Abkhaz Leader Has Ordered Army To Sink Any Georgian Ships In Its Waters

A helicopter carrying Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili came under fire over South Ossetia but landed safely. South Ossetia claim to have shot down a helicopter which "violated their airspace" on Sunday, while Georgia denied it was shot down. A helicopter escorting a U.S. Senate delegation led by Sen. John McCain was fired upon by a surface-to-air missile last week?

Another non-country are going to hold another non-vote (ref.: Transnistria's Sept 17 vote). South Ossetia are going to vote for independence from Georgia on November 12.






Clashes Between South Ossetian And Georgian Forces

Four people were killed in clashes between South Ossetian and Georgian forces. South Ossetia and Georgia are blaming each other for the incident.



War!

Abkhazian Rebel leader Emzar Kvitsiani declared war against Georgia today.

Although it is not mentioned in any news sources outside CIS, Saakashvilli has been arresting much of his opposition lately, as well as members of his own administration who voice their opinions against starting another war. Russian news reports several senior politicians being arrested on baseless charges in the last several weeks. Furthermore yesterday I heard a report of Georgian forces firing upon South Ossetian police forces. It appears that what the West hailed as a democracy, is now degenerating into a dictatorship headed by Saakashvilli. And furthermore it seems that every action taken by him and his generals, moves the country only closer to war. I for one do not doubt that restarting the war was his intention all along. Apart from what you belive about the nature of Georgian conflict, Saakashvilli is a dangerous leader who's unyielding and uncompromising behavior can only lead to more bloodshed. And US is placing all hopes on this guy, which could create severe consequences.


Of all of the things I am unable to understand, is the position of the US, which is obviously supporting Saakashvilli. US is arming various Georgian forces (including paramilitary ones) to the teeth. They have also made massive investments in the new pipeline running through Georgia from Azerbaijan, and into Turkey. But if he is a puppet, why is he interested in a war that would potentially drag in Russia? The last thing US needs is to worsen relations with Russia over Georgia. So who does Saakashvilli work for- because its obviously not for the better of Georgia?

maloy, good post



I don't think Russia or the US would get involved, other than a little logistical and "morale" support. I mean, both sides know if they get involved then the other will (US and Rus).



Youv'e already answered that question.




[edit on 11/9/2006 by SportyMB]

Georgia Urges EU To Assist In Peace Negotiations

Georgia urged EU to mediate for peace today. They noted that so far peacekeeping efforts have rendered no results...


U.S. Delegation In Georgia To Discuss Military Cooperation Today

James MacDougall and a 11-member U.S. delegation are in Georgia to discuss military cooperation between the two countries.

Seems like the consultations in Batumi turned out well for Georgia. There will be "deeper" bilateral cooperation between Georgia and the US in the future.

On September 16 Georgian President Saakashvili spoke to 12 000 teenagers who had spent their summer in state-sponsored "Patriot Camps" in Georgia. He compared Georgia to St. George who could defeat "powerful evil" and said that Georgia will gain victory. He also said that Georgia needs "a courageous generation, which will not be afraid of anything"...


This was yesterday. Also keep in mind what's going to happen in Transnistria today (Sept 17) ...

I think it is far more likely that there might be an attack on Abkhazia/South ossetia than on Transdniester. Moldova is too weak to take on Transdniester by itself, considering how well armed the separatists are. Ukraine said it will not interfere beyond closely patroling the borders. And NATO will not dare attack it if there is a possibility of confrontation with Russians. The Russians are there, and so is the FSB, and you can be sure NATO will not tread on their turf.

Georgia is more likely because Saakashvilli has adequate power to carry out an attack without any help. Also now I am beginning to think that Russia will not interfere openly, and if anything starts it will get its Peace Keepers out. I know that South Ossetia especially is very nervous right now. Same thing as with Chechnya- most people don't really care if they are part of Georgia or not, but the hard line separatists will drag the whole population into the conflict. If Saaka doesn't want armed conflict, why is he rousing up the entire population in that way? Its not like Georgia has reason to fear an attack from anybody, so the only reason is it is preparing for attack.

And Americans couldn't care less where the weapons they paid for with their tax dollars are going- and what new conflicts they are going to start. If not for American help Saakashvilli wouldn't be as bold and unyeilding as he is.

Yesterday Georgian President Saakashvili demanded in the UN that the Russian troops should withdraw from Georgia without delay.

Abkhazia are right now holding large-scale military exercises (September 24-26). Tomorrow they are going to practice with artillery and air force in Kodori Gorge...



Monument Angers Azerbaijan

Armenians are planning to erect in a Georgian city a monument in tribute of Armenian General Gurgen Dalibaltyan. Azerbaijan is angry because this General was fighting against Azerbaijani troops in Nagorno-Karabakh.


Related ATS Thread:
War In Nagorno Karabakh Can Start At Any Moment

There is certainly an alliance forming as obvious here and other recent events.

Armenia has long been allies with Russia, and never had any discord between them. Russia supported Armenia against both the Turks and the Azeriis. On the other hand the US camp consists of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, so there is no wonder that the two are forming better relations - even though Georgia is predominantly Christian (as is Armenia), and Azerbaijan is Muslim.

I certainly hope that whatever **** breaks out there, that Armania won't be involved. That country has suffered many struggles in the past century, and now is vitrually surrounded by potential enemies (also considering half of its land is still under Turkish occupation and a small part under Azerbaijani control). Watch for Russia and Armenia strengthening their ties in this power play.

Georgia has arrested four senior Russian army officers and more than ten local agents for spying. Russia demands their immediate release and blame Georgia for "provocations"...

Russia has evacuated some embassy staff and all family members from Georgia. The Russian defence minister accused Georgia of acting like gangsters. The Georgian interior minister said he was willing to provide the press with audio and video recordings of the spies in action...


Banned Anti-Aircraft Gun Found In South Ossetia:

They found an illegal 23-mm antiaircraft gun but they could not confiscate it. The gun was protected by a South Ossetian armed unit which offered armed resistance. The Russian "peace keepers" took no action to help confiscating the weapon.

I'm chiming in here again to tell you that there is a new thread on ATSNN.

Tensions Rise Between Russia And Georgia (by RedGolem)

Russia complains to the UN Security Council about Georgia. The Security Council will make a decision about this tomorrow (Friday). Russia wants Georgia to withdraw its troops from the Kodori Valley and to abandon its plan to install the "government of the autonomous republic of Abkhazia"...

Georgian court decided today to keep the Russian spies in custody for two months. They might prolong term of two months if necessary. Georgia is still surrounding the Russian army HQ in Tbilisi demanding the surrender of another Russian officer. The Russians have said they will do whatever necessary to free the detained spies. The evacuated Russian ambassador in Georgia will not return until the spies have been released.



Russian defence minister Ivanov said: "Georgia has chosen a military way of resolving the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia".



Georgian citizens no longer get visas to visit Russia.

There have been reports of Russian civilians fleeing from Georgia.
Allso there have been rumors (no solid facts or internet links) that for about a month Russia has been rotating top-end equipment from North-West garrisons to somewhere and replacing them with older worn out gear... This might be bull# or real, i heard it from people who regulary visit russian bases around st.petersburg

Russia plans to hold navy maneuvers in immediate proximity from Georgia’s territorial waters. The maneuvers will restrict the operation of Georgian Black Sea ports. Georgia warns Russia that they will be held responsible for all negative consequences that may result.



All Russian embassy officials evacuated from Tbilisi

Russia evacuated the rest of its embassy staff from Tbilisi today, Russia has suspended the withdrawal of its troops from Georgia and unidentified gunmen opened fire on Georgian police, wounding two...

Russia is signaling Georgia that Saakashvilli is going too far. Maybe there really was a threat to the embassy staff, but most probably not. However this move by Russia is showing that a complete severance of all ties with Georgia is about to start- economic and political. Even if war doesn't break out now, there will still be high tensions for years to come.

This is top story on nearly all Russian news. There are constant news talk shows about implications of these events, and it doesn't look good. The thing I am wondering about, is how does Georgia expect to win any war against Russia, if a war indeed starts. They are pushing for Russian peace keepers to get out of separatist regions. I can assure you that Russia will not budge (at least untill Putin is in charge). If Georgia still decides to attack, there will be very severe implications.



I love it how there is completely no mention of this in any US media. Don't want anybody to question what US is doing heating up another war overseas. This potential war will be financed with US money, and US will be largely responsible. But between Iraq, Iran and national affairs nobody in US could give least care.

[edit on 30-9-2006 by maloy]