Ivanov: Moscow Plans no War with “Friendly Georgian People”

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov told Russian television on Sunday that Moscow has no intention ?to go into war with the friendly Georgian people.?

But he also warned that Moscow will not stand aside if Tbilisi launches a military campaign in Abkhazia or South Ossetia, where Russian citizens reside and Russian peacekeepers are deployed.

Ivanov also said that Russia has no intention ?to annex these territories [Abkhazia and South Ossetia].?

He also said that Russia is interested in following its commitment and withdrawing military bases from Georgia.

?The last Russian soldier will leave Georgian territory by the end of 2008 [as laid out in the agreement]? Our servicemen, at least in Tbilisi, are currently in hostage condition. And as soon as we get them out of there, I will be able to work calmly,? Ivanov said.

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