http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404104,00.html
(AP)
“Georgia: 100-Vehicle Russian Convoy Pushing Toward City”
Thursday, August 14, 2008
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s prime minister said a convoy of more than 100 Russian tanks and other vehicles are moving from the western city of Zugdidi deeper into Georgia.”
###
###
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50816
Georgian Invasion Sends Message to World, Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 – With their invasion of Georgia, the Russians are sending a message not only to neighbors, but also to the world, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
Georgia, a nation of 5 million in the Caucasus region, has allied itself with the West and is seeking membership in NATO. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are provinces that are seeking to break away from Georgia and ally with Russia.
Gates noted that, like clockwork, there have been exchanges of gunfire between Georgian and South Ossetian troops every August. “And this year, it escalated very quickly,” he said. “The Russians were prepared to take advantage of an opportunity.”
The Russian air, land and sea attacks against Georgia went far beyond asserting the Russian view of the autonomy of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russians, Gates said, wanted “to punish Georgia for daring to try to integrate with the West economically and politically and in security arrangements.”
The Russian military action was directed against Georgia, but Kremlin leaders wanted nations in all parts of the former Soviet Union to understand the dangers of integrating with the West, Gates said. “I think that they had an opportunity to make some very broad points [to these nations] and, I think, [the Russians] seized that opportunity,” he said. Gates holds a doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.
The message has been received by the nations of the world, Gates said.
“My guess is that everyone is going to be looking at Russia through a different set of lenses as … we look ahead,” the secretary said. “I think Russia’s got some serious work to do to try and work its way back into the family of nations that are trying to work together and build democracy and build … their economies, working together.”
Gates said he does not want to repeat the Cold War, and that he certainly does not want to see U.S. and Russian troops in a hot war.
“The United States spent 45 years working very hard to avoid a military confrontation with Russia,” he said. “I see no reason to change that approach today.”
#
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50808
Gates Says Russian Actions Have Long-Term Implications
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 – Countries around the world are looking at Russia “through new lenses” following its aggression against the former Soviet republic of Georgia, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Video
Meanwhile, the United States continues humanitarian efforts to help Georgians affected by the conflict. Two U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo jets have delivered supplies to Georgia, and another aircraft delivered a U.S. military survey team to the country.
“During these humanitarian relief operations, the United States expects Russia to ensure that all lines of communication and transport — including seaports, airports, roads and airspace — remain open,” Gates said during a Pentagon news conference.
Gates echoed President Bush’s call for Russia to abide by its commitment to cease all military activities in Georgia. “We expect all Russian forces that entered Georgia in recent days to withdraw from that country,” Gates said.
Russian aggression against Georgia will have long-term implications for U.S.-Russian relations, the secretary said. The military incursion into Georgia will affect ongoing and long-term strategic dialogue with the Russian Federation that he and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had engaged in since 2007, Gates said.
“The expectation was that our two nations, despite our differences, shared areas of common interest where we could work together as real partners,” he said.
But Russia’s military action in Georgia and in the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia “has called into question the entire premise of that dialogue, and has profound implications for our security relationship going forward, both bilaterally and with NATO,” Gates said. “If Russia does not step back from its aggressive posture and actions in Georgia, the U.S.-Russian relationship could be adversely affected for years to come.”
The United States cancelled participation in a multinational naval exercise with Russia due to begin tomorrow. “We’ve also canceled a U.S.-Canadian-Russian exercise — Vigilant Eagle — that was to have begun on Aug. 20,” Gates said.
“In the days and weeks ahead, the Department of Defense will reexamine the entire gamut of our military-to-military activities with Russia and will make changes as necessary and appropriate, depending on Russian actions in the days ahead,” the secretary said.
#
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50814
“Georgian Humanitarian Mission Continue”s
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008
#
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50806
“Air Force Completes First Georgia Humanitarian Aid Mission”
By Air Force Capt. Erin Dorrance
Special to American Forces Press Service
TBILISI, Georgia, Aug. 14, 2008
#
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50804
“Soldiers, Airmen in Europe Work to Provide Georgia Aid”
By Army Capt. Bryan Woods
Special to American Forces Press Service
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, Aug. 14, 2008
###
###
#
http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1669_august_14_2008/1669_ceasefire.html
“Ceasefire proposed, but not kept”
By Mikheil Svanidze
Thursday, August 14
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “United States President George W. Bush has made a statement condemning Russian military adventures in Georgia, welcoming French peace efforts and sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to France and Georgia to take part in negotiations.
“We expect Russia to meet its commitment to cease all military activities in Georgia, and we expect all Russian forces that entered Georgia in recent days to withdraw from that country,” Bush said.
Earlier, President Saakashvili had accused Russia of violating the agreement on ceasefire and the non-resumption of hostilities reached between Georgia and Russia. “This is the sort of ceasefire that, I don’t know, they had with Afghanistan I guess, in 1979,” Saakashvili said. “There is no ceasefire, they [Russian troops] are still moving around.””
#
Note: Photo included.
http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1669_august_14_2008/1669_gori.html
“Torrent of refugees surges through Tbilisi”
By Shorena Labadze
Thursday, August 14
###
###
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 13, 2008
“President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia, Urges Russia to Cease Military Operations”
11:10 A.M. EDT
#
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813-2.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 13, 2008
“Setting the Record Straight: President Bush Has Taken Action to Ensure Peace, Security and Humanitarian Aid in Georgia”
http://israel.internet-haganah.com/
###
Note: The following news brief is a qote:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1218710366175&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Aug 14, 2008 21:28
Airplane carrying 120 passengers arrives in Israel from Georgia
By JPOST.COM STAFF
A Georgian Airlines airplane landed in Ben-Gurion International Airport Thursday evening, Army Radio reported.
The plane’s passengers included Israelis returning from Tbilisi and 10 new immigrants to Israel.
###
#
Note: Video included.
“Israel Prepares For The Next Conflict As It Monitors Weapons Flow To Hizbullah”
ADDING to post no. 461:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2055031/posts?page=461#461
#
Thanks to Jet Jaguar for the ping to this thread.
Note: The following post is a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2061997/posts
Russia Fires SS-21 Ballistic Missiles at the Republic of Georgia.
MarketWatch ^ | Aug. 14, 2008
Posted on August 14, 2008 2:31:15 PM PDT by lizol
Russia Fires SS-21 Ballistic Missiles at the Republic of Georgia, Poland Agrees to Have US Missile Defense
Last update: 4:33 p.m. EDT Aug. 14, 2008
WASHINGTON, Aug 14, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/
Riki Ellison, President of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance ( www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org), issued the following statements about the situation in Europe concerning Russia, Poland and the Republic of Georgia. “Over the last few days Russia has fired over two dozen SS-21 Ballistic Short Range Missiles into the country of Georgia, integrating ballistic missile strikes with their conventional military forces. The SS-21 is a road mobile, solid fuel, single stage ballistic missile, which is maneuverable in flight and carries a high-explosive warhead weighing up to 1060lbs. with 150 meter accuracy. It has a range of 43 miles. These missiles have been used by the Russians tactically for psychological and military targets as the Georgians do not have the capability to defend against or defeat ballistic missiles.
(Excerpt) Read more at marketwatch.com ...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2062215/posts
and this post - QUOTE:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2062215/posts?page=2#2
"To: Cindy
The United Nations said Gori was not safe for aid workers after pro-Russia militia members stopped its convoy at gunpoint in the city. “One of our security officers was sent to Gori to do an assessment if we can send people in and he was stopped by a paramilitary group,” said Robert Watkins, the UN resident co-ordinator. “A gun was put to his head and he was told to hand over the vehicle.”
2 posted on August 14, 2008 11:33:56 PM PDT by piasa (Attitude Adjustments Offered Here Free of Charge)
http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1670_august_15_2008/1670_karavi.html
“No singing in the shelters”
By Shorena Labadze
Friday, August 15
http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1670_august_15_2008/1670_diplomaty.html
“Diplomatic efforts continue as Russian forces fail to leave”
By Mikheil Svanidze
Friday, August 15
###
###
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50836
“Georgia Transportation Plan Demonstrates U.S. Flexibility, Responsiveness”
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008
#
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50835
“Cease-Fire Accord Specifies Russian Troop Withdrawal from Georgia”
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008
#
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50823
“Humanitarian Assistance for Georgia Continues
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dana M. Clark”
Special to American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 15, 2008
#
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50820
“U.S., Allies ‘Stand With People of Georgia,’ Bush Says”
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008
###
###
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/nationalsecurity/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/globaldiplomacy/
#
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080815.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 15, 2008
President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia
Rose Garden
Video (Windows)
Presidential Remarks
Audio
En Español
In Focus: National Security
In Focus: Global Diplomacy
8:13 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I’ve just received an update from my national security team on the situation in Georgia. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in Tbilisi. She’s conferring with President Saakashvili and expressing America’s wholehearted support for Georgia’s democracy.
She will be traveling to Crawford, where I will meet her and she will bring me up to date on what she has seen and what she heard in Georgia, as well as in Paris — I mean, in France. She did not go to Paris. Secretary of Defense Gates will keep me briefed on the humanitarian assistance to the people of Georgia. We’re working closely with our partners in Europe and other members of the G7 to bring a resolution to this crisis.
The United States and our allies stand with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government. Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Moscow must honor its commitment to withdraw its invading forces from all Georgian territory.
Some Americans listening today may wonder why events taking place in a small country halfway around the world matter to the United States. In the years since it’s gained independence after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Georgia has become a courageous democracy. Its people are making the tough choices that are required of free societies. Since the Rose Revolution in 2003, the Georgian people have held free elections, opened up their economy, and built the foundations of a successful democracy.
Georgia has sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq to help others achieve the liberty that they struggled so hard to attain. To further strengthen their democracy, Georgia has sought to join the free institutions of the West. The people of Georgia have cast their lot with the free world, and we will not cast them aside.
Georgia’s emergence as a young democracy has been part of an inspiring and hopeful new chapter in Europe’s history. Europe has moved beyond the world wars that killed millions of people, and the Cold War that divided its citizens between two superpowers. Every administration since the end of the Cold War has worked with European partners to extend the reach of liberty and prosperity. And now, for the first time in memory, Europe is becoming a continent that is whole, free, and at peace.
Unfortunately, Russia has tended to view the expansion of freedom and democracy as a threat to its interests. The opposite is true: Free and prosperous societies on Russia’s borders will advance Russia’s interests by serving as sources of stability and economic opportunity.
We hope Russia’s leaders will recognize that a future of cooperation and peace will benefit all parties. The Cold War is over. The days of satellite states and spheres of influence are behind us. A contentious relationship with Russia is not in America’s interest. And a contentious relationship with America is not in Russia’s interest.
With its actions in recent days Russia has damaged its credibility and its relations with the nations of the free world. Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century. Only Russia can decide whether it will now put itself back on the path of responsible nations, or continue to pursue a policy that promises only confrontation and isolation. To begin to repair its relations with the United States and Europe and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must respect the freedom of its neighbors.
Thank you.
END 8:17 A.M. EDT
###
###
http://israel.internet-haganah.com/archives/001418.html
#
Vol. 8, No. 6 15 August 2008
“The Russian-Georgian War: Implications for the Middle East”
byAriel Cohen
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Moscow formulated far-reaching goals when it carefully prepared - over a period of at least two and a half years - for a land invasion of Georgia.”