S.Ossetian Defense Chief Warns of Forceful Resolution of Conflict

In an interview with the Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta published on December 12 Defense Minister of breakaway South Ossetia Anatoly Barankevich said that the Georgian authorities are preparing a scenario that envisions a forceful resolution to the South Ossetian conflict.

He said that Ukraine, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are providing the Georgian army with weapons ?and these preparations are sponsored by the United States and NATO,? the de facto Defense Minister said.

?This leads towards humiliating both South Ossetia and Russia, since Tbilisi?s attempts to reintegrate South Ossetia by force can be assessed as a blow against Russia in the Caucasus region,? Barankevich said.

The South Ossetian Minister also said that ?90% of the citizens of South Ossetia have Russian passports. Therefore, Moscow should assist its citizens in case of hostilities with Georgia.?

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