Abkhazian armed gangs together with Russian soldiers are robbing local population and smuggling the stolen goods to the other side of the Enguri River.

Furthermore, the Russian Federation still continues bombing of Georgian territories using the incendiary weapon prohibited by the International Convention. Today, at approximately 7 p.m. local time, Russian military helicopters bombed timber lands in the vicinity of the town Surami causing the new seats of fire.

Due to the extremely difficult situation, caused by the direct and uncovered occupation of Georgia by the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls upon the friendly countries and international community to provide urgent assistance in extinguishing the seats of fire across Georgia and again, condemns in the strongest terms Russian aggression against the sovereign state of Georgia.

Tbilisi, 16 August 2008, 23:50

French cease-fire text (in French)

2008-08-18T10:21:00.001+04:00

La Présidence de la République, dans un souci de transparence, souhaite rendre publique la lettre qui établit précisément les modalités de mise en œuvre du point 5 de l’accord de cessez-le-feu en six points, telles qu’elles ressortent de l’entretien du Président de la République Nicolas SARKOZY avec le Président Dimitri MEDVEDEV le 12 août. Cette lettre a été adressée le 14 août au Président Mikhaïl SAAKACHVILI.

== début de citation ==

Monsieur le Président,

S’agissant du point 5 de l’accord en six points auquel vous avez –après le Président Medvedev- donné votre accord le 12 août dernier lors de notre rencontre à Tbilissi, et qui prévoit que « les forces militaires russes devront se retirer sur les lignes antérieures au déclenchement des hostilités » et que « dans l’attente d’un mécanisme international, les forces de maintien de la paix russes mettront en œuvre des mesures additionnelles de sécurité », je souhaite vous faire part des précisions suivantes :

Ainsi que je l’ai précisé lors de notre conférence de presse conjointe à Tbilissi, ces « mesures additionnelles de sécurité » ne pourront être mises en œuvre que dans l’immédiate proximité de l’Ossétie du Sud, à l’exclusion de toute autre partie du territoire géorgien ;

Plus précisément, ces « mesures » ne pourront être mises en œuvre qu’à l’intérieur d’une zone d’une profondeur de quelques kilomètres depuis la limite administrative entre l’Ossétie du Sud et le reste de la Géorgie, de façon à ce qu’aucun centre urbain significatif n’y soit inclus –je pense en particulier à la ville de Gori- ; des arrangements particuliers devront être définis pour garantir la liberté de mouvement et de circulation le long des axes routiers et ferroviaires de la Géorgie ;

Ces « mesures additionnelles de sécurité » prendront la forme de patrouilles effectuées par les seules forces de maintien de la paix russes aux niveaux autorisés par les arrangements existants, les autres forces russes se retirant sur leurs positions antérieures au 7 août conformément au protocole d’accord ;

Ces « mesures » auront un caractère provisoire, en attendant l’établissement dans les meilleurs délais du « mécanisme international » dont la nature et le mandat sont d’ores et déjà en cours de discussion dans différentes enceintes internationales, en particulier l’OSCE, l’Union européenne et les Nations Unies.

Fort de ces précisions, je vous demande de bien vouloir confirmer l’accord que vous m’avez donné et que vous avez annoncé publiquement à Tbilissi, en apposant votre signature au bas du protocole d’accord en six points que j’ai moi-même signé en tant que témoin et garant au nom de l’Union européenne. Le Président Medvedev m’a assuré hier que votre signature conduirait au retrait des forces russes conformément à l’accord conclu.

Je vous prie de croire, Monsieur le Président, à l’assurance de ma très haute considération.

Signé : Nicolas SARKOZY

== fin de citation ==

La Présidence de la République souhaite ajouter les 3 précisions suivantes :

Dans la lettre accompagnant le document relatif au cessez-le-feu, le territoire mentionné se comprend comme l’immédiate proximité de la zone de conflit, telle qu’elle est définie par les arrangements antérieurs, à l’exclusion de toute autre partie du territoire géorgien. Les mesures définies par ce document ne pourront être mises en œuvre qu’à l’intérieur d’une zone d’une profondeur de quelques kilomètres, autour Tskhinvali dans la zone de conflit.

En aucune manière les mesures mentionnées dans la lettre ne pourront limiter ou mettre en danger la liberté de mouvement et de circulation le long des axes routiers et ferroviaires de la Géorgie.

D’autres aspects du processus de résolution du conflit seront discutés ultérieurement.

Violations against journalists - timeline

2008-08-18T10:18:00.002+04:00

Provided data is operational and may be subject to verification.

16 August

Early afternoon. 3 journalists of Canadian CBC TV including head of the Moscow office were robbed of their car, equipment and other belongings by paramilitary presumably of North Caucasian origin near Gori. Accident happened near Russian soldiers who took no efforts to stop the robbery.

15 August

(02:08) Report, Reuter

Aug. 15 - Turkish television has released dramatic video of a news crew being shot at while covering the conflict between Georgia and Russia.
The news crew was traveling between Gori in Georgia and Tskhinvali in the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia. One reporter was shot in the head in the attack but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Andrew Potter reports.
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=89063&newsChannel=newsOne

13:00 One Turkish and two Reuter’s journalists (one of them were Georgian citizen) were detained by Russian soldiers in Poti.

10:30 Near village Sagolasheni, Gori district, vehicle of freelance journalist Margarita Akhvlediani was stopped by South Ossetian separatists. Vehicle was shot. Journalist was robbed of her car, camera and other belongings.

14 August

19:35 German television ZDF journalist reported that they were eyewitnesses how Danish journalists were robbed of the car and cameras by South Ossetian separatists.

18:10 Russian General Viacheslav Borisov refused to assume responsibility for loves of the journalists in Gori.

17.00 Correspondent of “Moambe” news program of GPB (Georgian Public Broadcasting) Tamar Urushadze has been just slightly wounded, presumably by sniper shot in live broadcast near Gori.
http://www.gpbtv.info/news_det.php?lang=eng&id=294

16:00 Four Israeli journalists, including Haaretz correspondent Anshel Pfeffer and photographer Nir Kafri, were robbed at gunpoint by Russian soldiers in the Georgian city of Gori.

12:30 Russian military attacked operator of Georgian TV Rustavi2 and threatening with gun he prevented journalist to implement his duties near Gori.
Early afternoon. 3 journalists of Canadian CBC TV including head of the Moscow office were robbed of their car, equipment and other belongings by paramilitary presumably of North Caucasian origin near Gori. Accident happened near Russian soldiers who took no efforts to stop the robbery.

12 August

22:52 Three foreign journalists have been robbed of their car in the village of Karaleti, Gori District.

16:30 Russian troops entered the territory of Gori TV transmition station. One employee has been killed three injured. Russians destroyed equipment of the station. As a result the only Russian speaking TV station Alanya TV is out of air. The region can not receive Georgian Public Broadcasting channel as well.

10 August

Two journalists were killed by Ossetian Separatists. Journalist of Itar-Tass agency Alexander Klimchuk and Alanya TV editor of news programs Giga Chikhladze were taken hostage and later murdered by South Ossetian separatists. The journalists entered Tskhinvali together with Georgian government forces.

See following web-pages:
http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=20
http://www.icfj.org/OurWork/EasternEuropeCentralAsia/CaucasusSchoolofJournalism/GeorgianGradsCoverConflict/tabid/939/Default.aspx

Abkhazia Administrative Border Shifted

2008-08-17T15:45:00.001+04:00

On 16 August 2008 at approximately 4 p.m. local time, armed gangs of the Abkhazian separatist regime together with units of the Russian regular army shifted the administrative border of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia towards the Enguri River. This caused the villages of the Zugdidi region Ganmukhuri and Khurcha, villages of the Tsalenjikha region Fakhulani, Tchale, Mujava and Fotskho-Etseri, as well as territory of the Enguri Hydro Power Plant and adjacent villages of Phichori, Otobaia, Nabakevi, Tagiloni, Chuburkhinji, Dikhazurga and Saberio to fall under the occupation of the Russian army and armed gangs of the Abkhazian separatist regime. In those villages Abkhazian separatist government set up temporary administration.

According to the reliable information, the criminal situation has rapidly deteriorated in the Georgian villages bordering the Enguri River. There are cases of physical abuse and looting. Abkhazian armed gangs together with Russian soldiers are robbing local population and smuggling the stolen goods to the other side of the Enguri River.

Furthermore, the Russian Federation still continues bombing of Georgian territories using the incendiary weapon prohibited by the International Convention. Today, at approximately 7 p.m. local time, Russian military helicopters bombed timber lands in the vicinity of the town Surami causing the new seats of fire.

Due to the extremely difficult situation, caused by the direct and uncovered occupation of Georgia by the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia calls upon the friendly countries and international community to provide urgent assistance in extinguishing the seats of fire across Georgia and again, condemns in the strongest terms Russian aggression against the sovereign state of Georgia.

Video footage of exploded bridge

2008-08-16T22:50:00.000+04:00

Officials of the Russian Authorities continue their attempts to mislead the international community.

As noted in the previous statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia of 16 August 2008, troops of the Russian occupation army carried out yet another subversive-terrorist act - they mined and exploded the Metekhi-Grakali span of the railway bridge in the Kaspi district, which resulted in the severing of railway links between the east and west of Georgia.

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Anatoly Nogovitsyn denied the fact of bridge blast and said: "I state with fully responsibility – it is ruled out."

With respect to this statement of Anatoly Nogovitsyn, every organization or physical person concerned may check the website (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dqurwp09Kc, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK3xVgrMfbg) for video footage of the exploded bridge.

We are confident the international community assesses adequately the reliability of ‘data’ disseminated by Russian officials concerning the developments throughout the Georgian territory – both in and outside the conflict zone.

Destroyed military police car

2008-08-16T22:43:00.001+04:00

Timeline by 16th of August, 21:15

2008-08-16T22:41:00.001+04:00

Provided data is operational and may be subject to verification.

16 August

21:15 About 60 Russian military cars have been deployed at the entrance of town Akhalgori 40 km north-west of Tbilisi.

20:00 According to the reports from Akhalgori district, Russian troops have started proposing Russian passports to the local population.

19:30 The houses in village Gamdlistskaro, Kaspi district are being put to fire by Russian soldiers.

18:30 Russian aviation has dropped fire setting engines in the area of the town of Surami, Khashuri district. The forests around Surami are burning.

18:20 Russian troops have entered the town of Akhalgori – center of the Akhalgori district.

16:00 Russian military denies Turkish and Ukranian airplanes permission to enter Georgian airspace in order to take part in putting down the fires in the Borjomi district forests. The fires started as a result of dropping of fire setting engines in the area by Russian aviation

14:40 Numerous fires have been noticed in the town of Kaspi and surrounding villages after Russian aviation dropped fire setting engines in the area.

14:40 Russian paramilitaries (so called Cossacks) have entered the town of Kharagauli 50 Km from Kutaisi.

14:30 Eight units of Russian armored troops have started movement from Khashuri district towards the town of Sachkhere.

13:20 Russian troops have started moving from Igoeti, Kaspi district towards Gori.

13:00 Two Russian trucks with soldiers have moved through the Rikoti tunnel to the village Khevi, Kharagauli district.

12:30 The traffic on Khashuri-Borjomi highway has been stopped by the Georgian authorities due to security concerns as a result of the Russian troops movements.

12:30 Grakali Railroad Bridge in Kaspi district has been blown up by Russian troops.

12:30 Russian troops fired from an artillery gun in Uplistsikhe. The shell exploded in the river.

10:45 Three Russian tanks are stationed in Kaspi and two in Igoeti.

10:30 Russian aviation has dropped fire setting engines near the village of Khandaki, Kaspi district. The forest near the village is burning.

10:30 Russian aviation has dropped unidentified devices to the vine factory in village Okami, Kaspi district.

10:15 Ten tanks from Igoeti headed towards Khashuri and seven to Znauri.

10:15 The Russians, who left the port of Poti yesterday, have returned with four armored personnel carrier, one crane, 10 army trucks (8 Ural, 2 Kamaz) and one army vehicle.

08:47 – The battalion has stopped in the village Karaleti. The group is composed of lots of armored personnel carriers, tanks, army trucks and engineer unit. The staff meeting is taking place. The general joined later arriving by helicopter.

08:26 – General Alarm was declared in 71st Tank Battalion of the Russian army, stationed in Tskhinvali. The Battalion is now heading towards Gori. As of now, they are in the village of Karaleti.

00:30 The cases of looting and abuse of local civilians committed by separatists in Russian occupied villages of Abisi, Koda, Ptsa – Kareli district have been reported.

New Wave of Ethnic Cleansing

2008-08-16T22:39:00.000+04:00

According to the statement of 16 August 2008 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, subdivisions of the Ministry have started withdrawal of ethnic Georgian population from the Tskhinvali region in the direction of Gori.

We are faced with a new wave of ethnic cleansing of Georgians conducted under military-occupation regime by the Russian Federation, this time through the involvement of Russian state structures.

We would like to focus the international community’s attention on the fact that the Russian Authorities have recently been making an increasing number of statements on the necessity of taking into consideration the will of the region’s population. The ethnic cleansing of Georgians seems to be a method by which Moscow expects to attain awaited results.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

All Georgia Updates available at:

Updates on Georgia

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding GAERC’s press communique on the “EU-Russia Relations”

EU Monitors in New Standoff with Russia

Updates on Georgia

Elections in Adjara & Tbilisi

Next Round of Geneva Talks

Updates on Georgia

Alarming Situation in S.Ossetia

Grenades Fired

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

Breaches by Russia of the Ceasefire Agreement: CHECKPOINTS

Media and telephone intercepts confirm Russia started the war

Statement by the Ministry of Defence of Georgia

Russia continues to violate ceasefire agreement resulting in death

Shots fired from Russian checkpoint

Meeting with Lubomir Zaoralek

Two Jets Enter Georgian Airspace, Poti Checkpoints Reinforced

Ethnic Cleansing Case Against Russia to Open on Monday, September 8, at the International Court of Justice

Statement concerning Der Spiegel article

Violations of the Six-Point Cease Fire Agreement by the Russian Federation

Meeting with U.S. Ambassador John Teft

Meeting with Peter Semneby

Meeting with Slovenian Ambassador

Meeting with Per Eklund

Grigol Vashadze meets with experts of the EU Council

Info regarding simplification of visa regime with the Russian Federation

Comments on Ceasefire Agreement implementation

Franco Frattini visits Georgia

Statement regarding the Extraordinary European Council Meeting

Georgia terminates Diplomatic Relations with the Russian Federation

Reply to News-Georgia Agency concerning Mr. Nesterenko's statements

Deputy Minister and German Ambassador meet

Deputy Minister and U.S. Ambassador meet

Statement of Mr. T. Iakobashvili, the State Minister for Reintegration

Statement of the State Minister for Reintegration of Georgia

Response to Human Rights Watch inquiry about use of M85 bomblets

Breaches by Russia of the Ceasefire Agreement

CHECKPOINTS

Central Georgia

Western Georgia

Environmental consequences of the conflict

Environment Devastated by Russian Military Attacks

Forest fires:

Black Sea:

Legal violations concerning Ecological Disaster caused by Russian attacks

Moscow through military aggression has invaded parts of the Georgian territory

Timeline for 27th August

27 AUGUST

Timeline for 26th August

26 AUGUST

Timeline for 25th August

25 AUGUST

Timeline for 26th August

26 AUGUST

Russian Attack: Summary

Bombing runs before ceasefire

Bombing runs after Georgian ceasefire offer

Occupation of Georgian towns and villages

Occupation of Georgian towns and villages after French-mediated ceasefire

Mines

Cluster bombs

Current civilian, military and journalist casualty figures

Georgians wounded:

Georgians killed:

Journalists:

Number of registered IDPs: 119, 000

Russian Ceasefire Agreement Breaches: Checkpoints

Central Georgia

List of checkpoints in Central Georgia

Western Georgia

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region

Upper Abkhazia/Kodori Gorge

Additional chekpoints

Summary of Damage Inflicted by Russia

Types of infrastructure damaged:

Ports:

Main Railway Bridge:

Road Bridges: