Russian Diplomat: Russia will Protect its Citizens in S.Ossetia

In an interview with the Russian newspaper Vremya Novostey published on February 7 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said that Russia will protect its citizens in South Ossetia.

“Our position is clear: a majority of the residents of South Ossetia [are] Russian citizens and we have no other choice than to protect their rights, and, simultaneously, the stability in the region,” Karasin said while answering a question of whether the Russian peacekeepers will leave the conflict zone or not.

“We hope the Georgian Parliament and executive government will be meticulous while making their decision,” he added.

The government members will brief parliamentarians about the peace process in South Ossetia and the performance of the Russian peacekeeping forces stationed there at hearings on February 7. It is most likely that, based on the testimonies by government members, the Parliament will then instruct the authorities to launch procedures for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the conflict zone.