Tbilisi Warns to Open ?Intensive Fire? if Troops Attacked in South Ossetia

Georgian Defense Minister Giorgi Baramidze, who has spent the last two days in the South Ossetian conflict zone, said at a news briefing in Tbilisi on August 16 that ?the threat of war is real? in South Ossetia; however, he did add that the Georgian side will do its utmost to avoid military confrontation.

He said the South Ossetian militias have ?vigorously tried to take over the Georgian side?s positions during the last two days.?

?The attacks by the South Ossetian militias, which resulted in the death of two Georgian servicemen [overnight on August 16], were responded to by fire from the Georgian side as well. From now on we will respond with intensive fire in cases of attack on our positions,? the Georgian Defense Minister said.

Giorgi Baramidze also said that he has held talks several times with the commanders of the South Ossetian armed groups in an attempt ?to convince them to follow the recent ceasefire agreement.?

?We do not want war, but we will not step back. The Georgian Armed Forces are ready for everything,? he added.