I don't know much about this conflict, but from the facts I've gathered online, here are my reactions to this man's speech. Again I don't claim to know it all, so is youdisagree that's cool, just explain why, school me, don't trash me.You can get the full text of his speech here:
nytimes.com/2008/08/27/world/europe/27saakashvili.htmlThe Russian Federation's actions are an attempt to militarily annex a sovereign state - the nation of Georgia. This is in direct violation of international law and imperils the international security framework that has ensured peace, stability and order for the past 60 years.
1.Russia is hardly annexing the entire nation of Georgia by formally recognizing two breakaway provinces.
2. by launching a military offensive against SO, which was not in self-defense, President Saakashvili violated international law. He also Violated a 1992 ceasefire.
3. There has been no peace, stability, or order in the past 60 years!!!
Russia's decision today confirms that its invasion of Georgia was part of a broader, premeditated plan to redraw the map of Europe. Russia today has violated all treaties and agreements it has previously signed.
The rulers of both provinces welcome Russias help, however self-interested it may be, Russia's help is also welcomed by all those who voted for independence and self-rule.
Russia's actions have been condemned in the strongest possible terms by the entire international community, which has reaffirmed its support for Georgia's territorial integrity. The Government of Georgia is grateful for the world's support.
What about the integrity of those very provinces Georgia attacked, they are full of real people who have carried out a real struggle for independence and self-rule. their concerns, and their desire to NOT be attacked by Georgia trump all others.
The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are recognized by international law as being within the borders of Georgia.
They've successfully broke away from Georgia so this is no longer relevant. We know that they were once part of Georgia, but the fact that they've managed to secede and set up their own governments, forming their own alliances is the issue. The issue now is whether Georgia can suddenly re-conquer in a military campaign them so many years after the fact.
Today, by its actions, the Russian Federation is seeking to validate the use of violence, direct military aggression, and ethnic cleansing to forcibly change the borders of a neighboring state.
this is an extraordinary statement. ON August 08(?) Georgia used violence in a direct military aggression against South Ossetia. the Ethnic cleansing charge is hyperbole. And again, Russia was merely defending the self-drawn borders of South Ossetia.
Russia's refusal to withdraw its military forces from Georgia - and its attempt to annex two regions of Georgia - is in direct violation of the E.U.-brokered cease fire to end Russia's invasion and occupation of Georgia.
This is where Russian actions may begin to bear some criticism, however,, it seems tactically sound from a military perspective to secure the area by keeping troops posted.
The two regions in question have been de-populated by conflict and continue to be subject to widespread ethnic cleansing by Russia and its proxies - as confirmed by the United Nations and other international bodies.
The ordeal of Georgians (and of russians) in these provinces is a serious concern,and is one of the many issues confronting South Ossetia. This has little bearing on the recognition of South Ossetian independence.
If the people were inclined to take the passports and adopt russian citizenship, then what's the problem? There's also the possibility that many of these passports are counterfeits made by the South Ossetians themselves.
One such expulsion took place in 1993 in Abkhazia. Russia has turned logic and morality on its head.
Again the charge of ethnic cleansing is hyperbole even though it may contain some truth. This is a serious allegation, I won't claim to knwo anything about it.
Russia's decision is therefore a direct and grave challenge to the international order.
If Georgia was the first to attack the breakaway province, how does that make Russia the aggressor?
My appeal to the free world is to condemn and reject Russia's dangerous and irrational decision.
Isn't it a normal function of sovereignty to recognize whomever you want as an independent state?
As before - and according to international law, Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty is inviolable.
Well a revolution is a revolution, so if part of a country secedes from the rest, an immediate struggle may ensue, but once the fighting stops, I believe the lines are drawn. Major fighting ended in South ossetia and during this time it ruled itself autonomously, I believe the lines have been drawn, Georgia lost,and the extent of its sovereignty has been diminished.
Russia's aims, method and goals are now clear.
Didn't the seperatists in the breakaway provinces achieve this themselves of their own will? So it isn't really a case of Russia dismembering Georgia is it?
I
But together, we can and we must unite to meet this challenge.
hyperbole.
