CIS

Home page

CIS

International Crisis Group: â€œRussiaâ€™s actions threatened vital energy corridorsâ€

25 August 2008 08:38 (UTC +04:00)

The international challenge is not only to restore peace and stability in Georgia through the immediate implementation of the ceasefire accord, but to seriously address the more fundamental questions the conflict raises for security in Europeâ€, said â€œRussia vs Georgia: The Falloutâ€ the latest report from the International Crisis Group, which examines the mistakes on all sides that led to war and offers comprehensive recommendations for the belligerent parties and international institutions. â€œThe urgent need is to implement fully the 15-16 August ceasefire, and most significantly, to ensure that Russian troops return immediately to pre-7 August positions. Western states must press Moscow to accept the common understanding of the loosely-worded ceasefire, and not try to use loopholes to retain a de facto occupation of parts of Georgia. International monitors should be deployed to observe Russian withdrawal,â€ said Crisis Group Caucasus Project Director, Lawrence Sheets.
The International Crisis Group considers that Russia should be allowed to join the peacekeeping mission, but not dominate. â€œMore broadly, Russiaâ€™s actions have undermined regional security; threatened vital energy corridors; made claims on ethnic Russians and other minorities that could be used to destabilise other former Soviet republics, including Ukraine; and shown disregard for international lawâ€. â€œThe West should deliver a firm message to Russia that if it does not respect the ceasefire deal and cooperate in implementing the international peacekeeping mission, it will be met with a serious response, including suspension of its Moscowâ€™s World Trade Organisation application and its participation in the G-8, and a challenge to its holding the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympicsâ€, said in the report.