Russia Vs Georgia..a widening crisis!

There were reports, even from a sailor aboard one of those escorts, that state a small fire broke out on Moskva

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There are all sorts of reports circulating around.....

It would be pretty hard to repair the damage decribed in a couple of days....as mentioned in previous posts the "Moskva" is currently on patrol once again which suggests she's in good condition.

I guess the main reason is that the US wants to give those goods directly to the Georgians themselves, and not via the Russians, wich are in Poti.

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It's possible....but when they announced they were docking in Poti, they knew the Russians were there (and most likely would be there) already

Originally Posted by Pointblank
Hmm... it was said that the Moskva suffered battle damage in a duel with Georgian gunboats... although the Russians deny it.

S.Viking sez;
I can't find the source any more, but I read a rather convincing article that the ship had a small fire, following a weapons system malfunction.

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I saw an article claiming the ship was sunk..Then a day later the ship was pictured retirning home triumphantly..

Husar said:

It was propaganda.....there are pictures of the Moskva entering Sevastopol with no sign of damage. The Georgian corvetes were engaged by the smaller Russian escorts



Sounds like cooler heads prevailed, which is a good thing for everybody

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The Russians not only had troops outside of Poti, they had several vessels along the coast near there.

I believe that the US embassy in Geogia announced the visit to Poti, and then the US Navy overruled it...and with good cause.

There is no telling what shape of the port in Poti is in. Are the port facilities damaged? Could the entrance to the port be mined or otherwise damaged? The US Navy will not risk its ships to deliver humanitarian aid unless CBs, demo units, minesweepers, etc, were available to ensure that the port was ready and safe.

As it is, they can just as easily unload the tons of aid in Batumi and have that be the distribution point into central Georgia and bypass any confrontation with the Russian forces.

For the US and for Georgia, a stalemate right now is fine. It allows the help Georgian's need to get to them.

It would be foolish in such circumstances where US force protection is low and Georgian force protection is much degraded, while Russian capabilities and resources in the area are high, to either provoke, or be provoked into any more hostilities.

China is now caught in a political bind. Xinhua has now released a statement, "China is concerned of the latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia."

Russian President is visiting Hu now in order to gain support for the recognition of the provinces.



FM spokesman: China "concerned" of situation in South Ossetia, Abkhazia
2008-08-27 18:24:51 Print

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is "concerned of the latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Wednesday.

Qin's comments, in response to a journalist's question, came after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed decrees that recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, while Georgia and some other countries opposed it.

"We have a knowledge of the complicated history and reality of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia issues," Qin said. "In accordance with China's consistent and principled stance on issues of this kind, we hope the relevant parties can resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation."

crobato said:

China is now caught in a political bind. Xinhua has now released a statement, "China is concerned of the latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia."

Russian President is visiting Hu now in order to gain support for the recognition of the provinces.

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FM spokesman: China "concerned" of situation in South Ossetia, Abkhazia

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2008-08-27 18:24:51 Print

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is "concerned of the latest development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Wednesday.

Qin's comments, in response to a journalist's question, came after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed decrees that recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, while Georgia and some other countries opposed it.

"We have a knowledge of the complicated history and reality of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia issues," Qin said. "In accordance with China's consistent and principled stance on issues of this kind, we hope the relevant parties can resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation."

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so basically, China is continuing it's possibly of not saying anything.

I don't think at the moment, China can openly criticize Russia's moves without causing serious frictions in SCO.

tphuang said:

so basically, China is continuing it's possibly of not saying anything.

I don't think at the moment, China can openly criticize Russia's moves without causing serious frictions in SCO.

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I think the Chinese in private disagree with Russia's recognition of both regions, as it could lead to other states doing the same to territories that China claims, such as Tibet, Taiwan, and Xinjiang. For them, it is a very dangerous precedent.

Pointblank said:

I think the Chinese in private disagree with Russia's recognition of both regions, as it could lead to other states doing the same to territories that China claims, such as Tibet, Taiwan, and Xinjiang. For them, it is a very dangerous precedent.

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Ultimately NATO and US action in Kosovo kicked off the whole messy example to start with, best thing for Chinese leaders to do is to keep a low profile and improve preparedness for whatever situations may occur.

This could be the beginning of another Sino-Russian split. I don't think China's government is very happy with this at all.

If Russian President has to summit with Hu directly so soon, I can imagine that behind closed doors, Hu and the top Chinese leadership are all very unhappy about this.

I don't think Russia can force China to recognize Ossetia and Abhzakia, not matter how important this is to Russia. I can think that Hu already has an answer to the Russian President.

No.

Politely.

They won't condemn Russia's actions however.

There will be a joint statement on a number of security issues which includes the situation in the Caucases. Remember Chinese methodology is to side step difficulties and concentrate on agreed areas. .
That being said the Xinhua preamble is highly suggestive of a degree of linkage, which can only refer to the spread of instability in Central and Southern Asia This to include issues affecting both full and observer/applicant nations.

I have my guesses, but will keep my powder dry, as we will all probably know soon enough.