Russia Halts Attack on Georgia But Stops Short of Withdrawal
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said Tuesday that Russia is ending its current military operation against Georgian forces because it has achieved its goals. But Mr. Medvedev, speaking on state television, stopped short of saying Russia would withdraw its troops from Georgia.
“The goals of the operation have been achieved,” Mr. Medvedev said. “The safety of our peacekeepers and the civilian population have been restored.”
But Mr. Medvedev also said that Russia still reserves the right to renew attacks if it encounters Georgian resistance or fighting. He said a full settlement of the military conflict with Georgia was subject to two conditions. “First, Georgian troops should return to their initial position and be partly demilitarized,” he said.” Second, we need to sign a binding agreement on non-use of force.”
Russia basically agreed on a plan that calls for both Russian and Georgian troops to move back to their initial positions. Though russia insisted on keeping its beefed-up contingent in place until international peacekeepers are deployed.
It also promised a fuller discussion on the future status of Georgia’s two breakaway provinces. South Ossetia and Abkhazia both want to leave Georgia and become a part of Russia.
Georgian officials said bombing continued in two villages. The statement couldn’t be independently verified.
