President Saakashvili said he was grateful to Irakli Okruashvili – a man whom he once called his “biggest mistake” – for expressing full support amid Russia’s military aggression against Georgia.
“I want to thank Irakli Okruashvili, who called last night and he was almost crying, saying he was ready to come and enlist in the reserve troops,” he told tens of thousands of people gathered on August 12 outside the Parliament.
The huge rally was designed by the authorities to, as they said, show Georgia’s unity in the face of Russia’s aggression.
Irakli Okruashvili, the Georgia’s ex-defense minister, who once was Saakashvili’s closest ally, turned into Saakashvili’s major foe last year. He was granted political asylum by France after Tbilisi City Court found him guilty of “large-scale extortion” and sentenced him to 11 years in prison in absentia in March.
At the rally President Saakashvili also thanked the opposition parties for showing unity and in particular he thanked Levan Gachechiladze, a former presidential candidate, who was Saakashvili major rival in the January 5 elections.
“I want to thank Levan for saying that Russia will never decide who will become the President of Georgia. Thank you for this statement,” Saakashvili said.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sarkozy Arrives in Tbilisi
22:30
French President Nicola Sarkozy arrived in Tbilisi late night on Tuesday from Moscow to seek Georgia’s endorsement of the six-point plan, which has already been supported by Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev.
President Saakashvili welcomed his French counterpart in the Tbilisi airport.
French President Nicola Sarkozy arrived in Tbilisi late night on Tuesday from Moscow to seek Georgia’s endorsement of the six-point plan, which has already been supported by Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev.
President Saakashvili welcomed his French counterpart in the Tbilisi airport.
BP Shuts Down Baku-Supsa Pipeline as Precaution
21:06
BP said it shut down Baku-Supsa pipeline on August 12 as a precautionary measure, but added that it was unaware of any Russian bombings on pipelines, The Associated Press reported.
BP spokesman Robert Wine said that the pipeline was closed because it runs through the center of Georgia, where there was greater risk of conflict.
He also said that the company would continue assessing the security situation over the next few days to consider when to reopen the pipelines.
BP said it shut down Baku-Supsa pipeline on August 12 as a precautionary measure, but added that it was unaware of any Russian bombings on pipelines, The Associated Press reported.
BP spokesman Robert Wine said that the pipeline was closed because it runs through the center of Georgia, where there was greater risk of conflict.
He also said that the company would continue assessing the security situation over the next few days to consider when to reopen the pipelines.
Russian Troops Destroying Military Installations in Poti – Source
Russian forces have again appeared in Poti on Georgia’s Black Sea coast destroying key military installations there, a Georgian government source told Civil.Ge.
Russian soldiers first entered the Poti port on August 11 and occupied the coast guard facilities, but later they left the town.
Russian soldiers first entered the Poti port on August 11 and occupied the coast guard facilities, but later they left the town.
Saakashvili Says Russia Hit Pipelines, BP Unaware
17:43
Speaking at a news conference for foreign journalists in Tbilisi on August 12, President Saakashvili said that the Russian air strikes hit the BP-operated oil pipeline in Georgia.
Earlier this morning the Georgian officials have claimed the Russian warplanes dropped three bombs in the area through which the Baku-Supsa pipeline runs. It was also reported that one bomb hit the pipeline without exploding.
BP-Azerbaijan, however, said it was unaware of the attack.
“All our facilities are intact and we have no such information," Reuters quoted a BP official as saying.
Speaking at a news conference for foreign journalists in Tbilisi on August 12, President Saakashvili said that the Russian air strikes hit the BP-operated oil pipeline in Georgia.
Earlier this morning the Georgian officials have claimed the Russian warplanes dropped three bombs in the area through which the Baku-Supsa pipeline runs. It was also reported that one bomb hit the pipeline without exploding.
BP-Azerbaijan, however, said it was unaware of the attack.
“All our facilities are intact and we have no such information," Reuters quoted a BP official as saying.
Saakashvili Blames Personally Putin for ‘Brutal Attack’
17:16
President Saakashvili said Russia’s PM Vladimir Putin has to be blamed for the brutal attacks on Georgia.
Speaking to the tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Parliament, Saakashvili described Russia’s ex-president as a person “sick with maniacal superiority complex.”
President Saakashvili said Russia’s PM Vladimir Putin has to be blamed for the brutal attacks on Georgia.
Speaking to the tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Parliament, Saakashvili described Russia’s ex-president as a person “sick with maniacal superiority complex.”
Georgia Quits CIS
16:50
Saakashvili said Georgia would declare Russian troops in Abkhazia, S.Ossetia as “occupational forces.”
President Saakashvili said Georgia has decided to quit the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and to officially denounce Russian troops in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as “occupational forces.”
“We have decided to quit CIS and to say farewell to the Soviet Union,” Saakashvili told a crowd of tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Parliament. “We call on Ukraine and other members to also quit the CIS ruled by Russia.”
“We have also decided to renounce the Russian peacekeepers’ mandate and to declare Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories of Georgia,” he added.
Saakashvili said Georgia would declare Russian troops in Abkhazia, S.Ossetia as “occupational forces.”
President Saakashvili said Georgia has decided to quit the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and to officially denounce Russian troops in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as “occupational forces.”
“We have decided to quit CIS and to say farewell to the Soviet Union,” Saakashvili told a crowd of tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Parliament. “We call on Ukraine and other members to also quit the CIS ruled by Russia.”
“We have also decided to renounce the Russian peacekeepers’ mandate and to declare Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories of Georgia,” he added.
Six Die in Gori Bombing – Official
16:26
At least six people have been killed and more injured as a result of a bombing of the town of Gori this morning, Temur Iakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, said.
Gori has come under series of air strikes from the Russian aircraft in recent days. Many dozen of civilians were killed as a result of bombing on August 9.
Russian officials have been claiming that only military installations were targeted across Georgia and particularly in Gori – the military base located there.
At least six people have been killed and more injured as a result of a bombing of the town of Gori this morning, Temur Iakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, said.
Gori has come under series of air strikes from the Russian aircraft in recent days. Many dozen of civilians were killed as a result of bombing on August 9.
Russian officials have been claiming that only military installations were targeted across Georgia and particularly in Gori – the military base located there.
Thousands Rally in Tbilisi to Show Unity
115:50
Tens of thousands of Tbilisi residents are gathered outside the Parliament in what, President Saakashvili said, was “show of unity” amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Senior government officials are addressing the crowed vowing Georgia would not give up its freedom despite Russia’s “barbaric actions” and the Georgian singers are performing patriotic songs.
“We will never surrender and we will tell this to the enemy for thousands and thousands times,” Giga Bokeria, the Georgian deputy foreign minister, told the crowd.
Tens of thousands of Tbilisi residents are gathered outside the Parliament in what, President Saakashvili said, was “show of unity” amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Senior government officials are addressing the crowed vowing Georgia would not give up its freedom despite Russia’s “barbaric actions” and the Georgian singers are performing patriotic songs.
“We will never surrender and we will tell this to the enemy for thousands and thousands times,” Giga Bokeria, the Georgian deputy foreign minister, told the crowd.
Tbilisi Says Retains Control over Kodori Despite Attacks
15:34
Both the Georgian and Abkhaz sides confirm fight ongoing for upper Kodori Gorge.
Georgian forces maintain their positions in the upper Kodori Gorge, despite intensive ground and aerial attacks, Temur Iakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, said.
The Abkhaz authorities said that their forces resumed operation “to drive Georgian forces out of the occupied parts of Kodori Gorge” at 6am this morning.
“The ground operation is being carried out with success,” Kristian Bzhania, the Abkhaz leader’s spokesman was quoted by Apsnipress as saying this morning. “We expect that the military phase of the operation will be over soon.”
Both the Georgian and Abkhaz sides confirm fight ongoing for upper Kodori Gorge.
Georgian forces maintain their positions in the upper Kodori Gorge, despite intensive ground and aerial attacks, Temur Iakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, said.
The Abkhaz authorities said that their forces resumed operation “to drive Georgian forces out of the occupied parts of Kodori Gorge” at 6am this morning.
“The ground operation is being carried out with success,” Kristian Bzhania, the Abkhaz leader’s spokesman was quoted by Apsnipress as saying this morning. “We expect that the military phase of the operation will be over soon.”
Medvedev: Goal Achieved, Operation Ends
13:22
Russian President Dimitri Medvedev said that he has made a decision to end “the peace enforcement operation” in Georgia.
“On the basis of your report I decided to end the operation of forcing the Georgian authorities to peace,” Medvedev said while meeting with Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov. “The goal of the operation has been achieved.”
He also instructed the top military officials to suppress any resistance in case of emergence of any violence in the South Ossetian conflict zone.
Russian President Dimitri Medvedev said that he has made a decision to end “the peace enforcement operation” in Georgia.
“On the basis of your report I decided to end the operation of forcing the Georgian authorities to peace,” Medvedev said while meeting with Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov. “The goal of the operation has been achieved.”
He also instructed the top military officials to suppress any resistance in case of emergence of any violence in the South Ossetian conflict zone.
Lavrov: Saakashvili must Stand Down
13:07
Lavrov has acknowledged on August 12 that he had told U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Russia wanted Saakashvili to stand down.
“Saakashvili cannot be a partner and he must stand down,” Lavrov said at a joint press conference with his Finnish counterpart in Moscow.
“Saakashvili’s brutal actions undermined Georgia’s confidence. We do not feel any confidence to Saakashvili,” Lavrov said.
He also said that Moscow was not actively seeking to overthrow Saakashvili, but also added that situation would improve if Saakashvili left.
Lavrov has acknowledged on August 12 that he had told U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Russia wanted Saakashvili to stand down.
“Saakashvili cannot be a partner and he must stand down,” Lavrov said at a joint press conference with his Finnish counterpart in Moscow.
“Saakashvili’s brutal actions undermined Georgia’s confidence. We do not feel any confidence to Saakashvili,” Lavrov said.
He also said that Moscow was not actively seeking to overthrow Saakashvili, but also added that situation would improve if Saakashvili left.
Georgian Reports: Gori Bombed Again
13:00
Russian aircrafts have bombed the TV tower in a city of Gori early on August 12.
Simultaneously, the outskirts of Gory came under heavy artillery fire, Rustavi 2 TV reported.
Shota Utiashvili, the head of the Interior Ministry’s analytical department, has confirmed this report, but refrained from giving further details. No information about casualties is available so far.
This report can not be verified independently.
Russian aircrafts have bombed the TV tower in a city of Gori early on August 12.
Simultaneously, the outskirts of Gory came under heavy artillery fire, Rustavi 2 TV reported.
Shota Utiashvili, the head of the Interior Ministry’s analytical department, has confirmed this report, but refrained from giving further details. No information about casualties is available so far.
This report can not be verified independently.
Bush Warns Russia Over Georgia
02:45
U.S. President George W. Bush warned Russia to reserve its course in Georgia, otherwise warned its actions would jeopardize Moscow’s relations with U.S. and EU.
“I am deeply concerned by reports that Russian troops have moved beyond the [South Ossetian] zone of conflict, attacked the Georgian town of Gori and are threatening Georgia's capital of Tbilisi,” he said in a special statement from the White House.
“There is evidence that Russian forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city. If these reports are accurate, these Russian actions would represent a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia.”
He said that these actions were inconsistent with “the assurances we have received from Russia that its objectives were limited to restoring status quo in South Ossetia, that existed before the fighting began on August 6.”
“It now appears that an effort may be underway to depose [Georgia's] duly elected government. Russia has invaded the sovereign neighboring state and threatens the democratic government elected by its people,” he said. “Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century.”
He said that Tbilisi had already expected the elements of peace agreement that the Russian government previously said it would be willing to accept.
The proposal involves:
• An immediate ceasefire;
• Withdrawal of forces from the zone of conflict;
• A return to the military status quo as of August 6;
• Committeemen not to use force;
Bush said that the French and Finnish Foreign Ministers, after traveling to Georgia, were in Moscow, seeking Russia’s agreement on this peace plan.
“Russian government must reverse the course it appears to be on and accept this peace agreement as a first step towards resolving this conflict,” he said. “Russia’s actions have substantially damage Russia’s standing in the world and these actions jeopardize Russia’s relations with the United States and Europe.”
U.S. President George W. Bush warned Russia to reserve its course in Georgia, otherwise warned its actions would jeopardize Moscow’s relations with U.S. and EU.
“I am deeply concerned by reports that Russian troops have moved beyond the [South Ossetian] zone of conflict, attacked the Georgian town of Gori and are threatening Georgia's capital of Tbilisi,” he said in a special statement from the White House.
“There is evidence that Russian forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city. If these reports are accurate, these Russian actions would represent a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia.”
He said that these actions were inconsistent with “the assurances we have received from Russia that its objectives were limited to restoring status quo in South Ossetia, that existed before the fighting began on August 6.”
“It now appears that an effort may be underway to depose [Georgia's] duly elected government. Russia has invaded the sovereign neighboring state and threatens the democratic government elected by its people,” he said. “Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century.”
He said that Tbilisi had already expected the elements of peace agreement that the Russian government previously said it would be willing to accept.
The proposal involves:
• An immediate ceasefire;
• Withdrawal of forces from the zone of conflict;
• A return to the military status quo as of August 6;
• Committeemen not to use force;
Bush said that the French and Finnish Foreign Ministers, after traveling to Georgia, were in Moscow, seeking Russia’s agreement on this peace plan.
“Russian government must reverse the course it appears to be on and accept this peace agreement as a first step towards resolving this conflict,” he said. “Russia’s actions have substantially damage Russia’s standing in the world and these actions jeopardize Russia’s relations with the United States and Europe.”
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