Georgia declares state of war with Russia

Banjo · 08-09-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Georgia declares state of war with Russia

TBLISI, Georgia (CNN) -- Georgia's parliament Saturday approved a request by President Mikhail Saakashvili's to impose a "state of war," as the conflict between Georgia and Russia escalated, Georgian officials said.

Saakashvili accused Russia of launching an unprovoked full-scale military attack against his country, including targeting civilian homes, while Russian officials insist their troops were protecting people from Georgia's attacks on South Ossetia, a breakaway Georgian region that borders Russia.

Separatist-backed South Ossetian sources reported that about 1,600 people have died and 90 have been wounded in provincial capital Tskhinvali since Russian forces entered the territory Thursday.

Russia's Interfax news agency said the death toll was at least 2,000 killed in the capital of South Ossetia and claimed the city has been destroyed.

Georgia said the overall death toll would be closer to 100.

To read the full story, click here.

Banjo · 08-09-2008, 10:38 AM

This is deep troubling. :-(

Reba · 08-09-2008, 10:47 AM

Troubling indeed. This could spread beyond that region.

Byrdie714 · 08-09-2008, 10:48 AM

Guess that Georgia will be pulling its troops out of Iraq to take care of this situation at home.

Jiro · 08-09-2008, 10:57 AM

old news. been fighting since we were in diapers

PuyoPiyo · 08-09-2008, 11:18 AM

Yupp this is a trouble.. Hope things doesn't take too seriously.

Dixie · 08-09-2008, 11:27 AM

This is ridiculous. I thought they were Allies on the Iraqi front, but now they decide to fight amongst each other at the most critical point in this Iraqi war?

Jiro · 08-09-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixie

This is ridiculous. I thought they were Allies on the Iraqi front, but now they decide to fight amongst each other at the most critical point in this Iraqi war?

allies? lol they were never allies. Georgia/Chechnya and Russia have been fighting with each other for a long time just as much as China and Taiwan (but no military conflict yet).

PuyoPiyo · 08-09-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Georgia: In 'state of war' over South Ossetia

Aug 9, 8:26 PM EDT
By MUSA SADULAYEV
Associated Press Writer

OUTSIDE TSKHINVALI, Georgia (AP) -- Russia and small, U.S.-allied Georgia headed toward a wider war Saturday as Russian tanks rumbled into the contested province of South Ossetia and Russian aircraft bombed a Georgian town, escalating a conflict that already has left hundreds dead.

Georgia's Foreign Ministry said the country was "in a state of war" and accused Russia of beginning a "massive military aggression." The Georgian parliament approved a state of martial law, mobilizing reservists and ordering government authorities to work round-the-clock.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that Moscow sent troops into South Ossetia to force Georgia into a cease-fire and prevent Georgia from retaking control of its breakaway region after it launched a major offensive there overnight Friday.

In a meeting with refugees, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin characterized Georgia's actions as "complete genocide," according to his office's Web site. Putin also said Georgia had effectively lost the right to rule the breakaway province - an indication Moscow could be preparing to fulfill South Ossetians' wish to be absorbed into Russia.

The risk of the conflict setting off a wider war also increased Saturday when Russian-supported separatists in another breakaway region, Abkhazia, also targeted Georgian troops by launching air and artillery strikes to drive them out.

President Bush called for an end to the Russian bombings and an immediate halt to the violence.

"The attacks are occurring in regions of Georgia far from the zone of conflict in South Ossetia. They mark a dangerous escalation in the crisis," Bush said in a statement to reporters while attending the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili called it an "unprovoked brutal Russian invasion."

"This is about annihilation of a democracy on their borders," Saakashvili told the British Broadcasting Corp. "We on our own cannot fight with Russia. We want immediate cease-fire, immediate cessation of hostilities, separation of Russia and Georgia and international mediation."

At a meeting of the U.N. Security Council Saturday, the third in three days on the issue, Russia refused to agree to a cease-fire or a diplomatic agreement. The move ensured that the fighting with Georgia would keep spilling into other regions such as Abkhazia's Kodori Ridge, where 15 U.N. military observers were told to evacuate.

"A ceasefire would not be a solution. The fighting is still going on. The Georgian forces are continuing to be on the South Ossetian territory," Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said.

Georgia, a U.S. ally whose troops have been trained by American soldiers, launched the major offensive overnight Friday. Heavy rocket and artillery fire pounded the provincial capital, Tskhinvali, leaving much of the city in ruins.

It was the worst outbreak of hostilities since South Ossetia won de facto independence in a war against Georgia that ended in 1992.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters Saturday in Moscow that some 1,500 people had been killed in South Ossetia since Friday, with the death toll rising. The figures could not be independently confirmed.

But Tskhinvali residents who survived the bombardment by hiding in basements and later fled the city estimated that hundreds of civilians had died. They said bodies were lying everywhere.

Georgia, a country about the size of South Carolina that borders the Black Sea between Turkey and Russia, was ruled by Moscow for most of the two centuries preceding the breakup of the Soviet Union. Today, Russia has approximately 30 times more people than Georgia and 240 times the area.

Both South Ossetia and Abkhazia have run their own affairs without international recognition since splitting from Georgia in the early 1990s and have built up ties with Moscow. Russia has granted its passports to most of their residents.

Putin arrived late Saturday in the Russian city of Vladikavkaz to talk to South Ossetian refugees who have fled the fighting. He said there were at least 34,000 refugees.

"The actions of the Georgian powers in South Ossetia are, of course, a crime - first of all against their own people," Putin said. "The territorial integrity of Georgia has suffered a fatal blow."

Russia also laid much of the responsibility for ending the fighting on Washington, which has trained Georgian troops. Washington, in turned, blamed Russia.

"We have urged an immediate halt to the violence and a stand-down by all troops. We call for an end to the Russian bombings, and a return by the parties to the status quo," Bush said in the statement.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Bush had spoken with both Medvedev and Saakashvili. But it was unclear what might persuade either side to stop shooting - both claim the other violated a cease-fire declared Thursday.

Alexander Lomaia, secretary of Georgia's Security Council, estimated that Russia sent 2,500 troops into Georgia. The Russian military would not comment on the number of troops. By late Saturday, Russian military commanders claimed they had driven Georgian forces out of Tskhinvali, a claim that Saakashvili denied.

Russia's ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said "98 percent of Tskhinvali" was in ruins. "Our troops have re-established control over the city," he said.

Smoke rose from the city, and intermittent artillery shelling and sporadic gunfire could still be heard.

Georgian forces knocked out about 40 Russian tanks around Tskhinvali, said Georgia's Deputy Interior Minister Eka Sguladze. "Our units are well-equipped with anti-tank rockets, and they thwarted a Russian tank attack," she told reporters.

Georgia, meanwhile, accused Russia of bombing its air bases and the town of Gori, just outside South Ossetia.

An Associated Press reporter who visited Gori shortly after the Russian airstrikes Saturday saw several apartment buildings in ruins, some still on fire, and scores of dead bodies and bloodied civilians. The elderly, women and children were among the victims.

The Russian warplanes appeared to have been targeting a military base in Gori's outskirts that also was bombed.

The Interior Ministry said Russian warplanes also bombed the Vaziani military base on the outskirts of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and struck near the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. The ministry said two other military bases were hit, and that Russian warplanes also bombed the Black Sea port city of Poti, which has a sizable oil shipment facility.

Georgia said it has shot down 10 Russian planes, including four brought down Saturday, according to Lomaia. It also claimed to have captured two Russian pilots, who were shown on Georgian television.

Russian Col. Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn, deputy chief of the General Staff, confirmed Saturday that two Russian planes had been shot down, but did not say where or when.

Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said Georgia brought the airstrikes upon itself by bombing civilians and Russian peacekeepers. He warned that the small Caucasus country should expect more attacks.

"Whatever side is used to bomb civilians and the positions of peacekeepers, this side is not safe and they should know this," Lavrov said.

Russian military commanders said 15 peacekeepers have been killed and about 150 wounded in South Ossetia, accusing Georgian troops of killing and wounding Russian peacekeepers when they seized Russian checkpoints. The allegations couldn't be independently confirmed.

In Abkhazia, the separatist government said it intended to push Georgian forces out of the Kodori Gorge. The northern part of the gorge is the only area of Abkhazia that has remained under Georgian government control. Lomaia confirmed that Georgian administrative buildings in the Kodori Gorge were bombed, but he blamed the attack on Russia.

---

Associated Press writers Misha Dzhindzhikhashvili in Tbilisi, Georgia; Douglas Birch on the Russian-Georgian border; George Abdaladze in Gori, Georgia; and Jim Heintz, Vladimir Isachenkov and Lynn Berry in Moscow contributed to this report.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

You can see picture of old woman with blood on her body by clicking this link.

Georgia: In 'state of war' over South Ossetia- Columbian.com

Calvin · 08-09-2008, 11:36 PM

It is sad and disturbing news. A state of war and messing with Russia is not smart. Russia is huge military and what are the people of Georgia thinking? *smh*

Lets hope the war ends soon in peaceful way.

PowerON · 08-13-2008, 01:35 AM

US may seek to punish on Russia o:
U.S. may seek to punish Russia for Georgia conflict - CNN.com

Calvin · 08-13-2008, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerON

US may seek to punish on Russia o:
U.S. may seek to punish Russia for Georgia conflict - CNN.com

Let's hope that we are not going to fall for another World War

Liebling:-))) · 08-13-2008, 04:14 AM

Russia's lack of respect for human life... *shake my head*

Liebling:-))) · 08-13-2008, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Let's hope that we are not going to fall for another World War

EU Government make sure there're no another WWIII. EU Government stopped US Government involvement.

Calvin · 08-13-2008, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

EU Government make sure there're no another WWIII. EU Government stopped US Government involvement.

Ah that's good that EU would put it to a stop since they do not want another repeat like the last one.

Liebling:-))) · 08-13-2008, 09:04 AM

Georgia, Russia Agree to Modified Peace Plan

Georgia, Russia Agree to Modified Peace Plan | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 13.08.2008

Reba · 08-13-2008, 09:33 AM

The United States of America is not a member of the EU, and is not under their control.

Russia is still sending armored vehicles and troops into Georgia.

Byrdie714 · 08-13-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

EU Government make sure there're no another WWIII. EU Government stopped US Government involvement.

Guess it didn't work because Russia violated the truce plan.

Russian convoy heads into Georgia, violating truce - Yahoo! News

I'm not suprised afterall, Georgia is sitting on oil.

Foxrac · 08-13-2008, 10:14 AM

Oh damn, Russia should made stupid move to war against Georgia, what's up with last 17 years ago when USSR was collapsed, now, 17 years later, it happened again, RME at Russia.

I hope that war will end soon and Russia need left countries alone.

I will be very upset if China is start military conflict with Taiwan, it destroy of beautiful in Tapiei, don't want happen like that.

I would like to see USA to assist with Georgia but we are too busy on war of Afghan and Iraq right now.

Foxrac · 08-13-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

Guess it didn't work because Russia violated the truce plan.

Russian convoy heads into Georgia, violating truce - Yahoo! News

I'm not suprised afterall, Georgia is sitting on oil.

Yup, I don't trust on Russia.

jillio · 08-13-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Let's hope that we are not going to fall for another World War

Not inconceivable that Bush would get us involved in another World War. It could suspend the elections and keep him in office.

Foxrac · 08-13-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Not inconceivable that Bush would get us involved in another World War. It could suspend the elections and keep him in office.

How? Is it true?

I don't want to see Bush in office again, I would happy with either McCain or Obama in office.

jillio · 08-13-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

How? Is it true?

I don't want to see Bush in office again, I would happy with either McCain or Obama in office.

It could very well happen. Scary, isn't it?

Royale · 08-13-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

EU Government make sure there're no another WWIII. EU Government stopped US Government involvement.

You got it wrong. EU did not do anything to stop U.S.

U.S. President Bush and a few key cabinet members have been in touch with their allies and EU to find a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict. Recently Bush had a phone conversation with French President Sarkozy who holds the EU presidency. When the conflict began, Bush had a talk with Russian Prime Minister Putin about Russia's military actions against Georgia last Friday in Beijing where they were there to witness the Olympic opening ceremony.

U.S. will NOT do nothing and stay on the sideline in that kind of conflict as they are working with the allies and EU to find a better resolution.

Liebling:-))) · 08-13-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

Guess it didn't work because Russia violated the truce plan.

Russian convoy heads into Georgia, violating truce - Yahoo! News

I'm not suprised afterall, Georgia is sitting on oil.

for post that link... wow, I will find out more about this thru TV news today.

Liebling:-))) · 08-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royale

You got it wrong. EU did not do anything to stop U.S.

U.S. President Bush and a few key cabinet members have been in touch with their allies and EU to find a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict. Recently Bush had a phone conversation with French President Sarkozy who holds the EU presidency. When the conflict began, Bush had a talk with Russian Prime Minister Putin about Russia's military actions against Georgia last Friday in Beijing where they were there to witness the Olympic opening ceremony.

U.S. will NOT do nothing and stay on the sideline in that kind of conflict as they are working with the allies and EU to find a better resolution.

Excuse me, I live here in Germany and know EU news on the same time as Russia attacked Georgia, not you.

Counsellor Angela Merkel told French President Sarkozy that they EU members should work together to focus on their potential as mediators, not rely on US involvement. They can't rely on the Americans fix for this. US Government know EU Government for peacemakers and have no problem for that...

Yes, I know Bush and Sarkozy phoned each other... Bush agreed to not involve but support them to this solution. What´s your point?

Royale · 08-13-2008, 12:17 PM

FOXNews.com - Bush Orders Military to Deliver Aid to Georgia - Politics | Republican Party | Democratic Party | Political Spectrum

U.S. military will deliver humanitarian aids to Georgia as Secretary of State Condi Rice will go to Paris and Georgia for talks with President Nicolas Sarkozy and Mikheil Saakashvili respectively.

08-09-2008, 11:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
PuyoPiyo My Property!! >:( Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fourth Plain Village WA Posts: 5,128	Yupp this is a trouble.. Hope things doesn't take too seriously. __________________

08-09-2008, 11:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
Dixie Hooray its November! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 4,091	This is ridiculous. I thought they were Allies on the Iraqi front, but now they decide to fight amongst each other at the most critical point in this Iraqi war? __________________ Visit my Deaf Blog Signature banner created by me, please do not steal!

08-09-2008, 11:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
Calvin Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: California Posts: 1,783	It is sad and disturbing news. A state of war and messing with Russia is not smart. Russia is huge military and what are the people of Georgia thinking? smh Lets hope the war ends soon in peaceful way. __________________

08-13-2008, 01:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
PowerON Please don't click me! D: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Would like to live at Fort Davis, TX Posts: 4,724 Blog Entries: 1	US may seek to punish on Russia o: U.S. may seek to punish Russia for Georgia conflict - CNN.com __________________ • [Illustrator.Blog-alloon.com] • Don't shoot me! I'm only blogger!

08-13-2008, 04:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) My 3 darling princesses Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26,842	Russia's lack of respect for human life... shake my head __________________

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08-09-2008, 10:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Banjo Mr. Movie Guy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,120 Blog Entries: 1	This is deep troubling. :-(

08-09-2008, 10:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,175	Troubling indeed. This could spread beyond that region.

08-09-2008, 10:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
Byrdie714 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pacific County, Washington Posts: 4,810	Guess that Georgia will be pulling its troops out of Iraq to take care of this situation at home.

08-09-2008, 10:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jiro YOU DOMESTIC DISSENT! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 6,683	old news. been fighting since we were in diapers

08-13-2008, 09:04 AM	#16 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) My 3 darling princesses Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26,842	Georgia, Russia Agree to Modified Peace Plan Georgia, Russia Agree to Modified Peace Plan \| Europe \| Deutsche Welle \| 13.08.2008 __________________

08-13-2008, 09:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,175	The United States of America is not a member of the EU, and is not under their control. Russia is still sending armored vehicles and troops into Georgia.

08-13-2008, 10:14 AM	#19 (permalink)
Foxrac o_O Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 14,190	Oh damn, Russia should made stupid move to war against Georgia, what's up with last 17 years ago when USSR was collapsed, now, 17 years later, it happened again, RME at Russia. I hope that war will end soon and Russia need left countries alone. I will be very upset if China is start military conflict with Taiwan, it destroy of beautiful in Tapiei, don't want happen like that. I would like to see USA to assist with Georgia but we are too busy on war of Afghan and Iraq right now. __________________

08-13-2008, 12:17 PM	#27 (permalink)
Royale Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 850	FOXNews.com - Bush Orders Military to Deliver Aid to Georgia - Politics \| Republican Party \| Democratic Party \| Political Spectrum U.S. military will deliver humanitarian aids to Georgia as Secretary of State Condi Rice will go to Paris and Georgia for talks with President Nicolas Sarkozy and Mikheil Saakashvili respectively.