Georgia Passes Law to Destroy Soviet-era Monuments and Street Names

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Georgia will destroy Soviet-era monuments and change any street names which refer to its Communist past, MPs have decided.

The parliamentarians passed a new law on Tuesday, aimed at distancing the country from its former master Russia.

Ties between Russia and Georgia have soured since President Mikheil Saakashvili ousted post-Soviet leader Eduard Shevardnadze in the 2003 "Rose Revolution" and vowed to move the country out of Moscow's sphere of influence.

"Our people have been waiting for this law to be passed for 20 years and I'm proud that it is passed by this parliament," said Gia Tortladze, an opposition lawmaker who proposed the law.

The so-called Freedom Charter will set up a commission led by the Interior Ministry to identify symbols, monuments, inscriptions, street and park names "that may reflect or contain elements of Soviet or fascist ideology" and consider their removal.

The law will also prevent former KGB agents and senior Communist party officials from occupying high-ranking positions in government. » | Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Woman Who Cut Internet to Georgia and Armenia 'Had Never Heard of Web'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A 75-year-old woman arrested for single-handedly cutting off the internet in Georgia and Armenia has tearfully insisted she is innocent and had never heard of the internet.

In a case that has attracted worldwide interest, pensioner Hayastan Shakarian is accused of forcing thousands of people in both countries offline for hours after hacking into a fibre-optic cable while digging for scrap metal.

But Shakarian, a Georgian of Armenian origin, told AFP that she was just a "poor old woman" who was not capable of committing such a crime.

"I did not cut this cable. Physically, I could not do it," she said, repeatedly bursting into tears as she spoke.

Ms Shakarian, who lives in the poverty-stricken Georgian village of Armazi, around 10 miles from the capital Tbilisi, said that she had only been collecting firewood.

"I have no idea what the internet is," she added. » | Monday, April 11, 2011

Viewpoint from Russia: War Crimes Wash Off with West’s Help

Georgian President: Putin Is “Ruthless”

“Saakashvili Is a Drug Abuser” – Georgian Opposition

Obama Effigy Spotted in Jimmy Carter's Hometown

Barack Obama Tells Russia to Respect Borders

THE TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama tells Russia to respect borders of Georgia and Ukraine: US President Barack Obama has told Russia's leaders they must respect the sovereignty of their neighbours Georgia and Ukraine in a major speech in Moscow >>> | Telegraph’s Foreign Staff and Agencies | Tuesday, July 07, 2009

TIMES ONLINE: Obama to Russia: stop Iranian nuclear weapon and US will scrap missile defence >>> Tony Halpin in Moscow | Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Dmitry Medvedev at Moscow Missile Parade: 'Russia Will Teach Aggressors a Lesson'
TIMES ONLINE: Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president, has warned at a military parade in Red Square that Moscow will teach foreign aggressors the "lessons" of the Second World War.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev taking part at a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier outside the Moscow Kremlin. Photo courtesy of TimesOnline
Nuclear missile launchers and battle tanks were driven through the centre of Moscow, while air force bombers flew above the city's skyline, as Russia celebrated victory over Nazi Germany 64 years ago. Mr Medvedev ordered the Soviet-style parade of might to remind the world that Russia remained a powerful military force.

With Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, standing beside him, Mr Medvedev told thousands of troops drawn up on the cobbles of Red Square that Russia still faced external threats to its security.

"The victory over fascism is a great example and a great lesson for all people and is still current today when people are again starting military adventures," he said.

The president's comments seemed to be primarily directed at Georgia, with which Russia fought a five-day war last year, but could also be a coded warning to the United States, some observers said. Washington is planning to build a missile defence shield in central Europe, a project that has been repeatedly condemned in Moscow.

Mr Medvedev said that foreign designs against Russia would meet the same response it gave the Nazis during the War.

"We are sure that any aggression against our citizens will be given a worthy reply," he said.

The parade was the biggest show of force since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Last year, under an initiative from Mr Putin, tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles reappeared in Red Square after a 17-year hiatus as part of a drive to show off Russia's military resurgence. >>> By Adrian Blomfield in Moscow | Saturday, May 9, 2009

Vladimir Putin 'Wanted to Hang Georgian President Saakashvili by the Balls'
TIMESONLINE: Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, planned to topple the President of Georgia and "hang him by the balls", according to the chief adviser to President Nicolas Sarkozy of France.

Mr Putin outlined his aims to Mr Sarkozy when the French leader flew to Moscow on August 12 to broker a ceasefire after the Russian invasion of northern Georgia, Jean-David Levitte told le Nouvel Observateur news magazine. It published the account today.

President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia, who is in Paris, laughed nervously when he heard of Mr Putin's threat on French radio this morning and said that he was aware of it.

Mr Sarkozy was aware from intelligence reports that the Russian army was aiming to overthrow Mr Saakashvili and install a puppet government. He told Mr Putin that the world would not accept this, according to Mr Levitte, Mr Sarkozy's foreign policy chief, who was in the Kremlin for the talks.

"I am going to hang Saakashvili by the balls," Mr Putin replied.

Mr Sarkozy responded: "Hang him?"

"Why not? The Americans hanged Saddam Hussein," said Mr Putin.

Mr Sarkozy replied, using the familiar "tu": "Yes but do you want to end up like (President) Bush?" Mr Putin was briefly lost for words, then replied: "Ah, you have scored a point there." >>> Charles Bremner in Paris | November 13, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback & Hardback) – Free delivery >>>

Tough US Talk: Is the World Taking a Turn for the Worse?
Watch BBC video: Condoleezza Rice on Russia's ''aggression'' >>>
BBC: Russia is becoming increasingly authoritarian at home and aggressive abroad, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said.

In a strongly-worded speech, Ms Rice said Moscow was on a "one-way path to isolation and irrelevance".

Diplomatic relations between the US and Russia have been strained by the recent conflict in Georgia.

Earlier, Russia's president said the two nations should not risk established ties over "trivial matters."

Dmitry Medvedev said it would be "politically short-sighted" if Washington and Moscow were to endanger their political and economic ties.

However, Ms Rice suggested in her speech that following the conflict in Georgia, Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organisation had been put in doubt.

The US has already shelved a civilian nuclear deal with Russia, but despite tensions the two countries are maintaining diplomatic links.

Ms Rice held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just hours before delivering her speech, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas in Washington, and Russia is also due to join an international meeting on Iran's nuclear programme on Friday.

Our correspondent says Moscow is also telling the US that its co-operation is needed over issues like Iran and North Korea, with many in Washington feeling the Russians have a point.
Several hours after Ms Rice spoke, it emerged that a Russian submarine test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

An official from Russia's defence ministry is quoted as saying that the test - carried out in Russia's far-eastern Kamchatka peninsula - went according to plan. Rice Criticises ‘Isolated’ Russia >>> | September 18, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback (US) Barnes & Noble >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Hardcover (US) Barnes & Noble >>>

Sarkozy wollte Treffen mit Moskau platzen lassen
WELT ONLINE: Zwischen dem russischen Präsidenten Dmitri Medwedjew und seinem französischen Kollegen Nicolas Sarkozy soll es heftig gekracht haben: Sarkozy wollte eigentlich in seiner Funktion als EU-Ratsvorsitzender in Moskau im Kaukasuskonflikt vermitteln. Doch plötzlich erklärte er: „Wir gehen."

Die Verhandlungen zwischen dem russischen Staatschef Dmitri Medwedjew und dem französischen Präsidenten Nicolas Sarkozy über eine Umsetzung des Friedensplans für Georgien sind nach übereinstimmenden Berichten „zeitweise äußerst spannungsgeladen“ verlaufen. An einem Punkt seien die Auseinandersetzungen zwischen der russischen Seite und der EU-Delegation um Sarkozy so heftig gewesen, dass der französische Präsident damit gedroht habe, die Gespräche sofort zu beenden, berichteten Vertreter der Europäischen Union und Frankreichs am Montag. Kaukasuskrise: Sarkozy wollte Treffen mit Moskau platzen lassen >>> | 9. September 2008

LE FIGARO:
Russie : Sarkozy a failli quitter la table des discussions : «On s'en va. Ce n'est pas négociable», aurait lancé le président français aux négociateurs russes, selon plusieurs sources, qui révèlent les dessous d'une discussion houleuse.

Voilà quatre heures que les délégations russes et européennes discutent à Moscou, lundi, de l'application de l'accord de paix en Géorgie signé en août, quand l'incident survient. Le président Medvedev s'est absenté, mais les négociateurs russes annoncent qu'ils souhaitent supprimer une partie de l'accord qui stipule que leurs forces doivent se retirer sur «leurs positions antérieures au début des hostilités». >>> 09.09.2008

ARAB NEWS:
Editorial: Sarkozy Mission over Georgia: THE visit to Moscow and the Georgian capital Tblisi by French President Nicolas Sarkozy accompanied by the EU’s Secretary-General Manuel Barroso and its “foreign minister” Javier Solana demonstrates how worried the Europeans are about Russia’s incursion in Georgia. This is the second time that Sarkozy, current president of the European Council, has been to Moscow and Tblisi in a month and comes just a week after the 27 members of the union, in an emergency summit, pulled off the rare feat of a united stand on the issue, condemning Russia’s recognition of South Ossetian and Abkhazian independence, suspending a planned EU-Russia partnership agreement and firmly supporting Georgia’s sovereignty. >>> | September 9, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Taschenbuch) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Gebundene Ausgabe) >>>
Moska

Tensions High in Caucasus
TIMESONLINE: A US Navy flagship carrying humanitarian aid yesterday steamed into a Georgian port where Russian troops are still stationed, stoking tensions once again in the tinderbox Caucasus region.

A previous trip by US warships was cancelled at the last minute a week ago amid fears that an armed stand-off could intensify in the Black Sea port of Poti.

The arrival of the USS Mount Whitney, flagship of the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, came as Moscow accused Dick Cheney, the hawkish US Vice-President, of stoking tensions during a visit to Tbilisi this week. After meeting President Saakashvili, Mr Cheney vowed to bring Georgia into the Nato alliance. Russia sees such moves as Western encroachment on its traditional sphere of influence.

Russia’s leaders have accused previous US warships that docked at the port of Batumi, to the south, of delivering weapons to re-arm the smashed Georgian military — charges that Washington denied. US Warship Confronts Russian Military in ‘Tinderbox’ Port >>> By James Hider in Tbilisi and Tony Halpin in Moscow | September 6, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – USA)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardcover – USA)

Moscow Warns EU on Georgia Ties: Mikheil Saakashvili Clearly a Thorn in Russians' Side
BBC: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said further Western support for Georgia's present leadership would be a mistake of historic magnitude.

Mr Lavrov called for an embargo on arms supplies to Georgia until a different government was in place there.

He was speaking ahead of an emergency EU summit on the Georgian crisis.

The UK has called on the European Union to suspend talks over a new partnership pact with Russia, to punish the country for its actions in Georgia.

"In light of Russia's actions we should suspend negotiations on a successor to the partnership and co-operation agreement," a spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown told reporters in London.

The EU summit is expected to condemn Moscow's recognition of independence for Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said his decision is irrevocable. Moscow Warns EU on Georgia Ties >>> | September 1, 2008

SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL:
The Cold Peace: The European Union is struggling to find a common position on Russia -- as is the rest of the West. But so far, diplomatic bluster has been the name of the game. What should the world do about Russia's new-found bravado? >>> By Ralf Beste, Uwe Klussmann and Gabor Steingart | September 1, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>

*Piotr Dutkiewicz' Opinion: How Russia Clobbered Georgia – and Lost the War
GLOBE AND MAIL: Some critics have pointed to the conflict in Georgia as another example of botched Bush administration foreign policy. But, in fact, America's real strategy was brilliantly executed, and it achieved exactly the intended outcome. Unfortunately, it's not an outcome that makes the world a safer place.

First, it's important to note that this dispute is not about Georgia or South Ossetia, both victims of collateral damage in geopolitical manoeuvring. It is not about Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili miscalculating the Russian response to his attack or overestimating the amount of support he would get from the West - Mr. Saakashvili is really just a colourful bit player. Nor is this entirely a case of an emboldened Russia striking back at the West for its support of Kosovo independence, or the Orange Revolution, or the Eastern European missile-defence shield, though all of these things are factors.

Simply put, this was about the U.S. depositioning the only globally significant country that consistently challenges it on foreign policy issues, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was a successful but wrongheaded attempt to undermine Russia's global status by setting a trap into which Russia had to fall. And it was about creating a villain for U.S. domestic political reasons.

The U.S. realized that, once pushed into this corner, Russia had no choice but to respond to the Georgian attack on its lawfully present peacekeepers and on South Ossetian civilians. Not to counterattack would have put Russia in an untenable position. It could not claim to be able to protect its friends, allies and satellites from foreign intervention. It would have reverted to the Russia of 20 years ago - largely irrelevant, a nonentity. How Russia Clobbered Georgia – and Lost the War >>> By Piotr Dutkiewicz | August 26, 2008

*Piotr Dutkiewicz is a former director of the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – Canada) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback – Canada) >>>

Medwedjew würde auch Kalten Krieg riskieren
Foto von Dmitri Medwedjew dank Google Images
WELT ONLINE: Jede Kritik perlt an ihm ab: "Wir haben vor nichts Angst", erwiderte Russlands Präsident Dmitri Medwedjew auf die scharfe Kritik des Westens an seiner Kaukasus-Politik. Auch einen Kalten Krieg mag er nicht ausschließen. Seiner Meinung nach hat Russland den Friedensplan erfüllt. Alles weitere hänge allein vom Westen ab.

Der russische Präsident Dmitri Medwedjew hat nach der Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit von Abchasien und Südossetien die Standhaftigkeit seines Landes gegenüber dem Westen bekräftigt.

"Wir haben vor nichts Angst, auch nicht vor der Aussicht auf einen Kalten Krieg", sagte Medwedjew am Dienstag in einem Interview des englischsprachigen Fernsehsenders Russia Today. "Natürlich wollen wir das nicht", fügte der Staatschef hinzu. "Alles hängt von der Haltung unserer Partner, der Weltgemeinschaft und unserer Partner im Westen ab."

Auf die Frage, ob Russland auf die Konsequenzen seiner Anerkennung der beiden abtrünnigen georgischen Provinzen vorbereitet sei, sagte Medwedjew: „Wenn der Westen gute Beziehungen zu Russland aufrechterhalten will, wird er die Gründe für eine solche Entscheidung verstehen, und die Lage wird ruhig sein.“ Medwedjew würde auch Kalten Krieg riskieren >>> AFP/DPA/AP/FSL | 26. August 2008

LE FIGARO:
Medvedev n'a pas peur d'une nouvelle «guerre froide» >>> | 26. 08. 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Russia 'Ready for New Cold War' over Georgia: Russia has said it is prepared for a new Cold War, after President Dmitry Medvedev defied the West by formally declaring the independence of two Georgian rebel regions. Shredding any hope that his offensive in Georgia could be rolled back under an internationally agreed ceasefire, Mr Medvedev unilaterally redrew the map of the region by recognising the secession of South Ossetia and Abkhazia after meeting Vladimir Putin, Russia's prime minister, in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Mr Medvedev also gave warning Russia would go to any lengths to defend the enclaves. "We're not afraid of anything [including] the prospect of a Cold War," he said. "Russia is a state which has to ensure its interests along the whole length of its border. This is absolutely clear."

Speaking later about the deployment of a US anti-missile system close to Russian borders, Mr Medvedev said Moscow "will have to react somehow, to react, of course, in a military way." >>> By Adrian Blomfield in Tbilisi and Damien McElroy | August 27, 2008

GLOBE AND MAIL:
Russia Eyes Annexing Georgia, President Warns >>> By Jane Armstrong | August 26, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Taschenbuch) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Gebundene Ausgabe) >>>

Despite Pullout, Russia Envisions Long-Term Shift
THE NEW YORK TIMES: MOSCOW — As the Russian Army withdrew most of its forces from Georgia, it was becoming ever more clear on Friday that Moscow had no intention of restoring what once was — either on the ground or diplomatically.

The West wants a return to early August, before an obscure territorial dispute on the fringes of the old Soviet empire erupted into an international crisis. But Russia’s forces are digging in and seizing ribbons of Georgian land that abut two breakaway enclaves allied with Moscow, effectively extending its zone of influence.

At the same time, the Kremlin is nearing formal recognition of the independence of the enclaves, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, possibly as early as next week.

These moves indicate that despite the French-brokered cease-fire framework that Russia accepted, it is striving to maintain considerable economic and military pressure on Georgia, a close ally of the United States. The ultimate goal, it seems, is the ouster of its president, Mikheil Saakashvili, who is detested by the Russian leadership, and the installation of a government that it considers less hostile. Despite Pullout, Russia Envisions Long-Term Shift >>> By Clifford J Levy | August 22, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Georgia Rejects Russian Claims of Withdrawal: Russia's defence minister has said his forces have completed a promised withdrawal from the main body of Georgia into the enclaves of South Ossetia and Abkhazia >>> | August 22, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Even Today, Fighting Might with Might Is Often the Only Solution >>> By John O'Sullivan | August 23, 2008


The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US) >>>

Edward Luttwak*: The Party’s Over for Europe: The Bear Is Back
GLOBE AND MAIL: South Ossetia may be very small, but it has become the scene of an event of colossal proportions: the return of Great Power politics, in which tanks are the deciding factor, not "soft power," let alone international legitimacy.

This huge change follows inevitably from Russia's regression to its own historic version of empire, which existed under the czars and was revived by Stalin. It is based on a tacit bargain: The Russians accept authoritarian rule and the loss of personal freedom in exchange for an imperial role on the global scene, starting with the "near abroad" - countries such as Georgia that used to belong to the Soviet Union.

For all its weaknesses, the Russian Federation has all it needs to function as a Great Power, from a determined ruling elite to a vast nuclear arsenal, adequate military forces now being modernized, and a revitalized intelligence service. Hence, the reversion of Russia to the dangerous rules of Great Power politics compels all others to change their behaviour as well - it is not a game, and participation is not voluntary.

Understandably, the Poles were the first to react. After bargaining with the Americans for months to extract more rewards for accepting a small anti-ballistic missile base on their territory, within hours of the Russian advance into Georgian territory, they dropped all their demands to sign on the dotted line. Other reactions may be much less obvious but could be much more important. Japan, for example, is likely to draw even closer to the United States, while China's rulers might be influenced in a most unfortunate way. After leaning this way and that, they had seemingly decided that maximum economic success was more valuable than a fast buildup of military strength; they may now revise their priorities.

The most direct impact, however, will be on Europe and the North Atlantic alliance. All through the Cold War, it was a truly operational organization, in which every member had to be ready to fight in defence of every other member. There were serious defence plans for vulnerable borders that were realistically exercised by hundreds of thousands of troops, and periodic airlifts to bring reinforcements to exposed frontiers as a reminder of what would happen in war. The Party’s Over for Europe: The Bear Is Back >>> By Edward Luttwak* | August 21, 2008

*Senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – Canada) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback – Canada) >>>

Russia Military Not Quitting Georgia
THE INDEPENDENT: Russia's military has no plans to leave Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia or the buffer zone around it, a senior Russian military official said today.

"We are not planning to leave anywhere...," Anatoly Nogovitsyn, deputy chief of the Russian military's General Staff, told a news conference, when asked if the Russian military would remain in South Ossetia and the surrounding zone.

Meanwhile, Russian forces today took up positions at the entrance to Georgia's main Black Sea port city, excavating trenches and setting up mortars facing the city despite Russia's promise to pull back troops from territory deep inside Georgia.

Several armored personnel carriers and troop trucks blocked the bridge that is the only land entrance to Poti and another group of APCs and trucks were positioned in a nearby wooded area.

Although Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has promised that his forces would pull back by tomorrow, Russian troops appear to be settling in for a long presence, raising concern about whether Moscow is aiming for a lengthy and intimidating occupation of its small, pro-Western neighbor.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili told The Associated Press that Russia was thinning out its presence in some occupied towns but was seizing other strategic spots. He called the Russian moves "some kind of deception game."
"(The Russians) are making fun of the world," he declared. Russia Military Not Quitting Georgia >>> AP and Reuters | August 21, 2008

WELT ONLINE:
Georgien - Russland verspricht sofortigen Truppenabzug: Russland will den Truppenabzug beschleunigen: Bis heute Abend soll sich die Armee aus georgischem Kerngebiet zurückziehen. Es sollen aber mindestens 500 Mann in Südossetien stationiert bleiben, um eine Pufferzone zu bilden. Nach Angaben eines US-Militärs gehe der Rückzug allerdings im Schneckentempo voran >>> | 22. August 2008

LE FIGARO:
Mikhaïl Saakachvili : « Moscou a décidé de se mesurer à l'Otan »: Le président géorgien explique au « Figaro » pourquoi la communauté internationale ne devrait pas faire confiance aux promesses du Kremlin >>> Propos recueillis à Tbilissi par Adrien Jaulmes | 21/08/2008

LE FIGARO:
L'ambassadeur de France en
Géorgie bloqué par les Russes: L'ambassadeur de France à Tbilissi, Éric Fournier, a été retenu jeudi pendant deux heures et demie par les forces russes. Paris a jugé l'incident «inacceptable» >>> De Laure Mandeville | 21/08/2008

LE FIGARO:
L'Ossétie du Sud réclame son indépendance: La capitale, Tskhinvali, a été la ville la plus touchée par les offensives croisées des troupes géorgiennes et russes >>> D’Adrien Jaulmes | 21/08/2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US) >>>

Nato Cools Relations with Russia
Watch video: Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has warned Russia that there "will be no business as usual" >>>
BBC: Nato foreign ministers have said they "cannot continue business as usual" with Russia, and demanded that Moscow pull troops from Georgia immediately.

The declaration followed talks in Brussels about the conflict between Moscow and Tbilisi over Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Russia accused Nato of bias and of trying to save a "criminal regime".

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a withdrawal was possible within three or four days - if Georgia did likewise. Nato Cools Relations with Russia >>> | August 19, 2008

TIMESONLINE:
Russia Dismisses Nato's 'Empty Words' as it Stands Firm in Georgia >>> By Michael Evans, Defence Editor, in Brussels | August 19, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH:
Russia rejects UN call to pull out of Georgia: Russia has rejected a draft UN resolution demanding it immediately pull out of Georgia, as President Demitry Medvedev again delayed the withdrawal >>> By Adrian Blomfield in Tbilisi and Jon Swaine | August 20, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Vows Further Retribution against Georgia

THE TELEGRAPH: Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, said Georgian actions would not go 'unpunished' as the United States accused Moscow of deploying short-range missiles to positions within range of the Georgian capital Tbilisi.

Amid few signs that the Kremlin was honouring its latest pledge to withdraw troops, Mr Medvedev also threatened to "crush" any other ex-Soviet states that attempted to follow Georgia's example by killing Russian citizens.

For the first time since the conflict began 11 days ago, Mr Medvedev was allowed to stand in for Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, who has clearly been in charge of running Russia's war.

Giving a passable imitation of his predecessor, the president - who has been given coaching to imitate Mr Putin's abrasive style - adopted an uncompromising position that appeared designed to defy the United States, which has solidly backed Georgia during the conflict.

"What the Georgian authorities did exceeded human understanding," he told troops at a Russian military base in Vladikavkaz, a city in the Caucasus close to the Georgian border. "Their actions cannot be explained and moreover must not go unpunished."

Mr Medvedev gave no hint over what further retribution against Georgia he sought. Russia has already announced plans to launch a genocide investigation against the Georgian government, perhaps with the view to bringing war crimes charges against President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Meanwhile, Pentagon officials confirmed Russia had deployed short-range SS-21 missiles inside the Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia, a move that is likely to unnerve Mr Saakashvili's government and undermine the already fragile ceasefire. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Vows Further Retribution against Georgia >>> By Adrian Blomfield near Gori | August 19, 2008

THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Russia Seems to Be Hunkering Down in Georgia >>> By Andrew E Kramer | August 18, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>