War in Georgia. A reaction from Tbilisi
12 August 2008
The unthinkable happened: war in Georgia. Heavy fighting took place this night and morning in Gori, an important city about 80 kilometres away from the capital Tbilisi. Reportedly there are many civilian casualties.
The increased tensions between Russia and Georgia led to an escalation after the Georgian army invaded South Ossetia on 7 August. The Russians, who say they are protecting the Russian population in South Ossetia and Abchazia, responded with an overwhelming invasion. The Georgian army is to weak to resist and the government asked for a ceasefire.
It seems the Russians want to break the power in Georgia. Since the Rose Revolution in 2003 Georgia entered an era of pro-western policies. One of the priorities of President Saakashvili is to lead Georgia into the NATO. The Russians strongly oppose this move.
Kakha Kohkreidze of the Centre for Solidarity, partner of the European Forum, reacts shocked from Tbilisi. “This outburst of violence came as an outrageous surprise. There were already big problems in Georgia when it comes to democracy, but this is of a complete different order. What is happening now is the destruction of the future of Georgia.” Kakha calls upon the EU and the US to support Georgia.
Like everybody, Kakha hopes there will be a cease fire soon and a return to the situation as it was before the 7th of August. He fears for the Russians who are in his opinion aiming for a change of the political leadership in Georgia. Also last night bombs were heard in Tbilisi. The divisions between opposition and government that put the country into crisis last year are over. Everybody agrees that the territorial integrity of Georgia should be restored and supports President Saakashvili.
The latest news shows that Russian President Medvedev has ordered the troops to quit fighting in Georgia.
