Main focus of Friday, May 2, 2008

Russia mounts pressure on Georgia

The conflict between Georgia and Russia over the secessionist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Georgia's wish to join NATO has been smouldering for a long time. On Thursday Russia strengthened its troops in Abkhazia. What consequences will this demonstration of power have for the region?

The Independent - United Kingdom

"The temperature in the multiple disputes between Russia and Georgia has been rising for some time. In the past two weeks, though, it has approached boiling point," the newspaper writes in a leading article. Russia's diplomatic defeat over the independence of Kosovo "may be part of the genesis of the present fracas. Loss of empire is another. In smaller, weaker Georgia, Russia has no compunction about playing the colonial bully. Moscow also knows ... that the West feels no obligation to rush to [Georgia's] aid. ... These are perilous times. Russia's new President will be inaugurated next week. The temptation for the Kremlin to thrash out at such a time could be great. We join the EU in calling for moderation, and caution, on both sides." (02/05/2008)

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More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » EU enlargement, » Security Policy / Crises / War, » EU Policy, » Russia, » Georgian Republic

Blog Da Russia - Portugal

José Milhazes proposes a solution to the conflict between Russia and Georgia: "The separatists have the support not only of Russia, but also of the majority of the population in both regions. But everyone knows there is also practically unanimous opposition to the loss of these regions in the country. ... This is one more puzzle in one of the most complex regions in Europe. ... What international law will hold sway there: the right to self-determination or the principle of border inviolability? This conflict has much in common with that in Kosovo, but there are two differences: Russia is much stronger than Serbia when it comes to defending the interests and security of its citizens. And Russians make up 80 percent of the population in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. On the other hand, Georgia has the support of NATO, which wants to avoid a war with Russia but is also keen not to lose face. In my humble opinion, the solution could be giving Abkhazia and South Ossetia a status like that of Hongkong and Macau in China. (01/05/2008)

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More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Georgian Republic
All available articles from » José Milhazes

Tygodnik Powszechny - Poland

According to Anna Łabuszewska of the Centre for Eastern Studies in Warsaw, Russia is testing out how it can prevent a former Soviet country from becoming a member of NATO. NATO plans to grant Georgia access to its Membership Action Plan (MAP) in December. "Moscow is now taking measures to prevent Georgia's integration into NATO. Its tactic is to expose Georgia as an instable country that consequently does not fulfil the criteria for candidate countries. Its strategic goal is to torpedo Tiflis' pro-Western course and regain its influence in the region. Georgia is regarded by Moscow as a training ground for methods aimed at preventing the accession of another post-Soviet state to NATO. The tricks that prove successful in the Caucasus can also be applied to Ukraine." (30/04/2008)

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More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Security Policy / Crises / War, » Russia, » Georgian Republic
All available articles from » Anna Łabuszewska

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