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.

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