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Russia Pushes Break Up of GeorgiaSouth Ossetia and Abkhazia Gain Backing for Independence
Russian lawmakers are sanctioning the independence movements of Georgia's two disputed breakaway provinces.
Russia’s Parliament in ActionRadio Free Europe / Radio Liberty reported today that Russian lawmakers in the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, passed a resolution advocating Russian recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The move by the lower house of parliament came on the heels of a similar move by the Russian Federation Council, or upper house of the parliament. Both resolutions must still be approved by Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Not UnexpectedThe motions by Russian lawmakers were not at all unexpected, with reports surfacing as early as two weeks ago indicating that Russia would support independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia in the wake of the recent Russo-Georgian war. That conflict erupted when Russian troops entered South Ossetia and Georgia proper, ostensibly to protect Russian citizens and Russian peacekeepers, after Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili launched an offensive against the province to reclaim what he holds is sovereign Georgian territory. It is unlikely, though, that the United States or any other western power will recognize the legal independence of the provinces. Georgia is a strong U.S. ally and the United States and France could be expected to block any Russian action at the United Nations designed to recognize the independence of South Ossetia or Abkhazia. De Facto IndependenceThe reality of the current situation in Georgia is that both South Ossetia and Abkhazia have already gained independence, even if that independence is not internationally recognized as legal. With Russian forces able to exert their will upon Georgia, there is no real possibility that Tbilisi will be able to regain control of the provinces from Moscow. Despite a cease-fire agreement brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy that called for all Russian forces to withdraw from Georgia proper, some Russian military elements have been observed making preparations for a lengthy stay. Checkpoints have been set up and some Georgian military bases remain occupied by Russian forces. In addition, Russian forces are reported to still be in control of the main East-West road that runs through Georgia, as well as the vital seaport of Poti. U.S. Aid to Georgia The United States has been providing humanitarian relief to Georgia since last week, with daily cargo flights of supplies making their way into the country. It is also widely expected that the United States, which has provided training to the Georgian armed forces, will help to rebuild Georgia’s military after its defeat at the hands of the Russian army.
The copyright of the article Russia Pushes Break Up of Georgia in International Affairs is owned by Greg Reeson. Permission to republish Russia Pushes Break Up of Georgia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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