Georgia remains only party not to recognize peace in the region

Грузия остается единственной стороной, не признающей мир в регионе

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is setting off for Georgia with a number of offers directed at "strengthening the conditions of the ceasefire," stated French President Nicolas Sarkozy today, August 14. "If Saakashvili will sign these documents tomorrow, then the withdrawal of the Russian armies can begin," quoted Sarkozy.

Rice has directed new criticism at Russia, this time supposedly for violating the peace agreements, which were not signed by Saakashvili. Last night, Bush demanded that Russia fulfill its side of the agreement and allow American forces access to Georgian airports and sea ports in accordance with documents that Saakashvili hasn't signed. Moreover, the US is threatening Russia with sanctions and is requiring that Saakashvili sign only the 6-point peace plan which was modified at the request of the Georgian president.

Earlier on August 14th, South Ossetian and Abkhazian leaders, Eduard Kokoity and Sergey Bagapsh, signed the 6-point plan for resolving the conflict in Georgia. This took place in the presence of the Russian president. Dmitry Medvedev agreed on the points with Nicolas Sarkozy, current president of France and the EU, on August 12th. The points are: no use of force, cessation of all military activities, provide free and easy access for humanitarian aid, the return of Georgian forces to their places of permanent deployment, the return of Russian forces to pre-conflict positions. The 6th point--the beginning of an international discussion of the future status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and ways to guarantee their security--was modified during negotiations.

Thus, for three days already (as long as the Russian army's peacekeeping operation itself lasted in the region), Russia has been trying to fulfill its obligations, which haven't even been recognized by Georgia.

IA Regnum