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2,000 dead and 30,000 homeless as war in Caucasus intensifies
Putin condemns 'genocide' as eyewitnesses claim South Ossetia's capital is destroyed. Moscow missiles kill dozens in Georgia's frontline city as peace effort gets under way
Sunday, 10 August 2008
AP
A South Ossetian woman and her boy, who fled from the fighting in their homeland, wait in the Russian city of Vladikavkaz for a bus to take them to a refugee camp on the Black Sea on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008.
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As many as 2,000 people may have been killed and 30,000 made homeless as the chaotic conflict between Georgian and Russian forces in the pro-Moscow enclave of South Ossetia entered its second bloody day.
Georgia's parliament approved a state of war across the country for the next 15 days, while also calling for a ceasefire. The Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, said that there would be no talks until Georgian troops left the conflict zone. And, in what could be a second front, Abkhazia, another pro-Russian enclave in Georgia, said its forces had begun an operation to drive out Tbilisi's forces.
The situation on the ground in South Ossetia, most of whose population are ethnic Russians, remained highly confused. Russia said it had seized South Ossetia's capital, Tskhinvali, but Georgia denied this. Russia, which sent in tanks to back the South Ossetians, said its forces had "liberated" the enclave's capital, but Georgia responded that Tskhinvali was under its "complete control".
A Russian journalist said Tskhinvali had been badly damaged. "The town is destroyed. There are many casualties, many wounded," Zaid Tsarnayev told Reuters. Russian jets carried out up to five raids on mostly military targets around the Georgian town of Gori, close to the conflict zone in South Ossetia. But some missiles went astray, killing at least a dozen people. A woman knelt in the street and screamed over the body of a dead man, as a bombed apartment block burned nearby.
Russia said two of its warplanes had been shot down, 13 of its soldiers killed and 70 wounded. The Georgians said the Russian jets had targeted the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline that carries oil to Turkey, but had so far failed to damage it. It was difficult to know if this was a statement of fact, or an attempt to garner sympathy and support from the West.
The casualty tolls were also much confused. Russia's figure of 2,000 dead and 30,000 homeless was largely supported by South Ossetian leaders, who said that about 1,400 had died there since Friday. Georgia said only 129 people had been killed, but this is believed to refer only to the death toll for the town of Gori. UN officials put the number of refugees from South Ossetia at between 2,400 and 5,000.
The conflict began when Russian troops poured into South Ossetia on Friday, hours after Georgia launched an offensive aimed at restoring control over the separatist province.
In Tbilisi, people were nervous but defiant. Most supported their leadership but had been shocked by the Russian reaction. "To fight Russia is crazy," said Giga Kvenetadze, 30, a music studio owner. "But I do support [Georgia's President, Mikheil] Saakashvili. And what Russia is doing is wrong. They must stop."
The war of words at the highest levels was no less intense. Mr Saakashvili said in Tbilisi: "Russia has launched a full-scale military invasion of Georgia." The US President, George Bush, said Russian attacks on Georgia marked a "dangerous escalation" of the crisis and urged Moscow to halt the bombing. In a phone call with Mr Bush, according to a Kremlin statement, Mr Medvedev "stressed that the only way out of the tragic crisis provoked by the Georgian leadership is a withdrawal by Tbilisi of its armed formations from the conflict zone". The Russian foreign ministry also charged that Ukraine, whose pro-Western government is seeking membership of Nato and the EU, had encouraged Georgia to carry out "ethnic cleansing" in South Ossetia.
The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, who arrived in the North Ossetian city of Vladikavkaz last night, accused Georgia of committing "genocide", seeking "bloody adventures", and trying to involve other countries in a military conflict in its separatist region of South Ossetia. "Georgia's aspiration to join Nato... is driven by its attempt to drag other nations and peoples into its bloody adventures," he said.
Last night, a Western delegation was on its way to Georgia to try to broker a ceasefire. Britain's Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, announced the mission involving a group of officials from the EU, the US, Nato and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. But Western powers have little influence in South Ossetia.
Moves were afoot last night for the UN Security Council to convene a second emergency meeting in two days. But there is little sign that outside pressure can produce an end to the fighting, the bloodiest since South Ossetia won effective independence from Georgia in 1992.
But the crisis feeds directly into the rivalry between the US and the assertive, energy-rich Russia of Vladimir Putin and his successor, Mr Medvedev. Mr Bush has built close personal and ideological bonds with the Georgian President, strongly supporting the latter's efforts to have his country enter Nato.
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Comments
73 Comments
hahaha. This world is just screwed. Its simple. I am Russian, but i live in the US. If the US bombed my town, of course i would want the Russian gov to protect me. I believe everyone just needs to mind their own bussiness. US is the worst. US looks like the pc keeper but they get involved the most. They have military stations all over the world. for what? self defence? they need to defend from canada and mexico, and they not gonna fight so US is fine. US has weapons of mass destruction, y did we attack Afgan. again? o yea, caz they had the weapons. US is the bully " We are allowed to have weapons but your not!" main point: Deal with ur own problems. Yea i agree Georgia would get destroyed by Russia, but if they are stupid enough to enter war, let them. US needs to stop geting involved with everyone. Let the whole world deal with their own stuff. Geting involved just causes more trouble
Posted by TrickDaddy | 13.03.09, 17:24 GMT
Look at Russia's history for war, they obviously would not have started such a war, Georgia started something they can't finish and have the nerve to now pretend like they're innocent and being bullied by Russia. A joke! The west supports Georgia? Look at the west's history for war, they are not to be trusted! Don't start something you can't finish!!
Posted by Shameful | 17.10.08, 17:21 GMT
I'm Russian. Yesterday I watched the 20 minutes interview Putin gave CNN on Russian TV. Today I watched this very interview on American CNN Chanel. It took 2 minutes. And has been translated absolutely differently. Does it mean anything? You, Americans, must have your own opinion concerning this situation, but not listen to your Government and illusory mass media.
Posted by Anton Makarov | 29.08.08, 08:21 GMT
this is out of our hands no protest or rally is going to stop this war now. its been planned. whats the world focused on?? the olimpics you cant deny that the attacks (from whatever side started this) just happend to start whilst the worlds leaders where on there way to china. this go's above just "saving russian peace keepers" its a fully planned out war and this is only the start
Posted by ross sinclair | 18.08.08, 12:17 GMT
I am a proud American but i think our government is wrong for denouncing Russia's involvement in South Ossetia. Russia could completely destroy Georgia if all-out-war were to occur and to not have done so already is a testament to them and their leadership. Bush accusing Putin and Russia of "bullying and intimidating Georgia". What a hypocrite! Does anyone remember the 2 day ultimatum he gave Saddam? What about the costly war we're involved in just to give us a foothold into the middle east? The one we had no reason to get involved in but president Bush insisted we do it. Talk about a bully. At least Russia has a reason to go to war. I say Georgia should just let Russia take what rightfully theirs before they decide to make Georgia an artillery test site.
Posted by Benjamin Kacy Goin | 16.08.08, 02:14 GMT
I want to answer the American who weeps for the Georgians. Open your eyes you fool. Georgia attacked first with weapons supplied by the americans who co-incedentally just happen to be standing by as the main pece keeping force again, well im not fooled even if you are. Its all a smoke screen to keep attention away from the main picture which is Iran and their oil. So read up on your facts and you will find that America is up to its usual tricks in getting other people to start their wars for nothing more than power and greed and fools like you keep voting them in. Why can you Americans not see what the rest of the world see and that is that your government is the most corrupt and greedy government in the world and that ever has been.
Posted by Tazman | 14.08.08, 18:43 GMT
This is pathetic. These are clearly signs of how the world is coming to an end . killing innocents!
Posted by God Save as All | 14.08.08, 07:42 GMT
Wise up Chris, either you are just an angry guy who needs to lash out, or you are dangerously out of touch. It is plain to see that Russia is just gettting back into its power grabbing mode, now that it has the oil wealth to support it. Russia has been taking advantage of Georgia's weak spots for quite a while, with the forward thinking that they can use it against them, if they move toward Nato. And they did. Like a big bully they gave Georgia a kicking to the point where the US would still allow it, and no more. Georgia wont be the last on Russia's kicking list, just as the Czech's were not the last after the Natzi's went to "liberate" its so called ethnic Germans. Its all the same game, just different tyrants and people like you are helping them do it because you shout out the truth with your confused madness.
Posted by Stuart | 13.08.08, 05:42 GMT
Guys,
I don't understand what this all about, but one thing is clear, because of the bombs and war so called EARTH will bring a change soon. Just wait & watch if the same continue everyone will fight to survive due to natural calamity.
Live in peace and else earth will go in piece. decide!
Posted by Bond | 12.08.08, 22:45 GMT
eastern rubbbish! Georgia attacked Ossetia first, then Russia came to help ossetia and defended Ossetia, russian soldiers that were in Georgia that time stood up for Ossetia and called for help, finally, Russia attacked Georgia because they refused to stop bombing the Ossetia. Then just after russian attack Georgian President made a speech to USA from the name of Europe (for the first time in plain ENGLISH language) that Russia attacked Georgia, damn, and now half of the world is against Russia anh half - against Georgia because there are 2 versions, who attacked first! Russia did nothing goddamn it!!! And I`m neutral, not from russia, not from georia if you wanted to ask.
Posted by Chris | 12.08.08, 21:26 GMT
Democracy is the mother of all.the situation in Georgia right now calls for a Serious and Quick tactical response QTR..the world should not wait for US to stop up for wht is wrong.at this momonet we should not asking who is AGRESSOR or not , we should find a way to stop killings in Georgia and Ossetia.let the world find a better to settle differences because non of these countries can create a single livingthing.so why destroying wht u can't create back.let then find a sports or something else to use instead of fighting/killing themselves.US should be very carefull on this situation now.it might be a setup !!!
Posted by Prince (Engr) Odinaka Amobi. | 12.08.08, 15:30 GMT
Is democracy stronger than Russian bombs? My heart goes out to our fellow brothers and sisters in Georgia right now. They fought side by side with us, they trust us, and we are letting them down. If it were up to me we would be in there right now fighting with them. How is the world sitting back letting this happen?
Is America Georgia’s only hope?
Is America the only country that can stand up for freedom? The only ones to lead a fight against tyrany and terrorism?
Where is the rest of the world?
Georgia, I am so sorry, I weep for you. I really do. May you fight on, may you show the world the true colors of your enemies, may your struggles open the eyes of those who sleep and uncover the evil that seeks to destroy us all. Actions speek louder than words. May your actions call us to arms to fight for freedom and democracy and for our God. God be with you Georgia.
Posted by An American | 12.08.08, 03:50 GMT
Oh ye of little insight. The distractions of war in the name of anything is almost always a slight-of-hand from the real issue. Oil, money and control. Oil means money, money means control. In the big picture we have the former giant who lost control for lack of money. That was when oil was at a much lower price and the giant USSR could not maintain control over its empire or its captive people. Now, is a different story. Money is pouring into the registries of anyone who can produce it or have a stake in its transport. In the bigger scheme of things, the giant wants its power and its control back over the regions that broke away from it in its time of weakness. The real hand of the Putin-Russian plan is coming into view. Support the insurgents in South Ossetia, wait for Georgian reaction, then pounce on Georgia and remove the entire government or destroy it. Next, Azerbaijan, and the oil, (Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan pipeline) is theirs. Georgia is a stepping stone. Wake up!
Posted by terrence | 11.08.08, 19:19 GMT
where is the money and aid being offered to the south ossetian people from the western world............ oooops thats right, there is none because the western world is puppets to america and wont stand up and say america is WRONG and that they started all this. remember people there is 30000 people on russian borders now with out homes and unfortunately without some of their family and no one has offered them help only russia!!! but of course georgia gets everything including SYMPATHY, catch a grip people and call this another american campaign for oil. russia has all my support and shouldn't stand down to americas bullying tactics. come on russia don't let the motherland down .
Posted by glen northern ireland | 11.08.08, 18:12 GMT
Georgia attacked first- Russia needs to teach them a lesson, and it won't happen again. You reap what you sow. Maybe Georgia will learn to mind the own business and not to annoy Russia. It is certainly no other country's business now. If it was, then America and Uk should get out of all the countries they are in. I don't think Russia will lose this time around.
Posted by Mark | 11.08.08, 17:16 GMT
"Find who's in gain".
Who is in profit in this situation?
Georgian president gains international publicity that he hope will help him be accepted by NATO. BY ANY MEANS.
AMERICA gains raising dollar, McCain's rating and new oil resources. US DOESN'T CARE of dying people somewhere far distant, of democracy, that bla-bla is to brainwash the american society.
RUSSIA GAINS NOTHING FROM THIS WAR except international scandal and humiliation by american and european mass media.
That doll play was definitely written in Washington, d.c., and Saakhashvili is a trained puppet.
Posted by NightOwl, p.h.d. | 11.08.08, 17:08 GMT
USA should be doing this, not opposing it. There is NO WAR between Russia and Georgia. Simply because they are no match. Georgia committed crime, when entered territory of South Osetia and should be punished for that as Irak was for attacking Kuwait. (there was oil though)
Posted by john | 11.08.08, 16:31 GMT
when georgian solders started killing people of osetia and russian mission in osetia ( 08/08/2008 not yesterday!) nobody payed attention, they have killed 1800 people and nobody did hear when russia asked EU for help. EU keeped silence. Why? Because they were watching show in Bejing?They were busy? and now when russia protects osetian and russian people, you say russia is AGRESSOR. and what about georgian solders who killed women and children, they take girls and women whith them..why?what for? did you asked osetian people, mothers and wifes whose sons and husbands were killed ?who helped them now?america?EU?not ever a penny they gave them..i hope you will hear the people of osetia, because only they can tell us the true.
Posted by anastasia | 11.08.08, 14:59 GMT
It's not a weapon war (if it was so Russia'd win @ 8/8/2008) but mass media war. My friend's parents (i am Russian) are lost in Georgia now. They just stopped answering phone... they were in vocation there. Quite dumb of them to go there. From the other hand none of georgian people in russia were hurt for war-reason... None of them were called as a agressor or treated some other way. It's obvious who is real hater and agressor here.
Posted by AlVin, Petrozavodsk, Russia | 11.08.08, 14:17 GMT
On March 17, 2008 my new children's book THE BANJO & THE TELESCOPE came out from Publish America. I wrote it in English and a very dear friend translated it into Russian, so children can read it in both languages (English & Russian). That dear friend came to America from Georgia. He has family there. This book was written to encourage friendship by and between people who are very different from one another. It could not be more timely. It is my hope that it will encourage children to learn a second language, which will improve international communications. Improved communications will help us solve problems. Perhaps someday we will out grown the need for war! I sure hope so. Our prayers go out to the people of Russia and Georgia. Richard A. Payne
Posted by Richard A. Payne | 11.08.08, 14:04 GMT
73 Comments