New Developments in the Conflict Between Russia and Georgia

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In The Media

New Developments in the Conflict Between Russia and Georgia

French President Nicholas Sarkozy will meet with Dmitry Medvedev in an effort to move the Russian leadership toward a cease-fire agreement already signed by Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili. Even if a ceasefire is reached, continuing turmoil in South Ossetia, which refuses to return to Georgian control, and Abkhazia, where the political situation remains unclear, will keep tensions high.

By James F. Collins

Published on Aug 12, 2008

Source: WNYC's The Take Away

President Bush described Russia’s military advances into Georgia as unacceptable and warned that Russian leaders are jeopardizing their relationship with the West. Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, James Collins, explains on WNYC’s The Take Away that the more important development for bringing the crisis to an end is French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s meeting with Dmitry Medvedev during which he will try to move the Russian leadership toward a cease-fire agreement already signed by Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Collins warns that even if a ceasefire is reached, continuing turmoil in South Ossetia, which refuses to return to Georgian control, and Abkhazia, where the political situation remains unclear, will keep tensions high.

Click Here to Listen

About the Author

James F. Collins

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program; Diplomat in Residence

Ambassador Collins was the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation from 1997 to 2001 and is an expert on the former Soviet Union, its successor states, and the Middle East.

Recent Work

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Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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