Russian MFA: Georgia May Use Force in South Ossetia

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on Tbilisi for restraint and warned that attempts to forcefully solve South Ossetian conflict “will not remain without response.”

“The Georgian side spares no efforts to make situation in South Ossetia tense on regular basis through provoking [Russian] peacekeepers, intimidation of local population, creation of obstacles to a [free] movement, shortly speaking, through an extreme mounting of forceful pressure on Tskhinvali,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on July 14.

“Aggressive policy of Tbilisi has become more alarming in recent days: against the background of a concrete military preparations which are underway in an immediate vicinity of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone – large-scale military exercises [referring to the maneuvers underway at Orpolo firing range in southern Georgia], concentration of a large military units, construction of a military hospital [in the town of Gori] – reliable information has emerged indicating that the Georgian leadership plans an offensive against South Ossetia.”

“Situation is further aggravated with irresponsible statements made by Georgian officials and in particular by Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who has called [in an interview with the Tbilisi-based Rustavi 2 television last week] on the Parliament to immediately pass a resolution about pull out of the Russian peacekeeping forces from South Ossetia and Abkhazia. At the same time the Minister has openly stated about readiness to ignore international community”s position in this respect. The fact that this statement, which was voiced at the firing range [Rustavi 2 interviewed Okruashvili in Orpolo firing range] is a clear indication that “hawks” are still strong in Tbilisi, who count on resolution of the conflict through use of force.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry also noted that it is now clear why the Georgian side opposes signing of an agreement with the South Ossetian side on non-resumption of hostilities.

“No one should have an illusion that attempts to solve the problem through use of force will remain without response. Russia, as a neighbor state, is interested in peace, stability and security on its borders,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)