“02.461_7246_492377_SOS!!!GEORGIARussian_Atacks_on_Georgia_13.55[1].doc”

That’s the filename of a map published by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 Aug. The MFA’s statements of 1–14 Aug ’08 offer a clear, blow-by-blow picture of how Georgia saw the unfolding situation as it escalated into an invasion. The full text of all the MFA’s statements with related images is below; there are several detailed daily timelines of incidents, events, and sightings.

Note that the following people made cameos, most of them in face-to-face meetings with their Georgian counterparts, before the invasion:

• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA in Georgia John Teft
• the delegation of the EU Troika represented by Eric Fournier
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France – current EU Presidency, Robin Liddell
• First Counsellor of the European Commission’s Delegation to Georgia and Ivan Jestřāb
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic – next EU Presidency
• Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation – State Secretary G. Karasin
• representatives of the Embassies of the New Group of Georgia’s Friends: Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic accredited in Georgia
• representatives of the Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and China
• Director of the Policy Planning Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Tiit Matsulevitš
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine in Georgia Mikolas Spiss
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to Georgia Toomas Lukk
• delegation of the EU Troika represented by Fabienne Drout-Lozinski
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia Denis Keefe
• representatives of the Embassies of the Netherlands, Italy, Holy See, Turkey, France, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine to Georgia
• Deputy US Ambassador Kent Loxton and representative of the Embassy’s political division Joy Davis Kirshner
• the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia
• Permanent Representative of Georgia to the UN, Ambassador Irakli Alasania

1 Aug:

On 1 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA in Georgia John Teft. The meeting was held on the US side’s request. The sides discussed the dynamic of bilateral relations between the two countries and focused on the issues of peaceful resolution of the conflicts on the territory of Georgia.

2 Aug:

Question: How would you assess the recent development of events in the Tskhinvali region?

Reply: The international community keeps a close watch over a series of armed provocations carried out by the criminal regime in the Tskhinvali region. Cases in point include: a terrorist act committed against the head of the South Ossetian provisional administration D. Sanakoev, an armed attack carried out the same day by a gang of separatists on an excursion bus carrying children from the conflict zone to Tbilisi, opening of fire by illegal armed formations of separatists on 28 July at a trilateral group of JPKF military observers and OSCE officers

As for the incidents of the last two days, a terrorist act committed on 1 August left 5 policemen wounded, one of them severely. On 2 August, late at night, bandit groups of the criminal regime opened fire at the villages of Kvemo and Zemo Nikozi, Avnevi, Eredvi and Ergneti. Shootings proceeded in the direction of a Georgian peacekeeping battalion and police checkpoints as well. As a result, six peaceful civilians and a policeman of the Interior Ministry received various wounds and injuries. Several dwelling houses were damaged.

We have on more than one occasion focused the attention of the international community, including the Russian Federation on the fact that the existence of the criminal regime in the Tskhinvali region poses threat to peace and stability in the Caucasus region as a whole.

It needs to be emphasized that the background to the existing complicated situation is provided by ineffective format of negotiations and peacekeeping operation incapable to bring about progress in the conflict resolution process and ensure security in the conflict zone.

The Georgian side reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with all parties concerned in order to defuse tension and achieve peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of universally recognized norms and principles of international law.

4 Aug:

[1] On 4 August 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili met with the delegation of the EU Troika represented by Eric Fournier, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France – current EU Presidency, Robin Liddell, First Counsellor of the European Commission’s Delegation to Georgia and Ivan Jestřāb, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic – next EU Presidency.

The objective of the meeting was to acquaint the Georgian side with the proposals aimed at the strengthening of the European Union’s role in the conflict resolution process. The European Union is ready to engage more actively in a direct dialogue between the parties, confidence building measures and programmes of economic rehabilitation and improvement of relations between Georgia and Russia. At the same time, the European Union is ready to activate cooperation with Georgia in the frames of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan with Georgia.

The Georgian Foreign Minister welcomed this decision of the European Union and underlined the necessity of timely implementation of the aforesaid initiatives on the basis of respective expert consultations.

[2] On 3 August 2008 a telephone conversation was held between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia G. Vashadze and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation – State Secretary G. Karasin, on the Russian side’s initiative.

The sides discussed the developments of the last few days in the Tskhinvali region. Mr. Vashadze once again focused the Russian side’s attention on the fact that the separatist regime in the Tskhinvali region is ready to undertake any armed provocation in order to outlast its existence and continue appropriation of Russia’s budgetary funds.

The Georgian side emphasized that the complicated situation in the conflict zone is caused by ineffective format of negotiations and peacekeeping operation.

Mr. Vashadze reaffirmed that the Georgian side is not planning to take any kind of special measures and is ready for direct negotiations.

[3] Question: How would you comment on the statement of the Russian Federation’s Airborne Forces Commander V. Evtukhovich that Russian landing troops will if necessary assist the joint peacekeeping forces stationed in the conflict zone of the Tskhinvali region?

Reply: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia would like to emphasize that it is such irresponsible and incompetent statements of Russian high-ranking officials, in particular military commanders that serve as guidelines for the Tskhinvali region’s separatist authorities on which to base their further actions aimed at escalation of tension in the conflict zone.

Mr. Evtukhovich needs to be reminded of an elementary truth that introduction of military units or at least one servicemen into the territory of Georgia without consent of the Georgian Authorities amounts to military intervention and gross violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We think it is high time for the Russian Authorities to take care that Russian top military officials are taught the ABC of international law.

We would like to reiterate that the Georgian side is not planning to take any special measure in the conflict zone and calls on the Ossetian side for de-escalation of tension.

As for the spectacle of evacuation staged by obviously experienced directors, it is not difficult to predict that such steps will further deteriorate the already hard social-economic situation in the conflict zone, which can be seen as a consequence of the criminal regime’s culpable course of action.

5 Aug:

[1] On 5 August 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili met with representatives of the Embassies of the New Group of Georgia’s Friends: Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic accredited in Georgia. The meeting was held on the Georgian side’s request.

The Minister provided the foreign diplomats with detailed information on the recent development of events in the Tskhinvali region. Discussions also focused on prospects for peaceful resolution of the existing conflicts on the territory of Georgia and further development of cooperation in this direction.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to continue active work over the aforesaid issues.

[2] On 5 August 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili met with representatives of the Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and China. The meeting was held on the Georgian side’s request.

The aim of the meeting was to brief the aforesaid embassies on the recent development of events in the Tskhinvali region. Discussions also focused on prospects for peaceful resolution of the protracted conflicts on the territory of Georgia and further development of cooperation in this direction.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to continue active work over the aforesaid issues.

[3] Question: How would you assess the bombing of a Georgian police checkpoint that took place in the conflict zone of the Tskhinvali region on 5 August?

Reply: On 5 August, at 00.15, armed gangs of separatists carried out an attack on the police checkpoint of the Interior Ministry of Georgia. Three mortar grenades were fired at the police checkpoint, of which the two fell on the building and the third one blasted in front of it. This incident lays bare the criminal regime’s aim to outlast its days of existence by escalating the situation in the conflict zone through any means.

Of our particular concern is the fact that the Tskhinvali regime has obviously stepped up war preparations – the criminal regime’s leaders reported on the entry of 300 terrorists holding Russian citizenship to the Tskhinvali region from the territory of the Russian Federation that took place in the last few days. It needs to be emphasized that the aforesaid bandit formations penetrated the Georgian territory via the checkpoint operating on the Russian Federation’s state border. It is interesting to know which norms of international law guided Russian border guards when giving terrorists a passage into the territory of the neighboring country.

Such preparations are proceeding against the background of Georgia remaining consistently and firmly committed to the principle of peaceful resolution of the conflict and urging the party to the conflict for a direct dialogue. The Georgian side’s peaceful intentions are further demonstrated by the fact that Georgia holds no armoured vehicles and hardware in the conflict zone, which was confirmed by General M. Kulakhmetov, Commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces as well.

The foregoing points once again to the Russian Federation’s irresponsible policy in the conflict zone and confirms the necessity of modifying the existing peace format and operation.

We would like to state that given the penetration of bandit groupings from the Russian territory and their presence in the conflict zone, all responsibility for the escalation of tension and further development of events in the Tskhinvali region will rest with the Russian Federation.

[4] On 5 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Director of the Policy Planning Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Tiit Matsulevitš.

At the meeting the sides discussed the issues of bilateral importance, Georgia’s further integration in Euro-Atlantic structures and latest developments in the conflict regions.

The sides expressed hope that traditionally existing exceptional relations between the two friendly countries will be further extended and cover all fields of bilateral cooperation.

6 Aug:

[1] On 5 August 2008 representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia visited the Tskhinvali region. The diplomats visited the Georgian villages (Avnevi, Ergneti, Zemo Nikozi, Nuli) damaged as a result of fire opened by separatist regime on 1-2 August.

The visit was organized on the initiative of the Georgian side in order to demonstrate to the international community that, despite the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and propaganda launched by the Russian mass media agencies, the situation in the Tskhinvali region is quiet and that the Georgian side has no plans of taking any special measures.

Having seen the peaceful villages damaged as a result of the separatist attack, the foreign diplomats once again convinced of the fact that inefficiency of the existing peace formats, inactivity of Russian peacekeepers and absence of direct dialogue between the sides pose a serious threat to the people living in the conflict zone as well as to peace and stability in the region.

[2] On 6 August 2008, on the initiative of the Ukrainian side, a meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine in Georgia Mikolas Spiss was held.

The sides remarked with satisfaction on the development of good neighbourly relations and partnership between Georgia and Ukraine. At the meeting the sides discussed mutual cooperation between the Georgian and Ukrainian sides in the frames of international organizations and issues of peaceful resolution of the protracted conflicts on the territory of Georgia.

During the meeting the sides emphasized the inefficiency of the peace formats existing in the conflict regions on the territory of Georgia.

By the end of the meeting, it was agreed that such meetings and consultations will be held in future on the regular basis.

[3] On 6 August 2008 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to Georgia Toomas Lukk presented the copies of credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili.

After the ceremony a brief meeting was held, where sides discussed bilateral relations between Georgia and Estonia. The Minister expressed her gratitude for the constant support of Estonia. The Ambassador once again reiterated Estonia’s full support towards Georgian European and Euro-Atlantic Aspirations and other issues relevant to our country.

At the meeting the sides also focused on the recent developments in conflict zones of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

[4] On 6 August 2008 Director of the European Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Kakha Sikharulidze held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to Georgia Toomas Lukk.

During the meeting the sides discussed various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two states and recent developments in the conflict regions.

7 Aug:

[1] On 7 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze held a meeting with the accredited in Georgia Ambassadors and high-level representatives of the New Group of Georgia’s Friends (Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia Estonia, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the Czech Republic).

The sides discussed the tense situation in the Tskhinvali region, Georgia with focus on the ways to achieve de-escalation of the situation and peaceful resolution of the conflict.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to continue intensive consultations concerning the existing situation.

[2] On 7 August 2008, on the initiative of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze, a meeting was held with the delegation of the EU Troika represented by Fabienne Drout-Lozinski, Deputy Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France – current EU Presidency, Robin Liddell, First Counsellor of the European Commission’s Delegation to Georgia and Ivan Jestřāb, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic – next EU Presidency.

The objective of the meeting was to acquaint the European side with the recent development of events in the Tskhinvali region.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, the situation in the conflict region remains extremely tense. The Ossetian side’s actions are not of sporadic nature, rather, they represent a well-planned and perfectly-organized military operation. However, the Georgian side continues to abstain from taking any kind of military action and does not plan any military offensive or defensive operation. The Georgian side calls on the European Union and its member states to register their firm position and employ all levers at their disposal to exert pressure on the Russian Federation capable to make a direct influence in terms of de-escalation of the situation.

[3] On 7 August 2008, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia Denis Keefe.

The sides discussed the escalated situation in South Ossetia, Georgia and ways of defusing tension and achieving peaceful resolution of the conflict.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to continue consultations over the existing situation.

[4] On 7 August 2008 Director of the European Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Kakha Sikharulidze held a meeting with the representatives of the Embassies of the Netherlands, Italy, Holy See, Turkey, France, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine to Georgia.

The Georgian side provided the foreign diplomats with exhaustive information about the recent developments in the Tskhinvali Region and aggressive acts committed against Georgia.

8 Aug:

[1] On 8 August 2008 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Georgia John Teft.

The Georgian side provided the foreign diplomat with detailed information concerning the recent development of events and provocative military actions instigated by the separatist regime, which led the Georgian Authorities to take decisive measures for the protection of Georgian villages and peaceful population.

The Georgian side confirmed the readiness of the Georgian Authorities to sit at any time at the negotiation table. It was also emphasized that the international community should employ all resources at its disposal to make Russia desist from undertaking provocations against Georgia’s territorial integrity as well as the citizens of Georgia, both Georgians and Ossetians.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy US Ambassador Kent Loxton and representative of the Embassy’s political division Joy Davis Kirshner.

[2] On 8 August 2008 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili held a meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia.

The Minister provided the diplomats with the comprehensive information on the developments in the Tskhinvali region yesterday late night and today morning. At the meeting the sides touched upon the facts of bombing Georgian cities of Gori and Qareli. The Minister assessed the situation as an obvious military aggression against Georgia. Foreign diplomats were urged to brief the capitals and requested to make adequate measures to avoid the escalation of the situation.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister answered the questions of diplomats.

[3] On 7 August 2008, at 23:00 pm EDT, a special session of the United Nations Security Council will be held with regard to the situation in Georgia.

The meeting will be attended by Permanent Representative of Georgia to the UN, Ambassador Irakli Alasania. Mr. Alasania will address the Security Council with a statement.

9 Aug:

[1] 1. 22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.

2. By 19:45 Tskhinvali is under ultimate control of Georgian Government troops.

3. Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

4. 16:35 Oni was bombarded by Russian aviation.

5. 16:15 Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port. By this time they are near Gudauta.

6. 16:05 Four Russian jets flew over Upper Abkazia.

7. 15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announced the launch of bombardment of Upper Abkhazia.

8. 14:30 The Parliament approved ordinance of the Declaration on the State of War and full mobilization.

9. 14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.

10. 12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.

11. 10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

12. 10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot has been captured.

13. 10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.

14. The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

15. 01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

16. 01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

17. 00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

18. 00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

19. 00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

20. 00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

[2] August 8 – 9, 2008

1. 12:40 Second bombing of Kopitnari Airport.

2. 11:00 Kopitnari Airport, near Kutaisi 260 west from Tbilisi outside the conflict zone, was bombed.

3. 10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

4. 10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot is being sought by Georgian forces.

5. The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

6. 01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

7. 01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

8. 00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

9. 00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

10. 00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

11. 00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

12. 22:40 According to Ministry of Defense, Russian planes violated Georgian airspace a total of 22 times.

13. 22:15 The type and place of Russian planes taken down during the day not located yet.

14. 21:45 Policemen and reservists who were surrounded in the Znauri school bulding, five kilometers west of Tskinvali, are rescued by government forces.

15. 21:11 The separatist authorities claim to have altogether 1400 people dead and wounded. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announces that there are 10 dead among Russian “peacekeepers”.

16. 20:30 After severe clashes in Tskinvali, Georgian forces start to withdraw from the center of the town, holding their positions at its southern outskirts. Russian tanks enter the eastern part of Tskinvali.

17. 19:20 2 Russian planes pass over Ambrolauri, which is 170 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

18. 19:18 5 Russian airplanes were shot down during the day. Last one is shot down at approximately 19:00 near Tskhinvali.

19. 18:45 Georgian Gori artillery brigade is bombarded by 5 Russian airplanes.

20. 18:44 A motorcade of Russian tanks, armored vehicles and trucks loaded with different kinds of weapons reach Tskinvali by the Dzara by-pass road, 2 kilometers west of Tskinvali. The Russians opens intensive fire towards Georgian forces located in Tskinvali and on the neighboring heights. A second motorcade, which also came from Russia via the Roki tunnel, is stopped near the Georgian government controlled area of Dmenisi, 7 kilometers north of Tskinvali, and Russians open heavy fire toward Georgian forces.

21. 18:32 Frone gorge, northeat of Tskinvali, is under intensive artillery fire by Russian forces. Villages Avnevi and Phrisi, in the Tskinvali region, are bombarded by Russian military aircraft.

22. 17:35 Marneuli military airbase, 20 kilometers south of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone, is bombed for the third time resulting in 1 death and 4 injured. As a result of three bombings, three grounded AN-2 type planes and military vehicles stationed there are destroyed.

23. 17:00 Marneuli military airbase is bombed for the second time causing casualties.

24. 16.30 Russian aviation bombs Marneuli and Bolnisi military airbases, 20 kilometers and 35 kilometers south of Tbilisi respectively. Two aircrafts were destroyed on ground. Also several buildings were destroyed and there are casualties.

25. 16:03Two Russian planes enter Georgian airspace from the North. One more flies over Djava. Two more fly across the border near Chechnya.

26. By 16:00 about 40 officers of Criminal Police and Reservists are trapped in Znauri school.

27. 15:30 Ossetian separatists destroyed 3 Georgian tanks at Dzari by-pass road.

28. 15:05 Russian military plane enters Georgia from the direction of Tedzami, just south of Gori, and drop two bombs on the Vaziani military airport and turned back.

29. 14.30 Almost 100% of Tskhinvali is controlled by Georgian forces. Just several small groupings are still resisting.

30. 14.15 Georgian government announces a ceasefire from 15.00 till 18.00 to let civilian population leave Tskhinvali. Separatists are also offered amnesty and humanitarian aid if they surrender.

31. 13:00 Part of Thskinvali is controlled by Georgian army and fighting continues in the center. The civilian population does not resist. They are ordered to stay inside their houses.

32. 12.05 One Su-24 enters Georgian air space from Russia and remained over Tskhinvali till 12.15.

33. By 12.00 Eight Georgians (6 military and 2 civilians) have died and 87 are injured. 1 military truck with ammunition was destroyed.

34. 11:45 Emergency Service of Civil Aviation report receiving a signal from a crashed flying object (presumably Russian fighter plane) near Iuri range, 17 km south from Gori.

35. 11.45: Four Su-24 Russian jet enter Georgia from the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbeg), northeast of the Roki tunnel and outside of the conflict zone. Two of them pass Tbilisi and make two circles around Marneuli. The other two make a circle above Gudauri.

36. 10:57: Two of the six Russian aircraft drop three bombs in Gori. One of these fell near the stadium, the second near Gorijvari slope and third near a artillery brigade.

37. 10.50: Six Su-24 fighter planes enter from the Roki pass.

38. 10.30 Russian Su-24 bombs the village of Variani in the Kareli district, 75 kilometers west of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone. Seven civilians were injured as a result.

39. 9.45: A Russian military fighter plane drops about 3-5 bombs near the village of Shavshvebi, on the highway between Poti and Tbilisi and is 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

40. By 9:00 Georgian Forces control the villages of Gromi, Artsevi, Tsinagara, Znauri, Sarabuki, Khetagurovo, Atotsi, Kvemo Okuna, Dmenisi, Muguti and Didmukha.

41. 8:00: First group of Russian troops together with Gufta Bridge are destroyed by a Georgian aerial bombardment. Later two more groups of Russian troops enter South Ossetia through the Roki tunnel, which connects Russia and Georgia, but could not cross the Gufta Bridge which was destroyed and moved by the Geri-Dmenisi road.

42. 5:30: First Russian troops enter through Roki tunnel South Ossetia, passed Java, crossed Gufta bridge and moved by Dzara road towards Tskhinvali.

43. By 4:28: Georgian armed forces are in control of six villages in the Tskhinvali region: Muguti, Dmenisi, Didmukha, Okona, Akut and Kohati. It is also reported that Georgian forces entered the village of Khetagurovo.

44. 2:45: Reports are received of Georgian troops occupying the villages of Didmukha, Muguti and Dmenisi.

[3] Today, at 6 o’clock in the evening the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Grigol Vashadze, Director of European Affairs’ Department, Kakha Sikharulidze, Director of International Organizations’ Department, Alexander Nalbandov and his deputy, Sergi Kapandze held a meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to Georgia.

They have informed the diplomatic corps concerning the recent developments in the conflict zone and the details of the Russian aggression towards Georgia. Meeting alike will have daily character.

[4] The slogan of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games ‘One World One Dream’ is a message of peace and solidarity that the whole Olympic family shares all over the globe. This dream was so very visible yesterday night during the opening ceremony.

But while the fireworks were exploding over China’s capital’s starlit sky, Georgia was dealing with bombings and explosions in many of its villages and towns: Gori, Kareli, Poti, Senaki, Kutaisi, Bolnisi and Marneuli. The Georgian airspace in the recent past has been repeatedly violated by military aircraft of the Russian Federation and now, this deliberate strategy of aggression has grown into a full-scale military intervention involving all regions of Georgia. The so called ‘peacekeepers’ have clearly transformed into an occupation force which is systematically and openly conducting military operations. By these gross violations, Russia is threatening the established international order and the region’s stability.

Georgia calls upon the international community to make it clear, with utmost seriousness, to the Russian Federation that intrusion into and bombing of the territory of a sovereign state is unacceptable in the 21st century and that such acts cannot and will not be tolerated.

We hope that the dove that was released yesterday from the Bird’s Nest will make its way to the Caucasus and restore peace in this region.

10 Aug:

[1] 1. 11:15 The village of Shavshvebi between Gori and Kareli have been bombed by Russian aviation.

2. 08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet has been downed by Georgian Government troops.

3. 07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.

4. 05:45 Russian jet entered Georgian airspace from Dagestan and dropped 3 Bombs on Tbilisi airplane factory.

5. 6,000 Russian troops enter Georgia through Roki tunnel overnight; 90 tanks; 150 Armored Personnel Carriers; 250 artillery gunships.

6. 4,000 Russian troops land at port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, from Black Sea port of Sevastopol

7. 22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.

8. By 19:45 Tskhinvali is under ultimate control of Georgian Government troops.

9. Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

10. 16:35 Oni was bombarded by Russian aviation.

11. 16:15 Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port. By this time they are near Gudauta.

12. 16:05 Four Russian jets flew over Upper Abkazia.

13. 15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announced the launch of bombardment of Upper Abkhazia.

14. 14:30 The Parliament approved ordinance of the Declaration on the State of War and full mobilization.

15. 14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.

16. 12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.

17. 10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

18. 10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot has been captured.

19. 10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.

20. The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

21. 01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

22. 01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

23. 00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

24. 00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

25. 00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

26. 00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

[2] 1. 08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet has been downed by Georgian Government troops.

2. 07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.

3. 05:45 Russian jet entered Georgian airspace from Dagestan and dropped 3 Bombs on Tbilisi airplane factory.

4. 6,000 Russian troops enter Georgia through Roki tunnel overnight; 90 tanks; 150 Armored Personnel Carriers; 250 artillery gunships.

5. 4,000 Russian troops land at port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, from Black Sea port of Sevastopol

6. 22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.

7. By 19:45 Tskhinvali is under ultimate control of Georgian Government troops.

8. Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

9. 16:35 Oni was bombarded by Russian aviation.

10. 16:15 Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port. By this time they are near Gudauta.

11. 16:05 Four Russian jets flew over Upper Abkazia.

12. 15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announced the launch of bombardment of Upper Abkhazia.

13. 14:30 The Parliament approved ordinance of the Declaration on the State of War and full mobilization.

14. 14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.

15. 12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.

16. 10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

17. 10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot has been captured.

18. 10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.

19. The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

20. 01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

21. 01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

22. 00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

23. 00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

24. 00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

25. 00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

11 Aug:

[1] 11 August

20:30 Russian Army took Gori and cut main highway connecting Western and Eastern parts of the country.

20:10 The invading army of the Russian Federation has advancing outside the conflict zones of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russian army units move towards city Gori. The Georgian army is retreating to defend the capital. The Government is urgently seeking international intervention to prevent the fall of Georgia and the further loss of life.

19:20 US deputy assistant secretary made supportive announcement to Georgia. He mentioned that, time would come when International Peace keeping force will enter Georgia and restore Georgia’s territorial Integrity.

19:00 The camp for IDPs was opened in Tbilisi.

18:20 Ossetian separatist forces entered village Beloti near Eredvi. They took hostage remaining civilian population and locked them in local church.

18:10 Russian Troops attacked and took village Shindisi of Gori district.

17:30 Russian Aviation bombed village Kere of Gori District.

Russian peace keepers with heavy equipment entered Zugdidi to disarm local police.

By 17:00 they began to occupy administrative buildings.

http://www.gpb.ge/moambe_news.php?lang=geo&tm_id=0&news_id=16206

14:30 Senaki base is bombed by Russian aviation.

13:30 President Saakashvili signs a ceasefire agreement, prepared by the foreign ministers of France, Finland, and Georgia. The foreign ministers of France and Finland are taking the agreement to Moscow in order to persuade President Medvedev to sign it.

http://www.gpb.ge/moambe_news.php?lang=eng&tm_id=0&news_id=16190

12:05 Russian aviation is bombing Georgian servicemen in Upper Abkhazia.

10:00 Village of Eredvi came under the fire of Russian artillery.

07:15 Senaki airport is bombed by Russian airplanes.

06:10 Gori tank battalion is bombed. A civilian apartment building nearby has been hit.

05:00 Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District on the east of the country is bombed by Russian jets.

04:37 Civilian radar station on Makhata mount in 5 kilometers from downtown Tbilisi is bombed by Russian planes.

03:05 Villages of Sharabidzeebi, Kapandichi, Makho near Batumi are bombed by Russian planes. Graveyard and villagers’ backyard have been hit. No casualties reported.

00:30 Civilian radar station in the village of Shavshvebi west of Tbilisi is bombed by Russian planes.

00:00 Five wounded policemen transported to Zugdidi hospital from Upper Abkhazia.

10 August

20:00 Positional fighting near village of Qvabchara in Upper Abkhazia.

19:10 “Tbilaviamsheni” aviation factory was bombarded by Russian aviation again.

19:05 Russian aviation dropped bomb on Tbilisi International Airport.

18:00 The Black Sea town of Anaklia 280 km from Tbilisi, is bombed by Russian airplanes. No casualties reported

17:30 Georgian Ministry of Foreign affairs handed diplomatic note to the Charg d’affirs of Russian embassy Mr Smag. According to the order of the president Georgia, Georgian Government forces stopped fire in the conflict zone.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Karasin announced the terms of ceasefire. Georgia have to withdraw on the positions existing before the beginning of the conflict and take responsibility of non use of force.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation announced that journalists wanting to enter Russian-Georgian conflict zone have to have special accreditation from Ministry of Defense and second accreditation from Ministry of Foreign affairs of Russia.

16:10 Russian aviation bombarded only remaining bridge on the Highway linking eastern and western parts of the country. There was a fire on the bridge. Fire is extinguished. The traffic is restored.

16:05 Gori is being bombed by Russian aviation.

15:10 Russian troops and Abkhaz separatists launch ground attack on Upper Abkhazia. The region is being bombed by Russian aviation.

15:00 Russian airplanes bomb the village of Knolevi in the northern Kareli district.

By noon of 10 August there are 20 to 25 thousand IDPs from the regions of Tskhinvali and Gori, as a result of Russian attacks. The number of IDPs is growing quickly.

09:00 Government of Georgia reported 45 soldiers and 47 civilians died.

08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet has been downed by Georgian Government troops.

07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.

07:00 Georgian Government Forces withdraw from Tskhinvali.

Russian General Khrulyov, commander of the invading 58th army was wounded after shelling Russian military convoy by Georgian artillery.

05:45 Russian jet entered Georgian airspace from Dagestan and dropped 3 Bombs on Tbilisi airplane factory.

6,000 Russian troops enter Georgia through Roki tunnel overnight; 90 tanks; 150 Armored Personnel Carriers; 250 artillery gunships.

4,000 Russian troops land at port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, from Black Sea port of Sevastopol.

9 August

22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.

By 19:45 Tskhinvali is under ultimate control of Georgian Government troops.

Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

16:35 The town of Oni in northern Georgia is bombarded by Russian aviation.

16:15 Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port. By this time they are near Gudauta.

16:05 Four Russian jets flew over Upper Abkazia.

15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announced the launch of bombardment of Upper Abkhazia.

14:30 The Parliament approved ordinance of the Declaration on the State of War and full mobilization.

14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.

12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.

10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot has been captured.

10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.

The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

8 August

22:40 According to Ministry of Defense, Russian planes violated Georgian airspace a total of 22 times.

22:15 The type and place of Russian planes taken down during the day not located yet.

21:45 Policemen and reservists who were surrounded in the Znauri school bulding, five kilometers west of Tskinvali, are rescued by government forces.

21:11 The separatist authorities claim to have altogether 1400 people dead and wounded. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announces that there are 10 dead among Russian “peacekeepers”.

21:30 After severe clashes in Tskinvali, Georgian forces start to withdraw from the center of the town, holding their positions at its southern outskirts. Russian tanks enter the eastern part of Tskinvali.

19:20 2 Russian planes pass over Ambrolauri, which is 170 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

19:18 5 Russian airplanes were shot down during the day. Last one is shot down at approximately 19:00 near Tskhinvali.

18:45 Georgian Gori artillery brigade is bombarded by 5 Russian airplanes.

18:44 A motorcade of Russian tanks, armored vehicles and trucks loaded with different kinds of weapons reach Tskinvali by the Dzara by-pass road, 2 kilometers west of Tskinvali. The Russians opens intensive fire towards Georgian forces located in Tskinvali and on the neighboring heights. A second motorcade, which also came from Russia via the Roki tunnel, is stopped near the Georgian government controlled area of Dmenisi, 7 kilometers north of Tskinvali, and Russians open heavy fire toward Georgian forces.

18:32 Frone gorge, northeat of Tskinvali, is under intensive artillery fire by Russian forces. Villages Avnevi and Phrisi, in the Tskinvali region, are bombarded by Russian military aircraft.

17:35 Marneuli military airbase, 20 kilometers south of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone, is bombed for the third time resulting in 1 death and 4 injured. As a result of three bombings, three grounded AN-2 type planes and military vehicles stationed there are destroyed.

17:00 Marneuli military airbase is bombed for the second time causing casualties.

16.30 Russian aviation bombs Marneuli and Bolnisi military airbases, 20 kilometers and 35 kilometers south of Tbilisi respectively. Two aircrafts were destroyed on ground. Also several buildings were destroyed and there are casualties.

16:03Two Russian planes enter Georgian airspace from the North. One more flies over Djava. Two more fly across the border near Chechnya.

By 16:00 about 40 officers of Criminal Police and Reservists are trapped in Znauri school.

15:30 Ossetian separatists destroyed 3 Georgian tanks at Dzari by-pass road.

15:05 Russian military plane enters Georgia from the direction of Tedzami, just south of Gori, and drop two bombs on the Vaziani military airport and turned back.

14.30 Almost 100% of Tskhinvali is controlled by Georgian forces. Just several small groupings are still resisting.

14.15 Georgian government announces a ceasefire from 15.00 till 18.00 to let civilian population leave Tskhinvali. Separatists are also offered amnesty and humanitarian aid if they surrender.

13:00 Part of Thskinvali is controlled by Georgian army and fighting continues in the center. The civilian population does not resist. They are ordered to stay inside their houses.

12.05 One Su-24 enters Georgian air space from Russia and remained over Tskhinvali till 12.15.

By 12.00 Eight Georgians (6 military and 2 civilians) have died and 87 are injured. 1 military truck with ammunition was destroyed.

11:45 Emergency Service of Civil Aviation report receiving a signal from a crashed flying object (presumably Russian fighter plane) near Iuri range, 17 km south from Gori.

11.45: Four Su-24 Russian jet enter Georgia from the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbeg), northeast of the Roki tunnel and outside of the conflict zone. Two of them pass Tbilisi and make two circles around Marneuli. The other two make a circle above Gudauri.

10:57: Two of the six Russian aircraft drop three bombs in Gori. One of these fell near the stadium, the second near Gorijvari slope and third near a artillery brigade.

10.50: Six Su-24 fighter planes enter from the Roki pass.

10.30 Russian Su-24 bombs the village of Variani in the Kareli district, 75 kilometers west of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone. Seven civilians were injured as a result.

9.45: A Russian military fighter plane drops about 3-5 bombs near the village of Shavshvebi, on the highway between Poti and Tbilisi and is 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

By 9:00 Georgian Forces control the villages of Gromi, Artsevi, Tsinagara, Znauri, Sarabuki, Khetagurovo, Atotsi, Kvemo Okuna, Dmenisi, Muguti and Didmukha.

8:00: First group of Russian troops together with Gufta Bridge are destroyed by a Georgian aerial bombardment. Later two more groups of Russian troops enter South Ossetia through the Roki tunnel, which connects Russia and Georgia, but could not cross the Gufta Bridge which was destroyed and moved by the Geri-Dmenisi road.

5:30: First Russian troops enter through Roki tunnel South Ossetia, passed Java, crossed Gufta bridge and moved by Dzara road towards Tskhinvali.

By 4:28: Georgian armed forces are in control of six villages in the Tskhinvali region: Muguti, Dmenisi, Didmukha, Okona, Akut and Kohati. It is also reported that Georgian forces entered the village of Khetagurovo.

2:45: Reports are received of Georgian troops occupying the villages of Didmukha, Muguti and Dmenisi.

7 August

During the night and early morning intensive fire came from the Ossetian villages of Khetagurovo, Dmenisi, Sarabuki, and Ubiat. Separatist authorities continued shelling Georgian law enforcers and Peacekeeping units with mortars and artillery. The central authorities responded with limited fire in order to defend the positions.

In the morning interview with Russian news agencies, South Ossetian de facto president Eduard Kokoity declared that if the Georgian government did not withdraw its military forces from the region, he would start “to clean them out.”

President Saakashvili speaking with journalists in the military hospital in Gori, where he visited the two injured Georgian servicemen, said that despite attacks on the Georgian villages, Tbilisi was showing “maximum restraint.” Saakashvili also called on Russia to “to recall its officials” from South Ossetia, who consider themselves as the so-called South Ossetian government.

Temur Yakobashvili, visited the conflict zone in the morning of August 7 to meet with representatives of the separatist government. The State Minister met with Marat Kulakhmetov, commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces, in Tskhinvali. But, the separatists refused to negotiate with him.

The chairman of the separatist republic’s Security Council, Anatoly Barankevich threatened that armed groupings of Cossacks from North Ossetia were headed towards South Ossetia to fight against Georgian forces.

The separatists resumed shelling of Georgian villages Nuli and Avnevi by 16:00. Three Georgian servicemen were injured after the South Ossetian separatist forces blew up an infantry combat vehicle belonging to the Georgian peacekeeping battalion in Avnevi. Georgian police responded by firing towards the separatist armed grouping in village Khetagurovo, where two separatist militiamen were killed and two more wounded. Later, the check-point of Georgian peacekeepers was bombed in Avnevi and several Georgian servicemen and civilians were killed.

Georgia has decided to “unilaterally cease fire” in a sign of Tbilisi’s willingness to defuse tensions, Temur Yakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, announced at a press conference in Tbilisi at 6:40pm. Yakobashvili said that he was not able to get in touch with the separatist authorities.

President Saakashvili said in a live televised address made at 7:10pm, that he had ordered the Georgian forces to cease fire in South Ossetia. He said there were casualties, both dead and many people wounded. Saakashvili said that he ordered to cease fire “on purpose” to again offer the South Ossetian secessionists to resume talks.

Despite Georgia’s decision not to return fire, the Georgian village of Avnevi again came under fire of the South Ossetian militiamen at about 8:30pm. It can be said that the village was totally destroyed as a result.

The South Ossetian separatist armed groupings fired at the Georgian-controlled village of Prisi at about 10:30 pm. The attack left several people wounded on the Georgian side.

The separatist authorities opened fire at all Georgian positions around the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali at about 23:30, including the villages of Tamarasheni and Kurta. The police stations in Kurta was destroyed as a result of heavy shelling.

8 August

According to witnesses from local population, at about 9.45 a military fighter plane, presumably Russian (it entered Georgia from South Ossetian side) dropped off about 3-5 bombs near village Shavshvebi, 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

6 August

Late on 6 August, separatists opened mortar fire at Georgian populated villages of Eredvi, Prisi, Avnevi, Dvani and Nuli. Georgian government forces fired back in order to defend the positions and civilian population. As a result of intensive cross-fire during the night, two servicemen of the Georgian battalion of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces were injured. Separatist regime also claimed several injured persons on their side. Despite the targeted attacks on peaceful population and villages, as well as on the Georgian police and peacekeeping forces, the central authorities decided not to respond through heavy exchange of fire, in order not to injure the local population.

Temur Yakobashvili, Georgian chief negotiator and state minister for reintegration, said in late night televised remarks on August 6 that it was the position of the Georgian government that only a direct dialogue with Tskinvali authorities would solve the deteriorating security situation. Mr. Yakobashvili also stressed that Ambassador-at-large Yuri Popov would attend the talks as a facilitator. South Ossetian chief negotiator, Boris Chochiev, refused to take part in negotiations.

During 4 and 5 August no serious incidents have been observed.

3 August

South Ossetian separatist government announced evacuation of more than 500 people, including about 400 children. However, Ermak Dzansolov, deputy prime minister of Russia’s North Ossetian Republic, told Interfax news agency that it was not an evacuation. Sending children to North Ossetia was part of a pre-arranged summer-camp programme, as he explained.

Russian media outlets started a massive propaganda campaign against Georgia.

South Ossetian media sources reported on the mobilization of volunteers across the North Caucasus.

2 August

Six civilians and one Georgian policeman were injured after the shelling of Georgian villages in the South Ossetian conflict zone overnight. The Georgian-controlled villages of Zemo Nikozi, Kvemo Nikozi, Nuli, Avnevi, Eredvi and Ergneti came under intense fire from the South Ossetian separatists with large calibre mortars. Georgian law enforcers shot back defensively for some time, but then received an order of ceasefire in order not to escalate the situation.

1 August

At about 8:00 AM, Tbilisi time, a pickup vehicle with six Georgian police officers was hit by two remote control explosive devices on the Eredvi-Kheiti by-pass road linking the Didi Liakhvi Gorge – a Georgian enclave north of the breakaway region’s capital Tskhinvali – with Georgia proper. As a result of the attack, five Georgian policemen were severely wounded. The central authorities decided not to retaliate in order not to escalate the situation.

[2] At this hour, the invading army of the Russian Federation has entered Georgian territory outside the conflict zones of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Georgian army is retreating to defend the capital. The Government is urgently seeking international intervention to prevent the fall of Georgia and the further loss of life.

“We no longer know the limits of the invading Russian army—Russia seems intent on overthrowing the democratically elected government of Georgia and occupying the country,” said Alexander Lomaia, the Secretary of the National Security Council. “As a consequence, the National Security Council has just decided to bring the Georgian army to Tbilisi in order to defend the capital and prevent the fall of Georgia.”

European political leaders, including Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, are in Tbilisi meeting now with the President of Georgia to seek a way to stop the Russian onslaught.

The Government of Georgia announced a unilateral cease fire on Sunday morning, withdrew its forces from South Ossetia, and sued for peace. Despite the ceasefire and withdrawal—and in defiance of outraged international criticism of its invasion of Georgia—Russia is continuing its fierce offensive that has left hundreds of civilians dead and thousands injured.

For further information, please contact:
Nato Chikovani, Press Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: +995.77.507.726

[3] Damages of civil airports

August 11, 2008 05:00 Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District on the east of the country is bombed by Russian jets. Runways were destroyed.

August 9 14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara. Runways were destroyed

August 9 10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi. Runways were destroyed

Damages of buildings and civilian infrastructure

During August 8-11, 2008 Gori was bombarded numerous time as result 8 apartment blocks were destroyed living about 500 families without house. 15 civilians died, tens more are wounded. About 8 000 IDPs left Gori. About 4000 houses are totally destroyed in the villages of Gori district. Besides, this the hospital of Gori was destroyed.

August 11, 2008 03:05 Villages of Sharabidzeebi, Kapandichi, Makho near Batumi are bombed by Russian planes. Graveyard and villagers’ backyard have been hit. No casualties reported.

August 10, 2008 19:10 “Tbilaviamsheni” aviation factory was bombarded by Russian aviation again. The runway number#2 was destroyed.

August 1018:00 The Black Sea town of Anaklia 280 km from Tbilisi, is bombed by Russian airplanes. Building of the Coastal Guard destroyed, several civilian houses were demaged. Ganmukhuri youth camp was bombed, several houses of the camp demaged.

August 1015:00 Russian airplanes bomb the village of Knolevi in the northern Kareli district.

During August 8-11 2008 Zugdidi and villages of Zugdidi District were bombarded numerous time as result of this

During August 8-11 2008 Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia was bombarded numerous time as result of this nearly all buildings in Ckhalta is destroyed.

August 9 16:35 The town of Oni in northern Georgia is bombarded by Russian aviation. 12 houses and 1 apartment blocks were destroyed. 1civilian and 1 policeman died 8 wounded.

August 9-10 00:12 and 01:00 Poti, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target was bombarded a twice . 8 civilians died and 30 wounded. Energy supply and anti fire systems of the Port damaged. Port was paralyzed till the morning of 11th of August.

August 10, 2008 01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

Damages of communication infrastructure

August 11, 2008 04:37 Civilian radar station in the village of Leninisi in 5 kilometers from downtown Tbilisi.

August 11, 2008 00:30 Civilian radar station in the village of Shavshvebi west of Gori is bombed by Russian planes.

Other

On August 9 Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

[4]

[5]

12 Aug:

[1] 1. The landing force consisted of 4000 military personnel, battle tanks and other military hardware have been disembarked by the Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels in port of Ochamchira. The personnel have advanced towards the Kodori Gorge and attacked territory controlled by the Georgian side, while the battle tanks and other military hardware have advanced towards Senaki;

2. The guided missile cruiser has committed missile attack on Kodori;

3. On August 12 at 17.00-18.00 saboteurs have mined and exploded Border Police Coast Guard vessels that were not of military purpose. The Coast Guard vessels granted to Georgia by friendly countries in 1993 being in non operational condition were exploded as well.

4. The attack has been performed by 15-16 naval ships, including Guided Missile Cruiser “MOSKVA”, Landing Ship “Tsezar Kunikov” etc;

5. During communication with the captain of the port Poty vessel “Tsezar Kunikov” was using call-signes “BIGEL156”, “BIGEL159” etc.

[2] Question: How would you assess the comment of spokesperson A. Nesterenko of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to a question of Itar-Tass correspondent regarding President Saakashvili’s statement on Georgia’s withdrawal from CIS?

Answer: It is a sovereign right of each country to make a decision on its membership in any international organization. CIS as an international organization failed to meet Georgia’s expectations in terms of regulation of the conflicts as well as resolution of political and economic issues.

Mr. Nesterenko is apparently mistaken describing the decision on withdrawal from CIS as a hasty one. Georgia has long been preparing for taking this step. A special governmental commission was set up 2 years ago to study thisissue.

Against the background of the Russian Federation waging an undeclared war in Georgia, Georgia considers as absolutely unacceptable its membership in the organization, which was established under the dictates and leadership of Russia.

Mr. Nesterenko claims that he is concerned about the fate of Georgia’s multinational population. Such statement by the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry is absolutely immoral. The whole world has been a witness to Russia’s ‘care’ for Georgia, manifested in the bombardment of civilian targets and genocide of the population.

[3] 12 August

19:10 Russian troops moved towards Khaishi, Svanetia north of the Zugdidi and occupied it. They entered Upper Abkhazia from the east.

18:30 South Ossetian separatists entered village Disevi in Gori district and committed acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population. Russian militaries are witnessing all these and are not reacting.

18:30 South Ossetian separatists entered village Karaleti in Gori district and committed acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population.

18:00 Village Tkotsa Khashuri district 4 bombes were droped. None of them exploded.

18:00 Russian militaries began exploding Georgian ships harbored in Poti port.

18:00The share holders of Kulevi Terminal have been notifed by Russian militaries about planed bombing of the oil terminal.

17:30 Abkhazian troops mobilized heavy armored vehicles in demilitarized zone in village Ganmukhuri which they took day before and organized customs.

16:30 Russian troops entered the territory of Gori TV transmition station. One employee has been killed three injured. Russians destroyed equipment of the station. As a result the only Russian speaking TV station Alanya TV is out of air. The region can not receive Georgian Public Broadcasting channel as well.

16:30 At the grand rally held in Tbilisi, the President Saakashvili announced about the decision of the government of Georgia to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

14:50 Village Sakoritno in Kaspi region and village Ruisi in Kareli region are bombed by Russian aviation

14:00 In village Agara (Khashuri region) Russian military jet bombarded an ambulance vehicle.

13:25 Three Russian airplanes dropped bombs on the village of Orchosani near Gori.

12:30 Vaziani base nearby Tbilisi has been bombed by Russian planes.

12:25 Oil pipeline 5 km from the city of Rustavi has been bombed.

10:15 Russian planes bombed Gori. The territory around administration building, hospital, university and city market have been bombed. 5 civilians died including one child and doctor of the hospital, 15 injured. Dutch journalist has been killed. Gori was left by Georgian troops day before.

In the morning ours of 12 August Russian airplanes bombed the village of Tkviavi near Tskhinvali once again.

03:25 Russian envoy to the UN Churkin announced on the press conference that Russia will not support the resolution. Georgian envoy Alasania announced that suggested resolution is acceptable to Georgia.

02:15 Emergency meeting of the Security Council of the UN started. The resolution about cease-fire prepared by France was discussed.

02:05 Russian aviation bombarded Kaspi 30 Km from Tbilisi out of conflict zone. 3 bombs were dropped near the Heidelberg Cement factory (one from the two cement factories in the country). No damage was reported.

01:15 President of the United states George W. Bush made supportive statement to Georgia. “Russia has invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its people. Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century,” the president said in a televised statement from the White House, calling on Moscow to sign on to the outlines of a cease-fire as the Georgian government has done

11 August

20:30 Russian Army took Gori and cut main highway connecting Western and Eastern parts of the country.

20:26 Ministry of Economic Development received the letter from the captian of Cargo Ship “Castor” that it was prevented to enter Poti Port. The other cargo ship “Asha” was prevented enter Poti Port before, during the same day.

20:10 Invading army of the Russian Federation has advancing outside the conflict zones of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russian army units move towards city Gori. The Georgian army is retreating to defend the capital. The Government is urgently seeking international intervention to prevent the fall of Georgia and the further loss of life.

19:30 Russian troops advanced deep into Georgian territory from west and entered

Senaki 210 Km from Tbilisi, out of the conflict zone.

19:20 US deputy assistant secretary made supportive announcement to Georgia. He mentioned that, time would come when International Peace keeping force will enter Georgia and restore Georgia’s territorial Integrity.

19:00 The camp for IDPs was opened in Tbilisi.

18:20 Ossetian separatist forces entered village Beloti near Eredvi. They took hostage remaining civilian population and locked them in local church.

18:10 Russian Troops attacked and took village Shindisi of Gori district.

17:30 Russian Aviation bombed village Kere of Gori District.

Russian peace keepers with heavy equipment entered Zugdidi to disarm local police.

By 17:00 they began to occupy administrative buildings.

http://www.gpb.ge/moambe_news.php?lang=geo&tm_id=0&news_id=16206

14:30 Senaki base is bombed by Russian aviation.

13:30 President Saakashvili signs a ceasefire agreement, prepared by the foreign ministers of France, Finland, and Georgia. The foreign ministers of France and Finland are taking the agreement to Moscow in order to persuade President Medvedev to sign it.

http://www.gpb.ge/moambe_news.php?lang=eng&tm_id=0&news_id=16190

12:05 Russian aviation is bombing Georgian servicemen in Upper Abkhazia.

10:00 Village of Eredvi came under the fire of Russian artillery.

07:15 Senaki airport is bombed by Russian airplanes.

06:10 Gori tank battalion is bombed. A civilian apartment building nearby has been hit.

05:00 Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District on the east of the country is bombed by Russian jets.

04:37 Civilian radar station on Makhata mount in 5 kilometers from downtown Tbilisi is bombed by Russian planes.

03:05 Villages of Sharabidzeebi, Kapandichi, Makho near Batumi are bombed by Russian planes. Graveyard and villagers’ backyard have been hit. No casualties

00:30 Civilian radar station in the village of Shavshvebi west of Tbilisi is bombed by Russian planes.

00:00 Five wounded policemen transported to Zugdidi hospital from Upper Abkhazia.

10 August

20:00 Positional fighting near village of Qvabchara in Upper Abkhazia.

19:10 “Tbilaviamsheni” aviation factory was bombarded by Russian aviation again.

19:05 Russian aviation dropped bomb on Tbilisi International Airport.

18:00 The Black Sea town of Anaklia 280 km from Tbilisi, is bombed by Russian airplanes. No casualties reported

17:30 Georgian Ministry of Foreign affairs handed diplomatic note to the Charg d’affirs of Russian embassy Mr Smag. According to the order of the president Georgia, Georgian Government forces stopped fire in the conflict zone.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Karasin announced the terms of ceasefire. Georgia have to withdraw on the positions existing before the beginning of the conflict and take responsibility of non use of force.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation announced that journalists wanting to enter Russian-Georgian conflict zone have to have special accreditation from Ministry of Defense and second accreditation from Ministry of Foreign affairs of Russia.

16:10 Russian aviation bombarded only remaining bridge on the Highway linking eastern and western parts of the country. There was a fire on the bridge. Fire is extinguished. The traffic is restored.

16:05 Gori is being bombed by Russian aviation.

15:10 Russian troops and Abkhaz separatists launch ground attack on Upper Abkhazia. The region is being bombed by Russian aviation.

15:00 Russian airplanes bomb the village of Knolevi in the northern Kareli district.

By noon of 10 August there are 20 to 25 thousand IDPs from the regions of Tskhinvali and Gori, as a result of Russian attacks. The number of IDPs is growing quickly.

09:00 Government of Georgia reported 45 soldiers and 47 civilians died.

08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet has been downed by Georgian Government troops.

07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.

07:00 Georgian Government Forces withdraw from Tskhinvali.

Russian General Khrulyov, commander of the invading 58th army was wounded after shelling Russian military convoy by Georgian artillery.

05:45 Russian jet entered Georgian airspace from Dagestan and dropped 3 Bombs on Tbilisi airplane factory.

6,000 Russian troops enter Georgia through Roki tunnel overnight; 90 tanks; 150 Armored Personnel Carriers; 250 artillery gunships.

4,000 Russian troops land at port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, from Black Sea port of Sevastopol.

9 August

22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.

By 19:45 Tskhinvali is under ultimate control of Georgian Government troops.

Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

16:35 The town of Oni in northern Georgia is bombarded by Russian aviation.

16:15 Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port. By this time they are near Gudauta.

16:05 Four Russian jets flew over Upper Abkazia.

15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announced the launch of bombardment of Upper Abkhazia.

14:30 The Parliament approved ordinance of the Declaration on the State of War and full mobilization.

14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.

12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.

10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot has been captured.

10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.

The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

8 August

22:40 According to Ministry of Defense, Russian planes violated Georgian airspace a total of 22 times.

22:15 The type and place of Russian planes taken down during the day not located yet.

21:45 Policemen and reservists who were surrounded in the Znauri school bulding, five kilometers west of Tskinvali, are rescued by government forces.

21:11 The separatist authorities claim to have altogether 1400 people dead and wounded. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announces that there are 10 dead among Russian “peacekeepers”.

20:30 After severe clashes in Tskinvali, Georgian forces start to withdraw from the center of the town, holding their positions at its southern outskirts. Russian tanks enter the eastern part of Tskinvali.

19:20 2 Russian planes pass over Ambrolauri, which is 170 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

19:18 5 Russian airplanes were shot down during the day. Last one is shot down at approximately 19:00 near Tskhinvali.

18:45 Georgian Gori artillery brigade is bombarded by 5 Russian airplanes.

18:44 A motorcade of Russian tanks, armored vehicles and trucks loaded with different kinds of weapons reach Tskinvali by the Dzara by-pass road, 2 kilometers west of Tskinvali. The Russians opens intensive fire towards Georgian forces located in Tskinvali and on the neighboring heights. A second motorcade, which also came from Russia via the Roki tunnel, is stopped near the Georgian government controlled area of Dmenisi, 7 kilometers north of Tskinvali, and Russians open heavy fire toward Georgian forces.

18:32 Frone gorge, northeat of Tskinvali, is under intensive artillery fire by Russian forces. Villages Avnevi and Phrisi, in the Tskinvali region, are bombarded by Russian military aircraft.

17:35 Marneuli military airbase, 20 kilometers south of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone, is bombed for the third time resulting in 1 death and 4 injured. As a result of three bombings, three grounded AN-2 type planes and military vehicles stationed there are destroyed.

17:00 Marneuli military airbase is bombed for the second time causing casualties.

16.30 Russian aviation bombs Marneuli and Bolnisi military airbases, 20 kilometers and 35 kilometers south of Tbilisi respectively. Two aircrafts were destroyed on ground. Also several buildings were destroyed and there are casualties.

16:03Two Russian planes enter Georgian airspace from the North. One more flies over Djava. Two more fly across the border near Chechnya.

By 16:00 about 40 officers of Criminal Police and Reservists are trapped in Znauri school.

15:30 Ossetian separatists destroyed 3 Georgian tanks at Dzari by-pass road.

15:05 Russian military plane enters Georgia from the direction of Tedzami, just south of Gori, and drop two bombs on the Vaziani military airport and turned back.

14.30 Almost 100% of Tskhinvali is controlled by Georgian forces. Just several small groupings are still resisting.

14.15 Georgian government announces a ceasefire from 15.00 till 18.00 to let civilian population leave Tskhinvali. Separatists are also offered amnesty and humanitarian aid if they surrender.

13:00 Part of Thskinvali is controlled by Georgian army and fighting continues in the center. The civilian population does not resist. They are ordered to stay inside their houses.

12.05 One Su-24 enters Georgian air space from Russia and remained over Tskhinvali till 12.15.

By 12.00 Eight Georgians (6 military and 2 civilians) have died and 87 are injured. 1 military truck with ammunition was destroyed.

11:45 Emergency Service of Civil Aviation report receiving a signal from a crashed flying object (presumably Russian fighter plane) near Iuri range, 17 km south from Gori.

11.45: Four Su-24 Russian jet enter Georgia from the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbeg), northeast of the Roki tunnel and outside of the conflict zone. Two of them pass Tbilisi and make two circles around Marneuli. The other two make a circle above Gudauri.

10:57: Two of the six Russian aircraft drop three bombs in Gori. One of these fell near the stadium, the second near Gorijvari slope and third near an artillery brigade.

10.50: Six Su-24 fighter planes enter from the Roki pass.

10.30 Russian Su-24 bombs the village of Variani in the Kareli district, 75 kilometers west of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone. Seven civilians were injured as a result.

9.45: A Russian military fighter plane drops about 3-5 bombs near the village of Shavshvebi, on the highway between Poti and Tbilisi and is 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

By 9:00 Georgian Forces control the villages of Gromi, Artsevi, Tsinagara, Znauri, Sarabuki, Khetagurovo, Atotsi, Kvemo Okuna, Dmenisi, Muguti and Didmukha.

8:00: First group of Russian troops together with Gufta Bridge are destroyed by a Georgian aerial bombardment. Later two more groups of Russian troops enter South Ossetia through the Roki tunnel, which connects Russia and Georgia, but could not cross the Gufta Bridge which was destroyed and moved by the Geri-Dmenisi road.

5:30: First Russian troops enter through Roki tunnel South Ossetia, passed Java, crossed Gufta bridge and moved by Dzara road towards Tskhinvali.

By 4:28: Georgian armed forces are in control of six villages in the Tskhinvali region: Muguti, Dmenisi, Didmukha, Okona, Akut and Kohati. It is also reported that Georgian forces entered the village of Khetagurovo.

2:45: Reports are received of Georgian troops occupying the villages of Didmukha, Muguti and Dmenisi.

7 August

During the night and early morning intensive fire came from the Ossetian villages of Khetagurovo, Dmenisi, Sarabuki, and Ubiat. Separatist authorities continued shelling Georgian law enforcers and Peacekeeping units with mortars and artillery. The central authorities responded with limited fire in order to defend the positions.

In the morning interview with Russian news agencies, South Ossetian de facto president Eduard Kokoity declared that if the Georgian government did not withdraw its military forces from the region, he would start “to clean them out.”

President Saakashvili speaking with journalists in the military hospital in Gori, where he visited the two injured Georgian servicemen, said that despite attacks on the Georgian villages, Tbilisi was showing “maximum restraint.” Saakashvili also called on Russia to “to recall its officials” from South Ossetia, who consider themselves as the so-called South Ossetian government.

Temur Yakobashvili, visited the conflict zone in the morning of August 7 to meet with representatives of the separatist government. The State Minister met with Marat Kulakhmetov, commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces, in Tskhinvali. But, the separatists refused to negotiate with him.

The chairman of the separatist republic’s Security Council, Anatoly Barankevich threatened that armed groupings of Cossacks from North Ossetia were headed towards South Ossetia to fight against Georgian forces.

The separatists resumed shelling of Georgian villages Nuli and Avnevi by 16:00. Three Georgian servicemen were injured after the South Ossetian separatist forces blew up an infantry combat vehicle belonging to the Georgian peacekeeping battalion in Avnevi. Georgian police responded by firing towards the separatist armed grouping in village Khetagurovo, where two separatist militiamen were killed and two more wounded. Later, the check-point of Georgian peacekeepers was bombed in Avnevi and several Georgian servicemen and civilians were killed.

Georgia has decided to “unilaterally cease fire” in a sign of Tbilisi’s willingness to defuse tensions, Temur Yakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, announced at a press conference in Tbilisi at 6:40pm. Yakobashvili said that he was not able to get in touch with the separatist authorities.

President Saakashvili said in a live televised address made at 7:10pm, that he had ordered the Georgian forces to cease fire in South Ossetia. He said there were casualties, both dead and many people wounded. Saakashvili said that he ordered to cease fire “on purpose” to again offer the South Ossetian secessionists to resume talks.

Despite Georgia’s decision not to return fire, the Georgian village of Avnevi again came under fire of the South Ossetian militiamen at about 8:30pm. It can be said that the village was totally destroyed as a result.

The South Ossetian separatist armed groupings fired at the Georgian-controlled village of Prisi at about 10:30 pm. The attack left several people wounded on the Georgian side.

The separatist authorities opened fire at all Georgian positions around the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali at about 23:30, including the villages of Tamarasheni and Kurta. The police stations in Kurta was destroyed as a result of heavy shelling.

8 August

According to witnesses from local population, at about 9.45 a military fighter plane, presumably Russian (it entered Georgia from South Ossetian side) dropped off about 3-5 bombs near village Shavshvebi, 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

6 August

Late on 6 August, separatists opened mortar fire at Georgian populated villages of Eredvi, Prisi, Avnevi, Dvani and Nuli. Georgian government forces fired back in order to defend the positions and civilian population. As a result of intensive cross-fire during the night, two servicemen of the Georgian battalion of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces were injured. Separatist regime also claimed several injured persons on their side. Despite the targeted attacks on peaceful population and villages, as well as on the Georgian police and peacekeeping forces, the central authorities decided not to respond through heavy exchange of fire, in order not to injure the local population.

Temur Yakobashvili, Georgian chief negotiator and state minister for reintegration, said in late night televised remarks on August 6 that it was the position of the Georgian government that only a direct dialogue with Tskinvali authorities would solve the deteriorating security situation. Mr. Yakobashvili also stressed that Ambassador-at-large Yuri Popov would attend the talks as a facilitator. South Ossetian chief negotiator, Boris Chochiev, refused to take part in negotiations.

During 4 and 5 August no serious incidents have been observed.

3 August

South Ossetian separatist government announced evacuation of more than 500 people, including about 400 children. However, Ermak Dzansolov, deputy prime minister of Russia’s North Ossetian Republic, told Interfax news agency that it was not an evacuation. Sending children to North Ossetia was part of a pre-arranged summer-camp programme, as he explained.

Russian media outlets started a massive propaganda campaign against Georgia.

South Ossetian media sources reported on the mobilization of volunteers across the North Caucasus.

2 August

Six civilians and one Georgian policeman were injured after the shelling of Georgian villages in the South Ossetian conflict zone overnight. The Georgian-controlled villages of Zemo Nikozi, Kvemo Nikozi, Nuli, Avnevi, Eredvi and Ergneti came under intense fire from the South Ossetian separatists with large calibre mortars. Georgian law enforcers shot back defensively for some time, but then received an order of ceasefire in order not to escalate the situation.

1 August

At about 8:00 AM, Tbilisi time, a pickup vehicle with six Georgian police officers was hit by two remote control explosive devices on the Eredvi-Kheiti by-pass road linking the Didi Liakhvi Gorge – a Georgian enclave north of the breakaway region’s capital Tskhinvali – with Georgia proper. As a result of the attack, five Georgian policemen were severely wounded. The central authorities decided not to retaliate in order not to escalate the situation.

[4]

[5] Question: How would you assess reports by Russian mass media sources about the possible ethnic persecution of Georgian citizens and ethnic Georgians in the Russian Federation?

Answer: We all keep a vivid memory of the immoral campaign launched by the Russian Authorities in autumn of 2006 aiming at violation of basic human rights, including the right to life, of the citizens of Georgia and ethnic Georgians (actions of the Russian Authorities then claimed the lives of a number of people)

Russian mass media sources, including Internet magazines, are currently disseminating various reports on this issue. Alexander Belov, leader of Movement Against Illegal Migration, notorious for his xenophobic sentiments, announced on 11 August that ‘he arranges raids in Moscow, aiming at the places where the Georgians tend to crowd’. Meanwhile, the Russian Authorities officially deny allegations about any kind of harassment of the citizens of Georgia and ethnic Georgians. However, it is a well- known fact that Russia’s official structures are patronizing, whether openly or secretly, the organizations promoting ethnic and racial hatred and carrying out acts of violence against people of different racial or ethnic origin.

We keep a close watch over the development of events in Russia and declare that all responsibility for any act of violence, whoever its perpetrators, against the citizens of Georgia and ethnic Georgians will fall on the Russian Authorities.

13 Aug:

[1] Provided data is operational and may be subject to verification.

Timeline by 13h of August 22:00

13 August

21:20 Russian troops begane pooling back towards north from the Tbilisi – Poti highway in Gori district. They still stay in town Gori

21:10 First cargo plane organized by American Military landed in Tbilisi International Airport.

21:00 Reports of eyewitness continue to com to police stations about atrocities and crimes committed by South Ossetian separatist forces.

20:12 Population of villages Breti and Aradeti, Kareli district is leaving their villages and moving towards Tbilisi. Ossetian separatists are robbing these villages.

Reported by: Naili Gachechiladze 893 73 32 47

18:00 Russian soldiers have robbed drivers of the Turkish travel company, taking their buses.

17:50 Residents of Gori are moving towards Tbilisi by feet, escaping from brutal attacks by Russian troops and Ossetian separatists. Sources:

899 888 143

893 529 336

899 242 683

17:15 According to the local residents that keep calling to police, the following villages are being ravaged by Russian troops and Ossetian Separatists:

Kareli district – Avnevi, Tseronisi, Knolevi.

Kaspi district – Khandaki, Doesi, Karaghadi.

Gori district – Tkviavi.

Residents of Gori are being taken hostage and sent to Tskhinvali.

17:05 EU ministers have disseminated a statement in which they stressed that conflict should be solved within the context of the territorial integrity of Georgia, supported President Sarkozy’s principles of the conflict settlement, and expressed readiness to engage actively in the peacekeeping process, including the presence on the ground.

17:00 Russian troops that were moving towards Tbilisi have made a turn and are now heading to Uplistsikhe, Gori district.

16:10 Russian troops from the city of Gori started moving towards Tbilisi.

15:20 Alisia Vardanyan, Georgian GPB television journalists reports from Gori that marauding has started in the city. The residents are being robbed; the houses are being demolished by Russian tanks.

15:15 According to the reports from the civilians on the ground, Georgian population of villages Bobnevi, Marana, Dzevera, Khidistavi, Tchalaubani is escaping to the forest from the Ossetian separatists.

15:00 Gigi Mtvarelidze, member of Georgian CEC, have been robbed by the Russian-speaking militaries nearby Gori. They took his car with other possessions.

14:45 Paata Sabelashvili, photographer, reported from highway nearby Gori that mini-bus with Georgian civilians have been robbed by Ossetian separatists, one of the passengers, 25-year old women has been kidnapped by the attackers.

14:20 Many residents of Gori are escaping towards the village of Ateni, south of Gori, according to the reports on the ground.

14:00 In Poti port Russian troops have blown up three Georgia Coast Guard vessels.

13:05 Village Pakhulani, Tsalenjikha district has been entered by Russian soldiers

13:00 According to reports from the ground, village of Atotsi, Kareli district, is being ravaged by Ossetian separatists.

12:35 25 civilians have been kidnapped by Ossetian separatists from the village of Tkviavi. The bus, by which the kidnapped civilians were being transported to Tskhinvali crashed, after which 4 of them managed to escape.

12:00 Russian soldiers are destroying the base of Gori artillery brigade.

Public Defender of Georgia has appealed to the leaders of all democratic countries and international organizations not to leave Georgia alone, and to “take effective measures in order to guard the internationally recognized principles and to help the Georgian people to protect their freedom”.

10:20 According to the local sources, Russian troops have entered Gori.

09:20 Russian armored troops (50 units) head towards Gori from Tskhinvali.

09:12 Four civilian cars with murdered passengers are reported to have been seen in the village of Tedotsminda, Gori district.

08:00 The village of Karaleti, Gori district has been attacked by Ossetian separatists again. The cases of physical assaults and abuses of the local residents are being reported.

06:50 Two bombs have been dropped by Russian aviation in village Saqasheti, Gori district. Only one of the bombes exploded.

01.05 According to the information from the local civilian sources, Ossetian separatists are taking hostage Georgian residents of villages Nikozi, Dzveri, Tkviavi, Karaleti (north of Gori).

Population of village Berbuki, Gori District is gathered on the road, asking to be evacuated.

12 August

23:12 Reports have come from that Ossetian separatists are ravaging the following Georgian villages: Berbuki, Rakha, Sveneti, Kheltubani, Karaleti.

22:52 Three foreign journalists have been robbed of their car in the village of Karaleti, Gori District.

21:50 Senaki military base is being ravaged by Russian troops. Equipment and arms are being either taken or destroyed by Russians.

21:35 Alarming reports come from the villages of Arbo and Ditsi north of Gori. According to the information from the local sources, Ossetian separatists are brutally massacring Georgian population of these villages.

According to the local sources, Georgian population of villages Kordi and Mereti, Gori district, is being brutally assaulted and abused by Ossetian separatists.

In Tkviavi, Gori district, Ossetian separatists are assaulting local Georgian residents. At list one murder is reported.

In Tchilisubani, Gori district, the local residents are hiding in the basements of their houses, asking to be evacuated..

19:10 Russian troops moved towards Khaishi, Svanetia north of the Zugdidi and occupied it. They entered Upper Abkhazia from the east.

15:00-19:00 Georgian Coast Guard command center has been attacked by Russian soldiers for three times. Equipment has been taken away or destroyed. The Georgian Coast Guard vessels have been damaged.

18:30 South Ossetian separatists entered village Disevi in Gori district and committed acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population. Russian militaries are witnessing all these and are not reacting.

18:30 South Ossetian separatists entered village Karaleti in Gori district and committed acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population.

18:00 Village Tkotsa Khashuri district 4 bombes were droped. None of them exploded.

[2] August 13, 2008

14:45

Journalists reported that they witnessed Russian militaries stopping a bus going from Gori to Chiatura. The passangers were robbed and a 25 years old woman was kidnapped. (source: 893232375)

13:05

Russian military forces intruded in Tzalenjikha district village Fakhulidan.

13:00

Village Atoci of Kareli district is occupied by Russians and Kazaks. They are raping women and killing men. They are also shooting civilians towards Gori district.

12:42

Ts. Lomjaria from the President’s office reported that civilians are escaping from Gori to village Ateni who are followed by Russian troops. Civilians are asking for help.

12:40

A Georgian citizen Koba Kebadze called 022, reporting that 25 Georgian civilians were taken as hostages from village Tkviavi. Four of them could escape from them as the bus crashed on their way to destination. (source: koba qebaZe 898 40 16 89).

12:30

Iinga gelasvils (899 988355) was contacted from the number: 79280748570. She was informed that her husband and father in law along with other Georgians are taken as hostages in Tskhinvali and are demanding to exchange them.

11:20

The military bases and residential apartments near it are set on fire in Gori.

11:50

Georgian civilians from Gori are constantly calling reporting that they are being attacked and assaulted and are asking for immediate help.

10:23

About 50 heavy artillery units have intruded into Gori. The local policy has been evacuated and the Georgian civilians are being assaulted. They are asking for help.

09:12

Four civilian cars with murdered passengers are reported to have been seen in the village of Tedotsminda, Gori district.

08:40

In village Udotzminda, on the Variani road, four destroyed cars were found, in which people are slaughtered. (source: 890333437)

08:40

Village Ruisi back surrounding area was bombed. (source: 893273334)

08:00

The village of Karaleti, Gori district has been attacked by Ossetian separatists again. The cases of physical assaults and abuses of the local residents are being reported.

06:50

Village Sakasheti of Gori district was shelled.

01.05

According to the information from the local civilian sources, Ossetian separatists are taking hostage Georgian residents of villages Nikozi, Dzveri, Tkviavi, Karaleti (north of Gori).

Population of village Berbuki, Gori District is gathered on the road, asking to be evacuated.

00:56

In Gori district villages: Niqozi, Dzevera, Tkhviavi and Karaleti Ossetians take Georgian hostages, according to source: leila patasvili 899 964504

August 12, 2008

21:50

Along with Russian peacekeepers about one hundred Abkhazs have intruded in Ganmukhuri, where they continuously rob civilians.

21:45

City hall operator # 16 Inga Tziklauri called and reported that she received a phone call from a refugee Lomauri from the conflict region, who is staying at the relative’s house (63 59 82). Lomauri reported her that Gori district villages: Kordo, Arbo, Mereti, and Ditsi are being threatened by Ossetian armed forces. According to Inga Tziklauri (22:20), civilians from the above stated villages call her and desperately ask for help.

21:35

Alarming reports come from the villages of Argo and Ditsi north of Gori. According to the information from the local sources, Ossetian separatists are brutally massacring Georgian population of these villages.

According to the local sources, Georgian population of villages Kordi and Mereti, Gori district, is being brutally assaulted and abused by Ossetian separatists.

In Tchilisubani, Gori district, the local residents are hiding in the basements of their houses, asking to be evacuated.

21:35

Ossetian forming bands attack and assault Georgian civilians in village Tkviavi of Gori district. One murder has already been reported.

Ossetian forming bands attack, physically assault, and kill Georgian civilians in villages Ditsi and Argo of Gori district.

21:30

Military Police Department Assistant to the person on duty Sergeant Chkhikvishvili received a phone call from citizen Neli Balamtzarashvili (address: # 3 Mirtskhulava street, Tbilisi. Tel: 34 38 95). She notified the department that armed Ossetians threaten and terror civilians in village Ditsi.

21:20

Ossetians massacre all local Georgian inhabitants in village Arbo of Gori district. (source: 858343591)

21:04

Ethnically Georgian Gela Chixladze was murdered in village Tyviavi of Gori district.

21:00

A citizen of Georgia, Natia Pavliashvili (899 50 86 49) called the military headquarters. According to her, Vazha Gugutishvili’s family who are trapped in village Disevi reported her that Russian – Ossetian troops intruded in Disevi and started setting houses on fire one by one.

18:30

Ossetians intruded into village Disevi of Gori district, where they attack civilians and set houses on fire.

16:36

Ossetians attacked civilians and set houses on fire in village Karaleti of Gori district. Houses are burning down.

16:07

Russians rob the houses of Senaki military base officers. They mainly take away electronic devices.

15:28

A shell was dropped near village Agara. It exploded a minibus. Civilians were wounded and killed.

14:50

Village Sakoritno in Kaspi district and village Ruisi in Kareli district are bombed by Russian aviation forces.

14:20

A bomb was dropped on the house of Mamikashvili, inhabitant of village Tortiza, Gori district.

14:00

An ambulance vehicle was bombarded Russian military jets village Agara of Khashuri district.

13:25

Three Russian airplanes dropped bombs on the village of Orchosani near Gori.

11:03

Three Russian airplanes were identified in the airspace of Gori. They shelled the city hall and the central market of Gori. As a result houses were set on fire.

11:00

Village Tkviavi of Gori district was bombed. Buildings and houses were destroyed.

August 11, 2008

18:25

Ossetian separatists took Georgian hostages form village Beloti (near Eredvi) of Gori district. Hostages are shut up in a monastery yard.

18:10

Russian army intruded into village Shindisi, Gori district. Georgian civilians and militaries are escaping from the village.

17:50

Russian military airplane SU-24 bombed village Tkviavi of Gori district. Three houses were burned down and civilians were killed.

17:35

Russian military airplane SU-24 bombed village Kere of Gori district. One civilian is killed and one is heavily wounded.

10:00

Village of Eredvi came under the fire of Russian artillery.

05:00

Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District on the east of the country is bombed by Russian jets. Runways were destroyed.

03:05 Villages of Sharabidzeebi, Kapandichi, Makho near Batumi are bombed by Russian planes. Graveyard and villagers’ backyard have been hit. No casualties reported.

August 8 – 11

Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia was bombarded numerous time as result of this nearly all buildings in Ckhalta is destroyed.

August 8-11, 2008 Gori was bombarded numerous time as result 8 apartment blocks were destroyed living about 500 families without house. 15 civilians died, tens more are wounded. About 8 000 IDPs left Gori. About 4000 houses are totally destroyed in the villages of Gori district. Besides, this the hospital of Gori was destroyed.

[3] Hot Line Has Created

On August 13, 2008 the Cabinet of the Minister of State of Georgia for Reintegration has created hot line, which will work for 24 hours.

We call to all citizens to contact us in case of possessing information on the following issues:

1. Hostages;

2. Facts of looting;

3. Peaceful population remained in the conflict zone.

Thanking in advance for cooperation

Hot line: 47 30 06

98 94 51

[4] 13 August

16:10 Russian troops from the city of Gori started moving towards Tbilisi

15:20 Alisia Vardanyan, Georgian GPB television journalists reports from Gori that marauding has started in the city. The residents are being robbed; the houses are being demolished by Russian tanks.

15:15 According to the reports from the civilians on the ground, Georgian population of villages Bobnevi, Marana, Dzevera, Khidistavi, Tchalaubani is escaping to the forest from the Ossetian separatists.

15:00 Gigi Mtvarelidze, member of Georgian CEC, have been robbed by the Russian-speaking militaries nearby Gori. They took his car with other possessions.

14:45 Paata Sabelashvili, photographer, reported from highway nearby Gori that mini-bus with Georgian civilians have been robbed by Ossetian separatists, one of the passengers, 25-year old women has been kidnapped by the attackers.

14:20 Many residents of Gori are escaping towards the village of Ateni, south of Gori, according to the reports on the ground.

14:00 In Poti port Russian troops have blown up three Georgia Coast Guard vessels.

13:05 Village Pakhulani, Tsalenjikha district has been entered by Russian soldiers

13:00 According to reports from the ground, village of Atotsi, Kareli district, is entered by Ossetian separatists.

12:35 25 civilians have been kidnapped by Ossetian separatists from the village of Tkviavi. The bus, by which the kidnapped civilians were being transported to Tskhinvali crashed, after which 4 of them managed to escape.

12:00 Russian soldiers are destroying the base of Gori artillery brigade.

Public Defender of Georgia has appealed to the leaders of all democratic countries and international organizations not to leave Georgia alone, and to “take effective measures in order to guard the internationally recognized principles and to help the Georgian people to protect their freedom”.

10:20 According to the local sources, Russian troops have entered Gori.

09:20 Russian armored troops (50 units) head towards Gori from Tskhinvali.

09:12 Four civilian cars with murdered passengers are reported to have been seen in the village of Tedotsminda, Gori district.

08:00 The village of Karaleti, Gori district has been attacked by Ossetian separatists again. The cases of physical assaults and abuses of the local residents are being reported.

06:50 Two bombs have been dropped by Russian aviation in village Saqasheti, Gori district. Only one of the bombes exploded.

01.05 According to the information from the local civilian sources, Ossetian separatists are taking hostage Georgian residents of villages Nikozi, Dzveri, Tkviavi, Karaleti (north of Gori).

Population of village Berbuki, Gori District is gathered on the road, asking to be evacuated.

12 August

23:12 Reports have come from that Ossetian separatists are ravaging the following Georgian villages: Berbuki, Rakha, Sveneti, Kheltubani, Karaleti.

22:52 Three foreign journalists have been robbed of their car in the village of Karaleti, Gori District.

21:50 Senaki military base is being ravaged by Russian troops. Equipment and arms are being either taken or destroyed by Russians.

21:35 Alarming reports come from the villages of Arbo and Ditsi north of Gori. According to the information from the local sources, Ossetian separatists are brutally massacring Georgian population of these villages.

According to the local sources, Georgian population of villages Kordi and Mereti, Gori district, is being brutally assaulted and abused by Ossetian separatists.

In Tkviavi, Gori district, Ossetian separatists are assaulting local Georgian residents. At list one murder is reported.

In Tchilisubani, Gori district, the local residents are hiding in the basements of their houses, asking to be evacuated..

19:10 Russian troops moved towards Khaishi, Svanetia north of the Zugdidi and occupied it. They entered Upper Abkhazia from the east.

15:00-19:00 Georgian Coast Guard command center has been attacked by Russian soldiers for three times. Equipment has been taken away or destroyed. The Georgian Coast Guard vessels have been damaged.

18:30 South Ossetian separatists entered village Disevi in Gori district and committed acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population. Russian militaries are witnessing all these and are not reacting.

18:30 South Ossetian separatists entered village Karaleti in Gori district and committed acts of ethnic cleansing, burning houses and attacking population.

18:00 Village Tkotsa Khashuri district 4 bombes were droped. None of them exploded.

18:00 Russian militaries began exploding Georgian ships harbored in Poti port.

18:00The share holders of Kulevi Terminal have been notifed by Russian militaries about planed bombing of the oil terminal.

17:30 Abkhazian troops mobilized heavy armored vehicles in demilitarized zone in village Ganmukhuri which they took day before and organized customs.

16:30 Russian troops entered the territory of Gori TV transmition station. One employee has been killed three injured. Russians destroyed equipment of the station. As a result the only Russian speaking TV station Alanya TV is out of air. The region can not receive Georgian Public Broadcasting channel as well.

16:30 At the grand rally held in Tbilisi, the President Saakashvili announced about the decision of the government of Georgia to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

14:50 Village Sakoritno in Kaspi region and village Ruisi in Kareli region are bombed by Russian aviation

14:00 In village Agara (Khashuri region) Russian military jet bombarded an ambulance vehicle.

13:25 Three Russian airplanes dropped bombs on the village of Orchosani near Gori.

12:30 Vaziani base nearby Tbilisi has been bombed by Russian planes.

12:25 Oil pipeline 5 km from the city of Rustavi has been bombed.

10:15 Russian planes bombed Gori. The territory around administration building, hospital, university and city market have been bombed. 5 civilians died including one child and doctor of the hospital, 15 injured. Dutch journalist has been killed. Gori was left by Georgian troops day before.

In the morning ours of 12 August Russian airplanes bombed the village of Tkviavi near Tskhinvali once again.

03:25 Russian envoy to the UN Churkin announced on the press conference that Russia will not support the resolution. Georgian envoy Alasania announced that suggested resolution is acceptable to Georgia.

02:15 Emergency meeting of the Security Council of the UN started. The resolution about cease-fire prepared by France was discussed.

02:05 Russian aviation bombarded Kaspi 30 Km from Tbilisi out of conflict zone. 3 bombs were dropped near the Heidelberg Cement factory (one from the two cement factories in the country). No damage was reported.

01:15 President of the United states George W. Bush made supportive statement to Georgia. “Russia has invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its people. Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century,” the president said in a televised statement from the White House, calling on Moscow to sign on to the outlines of a cease-fire as the Georgian government has done

11 August

20:30 Russian Army took Gori and cut main highway connecting Western and Eastern parts of the country.

20:26 Ministry of Economic Development received the letter from the captian of Cargo Ship “Castor” that it was prevented to enter Poti Port. The other cargo ship “Asha” was prevented enter Poti Port before, during the same day.

20:10 Invading army of the Russian Federation has advancing outside the conflict zones of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russian army units move towards city Gori. The Georgian army is retreating to defend the capital. The Government is urgently seeking international intervention to prevent the fall of Georgia and the further loss of life.

19:30 Russian troops advanced deep into Georgian territory from west and entered

Senaki 210 Km from Tbilisi, out of the conflict zone.

19:20 US deputy assistant secretary made supportive announcement to Georgia. He mentioned that, time would come when International Peace keeping force will enter Georgia and restore Georgia’s territorial Integrity.

19:00 The camp for IDPs was opened in Tbilisi.

18:20 Ossetian separatist forces entered village Beloti near Eredvi. They took hostage remaining civilian population and locked them in local church.

18:10 Russian Troops attacked and took village Shindisi of Gori district.

17:30 Russian Aviation bombed village Kere of Gori District.

Russian peace keepers with heavy equipment entered Zugdidi to disarm local police.

By 17:00 they began to occupy administrative buildings.

http://www.gpb.ge/moambe_news.php?lang=geo&tm_id=0&news_id=16206

14:30 Senaki base is bombed by Russian aviation.

13:30 President Saakashvili signs a ceasefire agreement, prepared by the foreign ministers of France, Finland, and Georgia. The foreign ministers of France and Finland are taking the agreement to Moscow in order to persuade President Medvedev to sign it.

http://www.gpb.ge/moambe_news.php?lang=eng&tm_id=0&news_id=16190

12:05 Russian aviation is bombing Georgian servicemen in Upper Abkhazia.

10:00 Village of Eredvi came under the fire of Russian artillery.

07:15 Senaki airport is bombed by Russian airplanes.

06:10 Gori tank battalion is bombed. A civilian apartment building nearby has been hit.

05:00 Shiraki airfield in Dedoplistskaro District on the east of the country is bombed by Russian jets.

04:37 Civilian radar station on Makhata mount in 5 kilometers from downtown Tbilisi is bombed by Russian planes.

03:05 Villages of Sharabidzeebi, Kapandichi, Makho near Batumi are bombed by Russian planes. Graveyard and villagers’ backyard have been hit. No casualties

00:30 Civilian radar station in the village of Shavshvebi west of Tbilisi is bombed by Russian planes.

00:00 Five wounded policemen transported to Zugdidi hospital from Upper Abkhazia.

10 August

20:00 Positional fighting near village of Qvabchara in Upper Abkhazia.

19:10 “Tbilaviamsheni” aviation factory was bombarded by Russian aviation again.

19:05 Russian aviation dropped bomb on Tbilisi International Airport.

18:00 The Black Sea town of Anaklia 280 km from Tbilisi, is bombed by Russian airplanes. No casualties reported

17:30 Georgian Ministry of Foreign affairs handed diplomatic note to the Charg d’affirs of Russian embassy Mr Smag. According to the order of the president Georgia, Georgian Government forces stopped fire in the conflict zone.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Karasin announced the terms of ceasefire. Georgia have to withdraw on the positions existing before the beginning of the conflict and take responsibility of non use of force.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation announced that journalists wanting to enter Russian-Georgian conflict zone have to have special accreditation from Ministry of Defense and second accreditation from Ministry of Foreign affairs of Russia.

16:10 Russian aviation bombarded only remaining bridge on the Highway linking eastern and western parts of the country. There was a fire on the bridge. Fire is extinguished. The traffic is restored.

16:05 Gori is being bombed by Russian aviation.

15:10 Russian troops and Abkhaz separatists launch ground attack on Upper Abkhazia. The region is being bombed by Russian aviation.

15:00 Russian airplanes bomb the village of Knolevi in the northern Kareli district.

By noon of 10 August there are 20 to 25 thousand IDPs from the regions of Tskhinvali and Gori, as a result of Russian attacks. The number of IDPs is growing quickly.

09:00 Government of Georgia reported 45 soldiers and 47 civilians died.

08:45 Ten Russian jets attack Upper Abkhazia. One jet has been downed by Georgian Government troops.

07:40 Russian jets bomb village of Urta in Zugdidi district.

07:00 Georgian Government Forces withdraw from Tskhinvali.

Russian General Khrulyov, commander of the invading 58th army was wounded after shelling Russian military convoy by Georgian artillery.

05:45 Russian jet entered Georgian airspace from Dagestan and dropped 3 Bombs on Tbilisi airplane factory.

6,000 Russian troops enter Georgia through Roki tunnel overnight; 90 tanks; 150 Armored Personnel Carriers; 250 artillery gunships.

4,000 Russian troops land at port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, from Black Sea port of Sevastopol.

9 August

22:30 Russian air forces bombarded Chkhalta, administrative center of Upper Abkhazia. No Casualties reported.

By 19:45 Tskhinvali is under ultimate control of Georgian Government troops.

Russian Navy prevented Moldovan Cargo Ship Lotus – 1 carrying wheat from entering Poti Port. Lotus – 1 was forced to go back.

16:35 The town of Oni in northern Georgia is bombarded by Russian aviation.

16:15 Two Russian battleships are heading towards Poti port. By this time they are near Gudauta.

16:05 Four Russian jets flew over Upper Abkazia.

15:45 Abkhaz separatist leader Sergey Bagapsh announced the launch of bombardment of Upper Abkhazia.

14:30 The Parliament approved ordinance of the Declaration on the State of War and full mobilization.

14:00 Russian air force attack Upper Abkhazia (Kodori gorge) in several places, including the airdrome in the village of Omarishara.

12:40 Kopitnari airdrome is bombed again.

10:22 Russian air force continues to bomb Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

10:20 One more Russian military airplane is shot down in Gori, located 60 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. The pilot has been captured.

10:00 Russian air force bomb Kopitnari airdrome in several kilometers from Kutaisi.

The entire 58th Russian Army, located in the North Caucasus, enters the South Ossetia region. They are engaged in battle with the Georgian army in Tskhinvali, which is in the conflict zone and 92 kilometers northwest from Tbilisi.

01:20 Gatchiani in the Gardabani districts was bombarded, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone and is also close to the BTC pipeline, but the pipeline is not damaged.

01:00 Poti was bombarded a second time, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target.

00:34 Person calling himself “Armen” calls the 022 Patrol Police number and says a bomb is planted in President’s Residence. He also says the new President Administration and Ministry of Internal Affair buildings will soon be bombarded.

00:20 Vaziani airfield is bombed again, which is 2-3 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport and is located outside the conflict zone.

00:17 Lightening bombs are dropped on Senaki military base, which is 213 kilometers west of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone. 1 serviceman and 5 reservists were reported killed. The railway station in Senaki is also bombed and eight are killed.

00:12 Poti port, which is located on the Black Sea coast, 260 kilometers west from Tbilisi, is outside the conflict zone and is a pure civilian target, is bombed heavily.

8 August

22:40 According to Ministry of Defense, Russian planes violated Georgian airspace a total of 22 times.

22:15 The type and place of Russian planes taken down during the day not located yet.

21:45 Policemen and reservists who were surrounded in the Znauri school bulding, five kilometers west of Tskinvali, are rescued by government forces.

21:11 The separatist authorities claim to have altogether 1400 people dead and wounded. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announces that there are 10 dead among Russian “peacekeepers”.

20:30 After severe clashes in Tskinvali, Georgian forces start to withdraw from the center of the town, holding their positions at its southern outskirts. Russian tanks enter the eastern part of Tskinvali.

19:20 2 Russian planes pass over Ambrolauri, which is 170 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi and is outside the conflict zone.

19:18 5 Russian airplanes were shot down during the day. Last one is shot down at approximately 19:00 near Tskhinvali.

18:45 Georgian Gori artillery brigade is bombarded by 5 Russian airplanes.

18:44 A motorcade of Russian tanks, armored vehicles and trucks loaded with different kinds of weapons reach Tskinvali by the Dzara by-pass road, 2 kilometers west of Tskinvali. The Russians opens intensive fire towards Georgian forces located in Tskinvali and on the neighboring heights. A second motorcade, which also came from Russia via the Roki tunnel, is stopped near the Georgian government controlled area of Dmenisi, 7 kilometers north of Tskinvali, and Russians open heavy fire toward Georgian forces.

18:32 Frone gorge, northeat of Tskinvali, is under intensive artillery fire by Russian forces. Villages Avnevi and Phrisi, in the Tskinvali region, are bombarded by Russian military aircraft.

17:35 Marneuli military airbase, 20 kilometers south of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone, is bombed for the third time resulting in 1 death and 4 injured. As a result of three bombings, three grounded AN-2 type planes and military vehicles stationed there are destroyed.

17:00 Marneuli military airbase is bombed for the second time causing casualties.

16.30 Russian aviation bombs Marneuli and Bolnisi military airbases, 20 kilometers and 35 kilometers south of Tbilisi respectively. Two aircrafts were destroyed on ground. Also several buildings were destroyed and there are casualties.

16:03Two Russian planes enter Georgian airspace from the North. One more flies over Djava. Two more fly across the border near Chechnya.

By 16:00 about 40 officers of Criminal Police and Reservists are trapped in Znauri school.

15:30 Ossetian separatists destroyed 3 Georgian tanks at Dzari by-pass road.

15:05 Russian military plane enters Georgia from the direction of Tedzami, just south of Gori, and drop two bombs on the Vaziani military airport and turned back.

14.30 Almost 100% of Tskhinvali is controlled by Georgian forces. Just several small groupings are still resisting.

14.15 Georgian government announces a ceasefire from 15.00 till 18.00 to let civilian population leave Tskhinvali. Separatists are also offered amnesty and humanitarian aid if they surrender.

13:00 Part of Thskinvali is controlled by Georgian army and fighting continues in the center. The civilian population does not resist. They are ordered to stay inside their houses.

12.05 One Su-24 enters Georgian air space from Russia and remained over Tskhinvali till 12.15.

By 12.00 Eight Georgians (6 military and 2 civilians) have died and 87 are injured. 1 military truck with ammunition was destroyed.

11:45 Emergency Service of Civil Aviation report receiving a signal from a crashed flying object (presumably Russian fighter plane) near Iuri range, 17 km south from Gori.

11.45: Four Su-24 Russian jet enter Georgia from the direction of Stepantsminda (Kazbeg), northeast of the Roki tunnel and outside of the conflict zone. Two of them pass Tbilisi and make two circles around Marneuli. The other two make a circle above Gudauri.

10:57: Two of the six Russian aircraft drop three bombs in Gori. One of these fell near the stadium, the second near Gorijvari slope and third near an artillery brigade.

10.50: Six Su-24 fighter planes enter from the Roki pass.

10.30 Russian Su-24 bombs the village of Variani in the Kareli district, 75 kilometers west of Tbilisi and outside the conflict zone. Seven civilians were injured as a result.

9.45: A Russian military fighter plane drops about 3-5 bombs near the village of Shavshvebi, on the highway between Poti and Tbilisi and is 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

By 9:00 Georgian Forces control the villages of Gromi, Artsevi, Tsinagara, Znauri, Sarabuki, Khetagurovo, Atotsi, Kvemo Okuna, Dmenisi, Muguti and Didmukha.

8:00: First group of Russian troops together with Gufta Bridge are destroyed by a Georgian aerial bombardment. Later two more groups of Russian troops enter South Ossetia through the Roki tunnel, which connects Russia and Georgia, but could not cross the Gufta Bridge which was destroyed and moved by the Geri-Dmenisi road.

5:30: First Russian troops enter through Roki tunnel South Ossetia, passed Java, crossed Gufta bridge and moved by Dzara road towards Tskhinvali.

By 4:28: Georgian armed forces are in control of six villages in the Tskhinvali region: Muguti, Dmenisi, Didmukha, Okona, Akut and Kohati. It is also reported that Georgian forces entered the village of Khetagurovo.

2:45: Reports are received of Georgian troops occupying the villages of Didmukha, Muguti and Dmenisi.

7 August

During the night and early morning intensive fire came from the Ossetian villages of Khetagurovo, Dmenisi, Sarabuki, and Ubiat. Separatist authorities continued shelling Georgian law enforcers and Peacekeeping units with mortars and artillery. The central authorities responded with limited fire in order to defend the positions.

In the morning interview with Russian news agencies, South Ossetian de facto president Eduard Kokoity declared that if the Georgian government did not withdraw its military forces from the region, he would start “to clean them out.”

President Saakashvili speaking with journalists in the military hospital in Gori, where he visited the two injured Georgian servicemen, said that despite attacks on the Georgian villages, Tbilisi was showing “maximum restraint.” Saakashvili also called on Russia to “to recall its officials” from South Ossetia, who consider themselves as the so-called South Ossetian government.

Temur Yakobashvili, visited the conflict zone in the morning of August 7 to meet with representatives of the separatist government. The State Minister met with Marat Kulakhmetov, commander of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces, in Tskhinvali. But, the separatists refused to negotiate with him.

The chairman of the separatist republic’s Security Council, Anatoly Barankevich threatened that armed groupings of Cossacks from North Ossetia were headed towards South Ossetia to fight against Georgian forces.

The separatists resumed shelling of Georgian villages Nuli and Avnevi by 16:00. Three Georgian servicemen were injured after the South Ossetian separatist forces blew up an infantry combat vehicle belonging to the Georgian peacekeeping battalion in Avnevi. Georgian police responded by firing towards the separatist armed grouping in village Khetagurovo, where two separatist militiamen were killed and two more wounded. Later, the check-point of Georgian peacekeepers was bombed in Avnevi and several Georgian servicemen and civilians were killed.

Georgia has decided to “unilaterally cease fire” in a sign of Tbilisi’s willingness to defuse tensions, Temur Yakobashvili, the Georgian state minister for reintegration, announced at a press conference in Tbilisi at 6:40pm. Yakobashvili said that he was not able to get in touch with the separatist authorities.

President Saakashvili said in a live televised address made at 7:10pm, that he had ordered the Georgian forces to cease fire in South Ossetia. He said there were casualties, both dead and many people wounded. Saakashvili said that he ordered to cease fire “on purpose” to again offer the South Ossetian secessionists to resume talks.

Despite Georgia’s decision not to return fire, the Georgian village of Avnevi again came under fire of the South Ossetian militiamen at about 8:30pm. It can be said that the village was totally destroyed as a result.

The South Ossetian separatist armed groupings fired at the Georgian-controlled village of Prisi at about 10:30 pm. The attack left several people wounded on the Georgian side.

The separatist authorities opened fire at all Georgian positions around the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali at about 23:30, including the villages of Tamarasheni and Kurta. The police stations in Kurta was destroyed as a result of heavy shelling.

8 August

According to witnesses from local population, at about 9.45 a military fighter plane, presumably Russian (it entered Georgia from South Ossetian side) dropped off about 3-5 bombs near village Shavshvebi, 300-500 meters from Georgian military radar.

6 August

Late on 6 August, separatists opened mortar fire at Georgian populated villages of Eredvi, Prisi, Avnevi, Dvani and Nuli. Georgian government forces fired back in order to defend the positions and civilian population. As a result of intensive cross-fire during the night, two servicemen of the Georgian battalion of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces were injured. Separatist regime also claimed several injured persons on their side. Despite the targeted attacks on peaceful population and villages, as well as on the Georgian police and peacekeeping forces, the central authorities decided not to respond through heavy exchange of fire, in order not to injure the local population.

Temur Yakobashvili, Georgian chief negotiator and state minister for reintegration, said in late night televised remarks on August 6 that it was the position of the Georgian government that only a direct dialogue with Tskinvali authorities would solve the deteriorating security situation. Mr. Yakobashvili also stressed that Ambassador-at-large Yuri Popov would attend the talks as a facilitator. South Ossetian chief negotiator, Boris Chochiev, refused to take part in negotiations.

During 4 and 5 August no serious incidents have been observed.

3 August

South Ossetian separatist government announced evacuation of more than 500 people, including about 400 children. However, Ermak Dzansolov, deputy prime minister of Russia’s North Ossetian Republic, told Interfax news agency that it was not an evacuation. Sending children to North Ossetia was part of a pre-arranged summer-camp programme, as he explained.

Russian media outlets started a massive propaganda campaign against Georgia.

South Ossetian media sources reported on the mobilization of volunteers across the North Caucasus.

2 August

Six civilians and one Georgian policeman were injured after the shelling of Georgian villages in the South Ossetian conflict zone overnight. The Georgian-controlled villages of Zemo Nikozi, Kvemo Nikozi, Nuli, Avnevi, Eredvi and Ergneti came under intense fire from the South Ossetian separatists with large calibre mortars. Georgian law enforcers shot back defensively for some time, but then received an order of ceasefire in order not to escalate the situation.

1 August

At about 8:00 AM, Tbilisi time, a pickup vehicle with six Georgian police officers was hit by two remote control explosive devices on the Eredvi-Kheiti by-pass road linking the Didi Liakhvi Gorge – a Georgian enclave north of the breakaway region’s capital Tskhinvali – with Georgia proper. As a result of the attack, five Georgian policemen were severely wounded. The central authorities decided not to retaliate in order not to escalate the situation.

[5] Question: How would you assess the statements made by high-ranking Russian officials that Georgia carried out genocide against the Ossetian people?

Answer: First of all we would like to express our deep regret over the civilian casualties and convey our condolences to their families. Georgia considers as equally painful the tragedy of each person, irrespective of their ethnic origin.

Civilian casualties came as a direct consequence of the military actions conducted by Russian military troops on the territory of Georgia. It is the totally unjustifiable mass bombardments and artillery fire used by Russian armed forces in Tskhinvali and its adjacent territories that have claimed the lives of children, women and elderly people.

Russian servicemen guided by orders from their command and in complete disregard for all norms of international law are deliberately and consciously committing war crimes slaughtering unprotected civilians with their characteristic cold-blooded brutality. The city of Tskhinvali was flattened to ruins just like Grozny was destroyed a few years ago. Particularly cynical is the fact that the Russian Federation carries out such barbaric acts on the pretext of protecting its own citizens.

Despite the Russian President’s pledge on the completion of the military operation, the Russian armed forces are still continuing active military actions against the peaceful population of Georgia. The Georgian Government and armed forces are taking necessary measures in order to prevent full occupation of Georgia and genocide of the population and overthrow of the democratically elected government as planned by Moscow.

We call on the international community to give a respective legal assessment to the genocide of the Georgian people conducted by the Russian Federation and render assistance to the Georgian Authorities in preventing the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from the Russian Federation’s undeclared war against Georgia and in eliminating its disastrous consequences.

14 Aug:

[1]
Due to the fact that Georgia is under the war conditions with the initiative of the President of Georgia and Government of Georgia the Development and Reforms Foundation launches new urgent Program – “Unite as we stand”. The main aim of the program is to facilitate any kind of activities concerning the social – economical rehabilitation of Georgia after the war.

“DRF” is welcomes all donations and support from abroad and from local donators on its special accounts.

Bank Accounts

FOR TRANSACTIONS IN GEL

BENEFICIARY’S BANK : “Basis Bank”

Bank Code : 220101956

BENEFICIARY : “DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM FOUNDATION” UNDER PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA

ACCOUNT # : 134530

FOR TRANSACTIONS IN USD

INTERMEDIARY BANK : DEUTCHE BANK TRUST CO. AMERICAS

NEW YORK, USA, SWIFT : BKTRUS33

ABA : 021001033

BENEFICIARY’S BANK : BASIS BANK

TBILISI, GEORGIA

SWIFT : CBASGE22

BENEFICIARY : OBJECTIVE ACCOUNT FOUNDATION

” DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM FOUNDATION”

ACC. No : 134530

FOR TRANSACTIONS IN EURO AND OTHER CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY

INTERMEDIARY BANK : DEUTCHE BANK

FRANKFURT/ESCHBORN, DEUTSCHLAND,

SWIFT : DEUT DE FF

BENEFICIARY’S BANK : BASIS BANK

TBILISI, GEORGIA

SWIFT : CBASGE22

BENEFICIARY : OBJECTIVE ACCOUNT FOUNDATION

“DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM FOUNDATION”

ACC. No : 134530

[2] 14 August

19:35 German television ZDF journalist reported that they were eyewitnesses how Danish journalists were robbed of the car and cameras by South Ossetian separatists.

19:10 Russian army deployed additional troops to Zugdidi and began strengthening checkpoints and positions around and in the town.

18:30 The acts of atrocities and looting were reported from village Dzevera, Kareli district. Lootings by soldiers were reported from the ground.

18:15 Russian troops entered village Agara in Kareli district. Lootings are reported from the ground.

18:10 Russian General Viacheslav Borisov refused to assume responsibility for lives of the journalists in Gori.

17:30 120 Estonian reservists arrived in Tbilisi to take part in Humanitarian aid.

17:00 Georgian journalist of GPB TV Company Tamar Urushadze was shot presumably by sniper in live broadcast near Gori. Journalist was slightly wounded in the hand.

16:30 The villages Brotsleti, Mejvriskhevi, Gorijvari of Gori district, and Breti of Kareli district are being ravaged by South Ossetian separatist.

16:00 Four Israeli journalists, including Haaretz correspondent Anshel Pfeffer and photographer Nir Kafri, were robbed at gunpoint by Russian soldiers in the Georgian city of Gori.

15:40 Russian soldiers robed Georgian policemen of their car nearby village Tokhlaura, Kareli district.

15:30 Russian troops are marauding in village Debisi of Gori district.

14:40 Local residents report, Russian troops have entered village Mejvriskhevi, Gori district.

14:15 Russian troops enter the villages of Ruisi and Tsveri, Kareli district.

14:00 Russian troops are entering Gori again. Georgian police have no control over the city.

12:30 Russian military attacked operator of Georgian TV Rustavi2 and threatening with gun he prevented journalist to implement his duties near Gori.

Early afternoon. 3 journalists of Canadian CBC TV including head of the Moscow office were robbed of their car, equipment and other belongings by paramilitary presumably of North Caucasian origin near Gori. Accident happened near Russian soldiers who took no efforts to stop the robbery.

12:00 Russian troops entered Poti port again. They occupied building of Coastal Guard. They are destroying vessels of Costal Guard of Georgia.

12:00 Additional Russian troops entered Zugdidi. Russians remain present in Senaki as well. Russian troops still block the entrances to Gori and there is no sign of leaving their positions as agreed before.

11:00 Russian troops are moving in the city of Senaki West of the capital Tbilisi 230 kms, destroying Georgian military installations.

[3] The whole world, with deep concern, is closely watching how Russia is carrying out full-scale occupation of Georgia. Encroachment of sovereignty of an independent State and its military occupation represents a direct challenge to security of Europe and whole democratic community.

Land-based operations and bombardments are being carried out on the whole territory of Georgia. Russian armed forces barbarically bombed not only military and industrial facilities, but also peaceful population in different Georgian cities and villages, including capital of Georgia Tbilisi, as well as cities Kutaisi, Gori, Kaspi, Kareli, Marneuli, Bolnisi, Zugdidi, Poti, Oni, Khelvachauri, Khashuri, Senaki, and Dedoplistskaro. In addition, Hospitals were bombed resulting in killing of wounded people and medical personnel there.

The Russian aviation and artillery have also ruined Tskinvali and nearby villages, as a result of which many Georgian and Ossetian peaceful people have been killed.

In the course of several days the Russian artillery and aviation have been bombing the upper Abkhazia, and in the aftermath the Russian airborne forces launched an air, sea and land-based attack. Russian armed forces along with illegal formations of the separatists occupied the upper Abkhazia in violation of the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions and other international agreements.

Currently, the substantial part of territory of Georgia is occupied by Russian military units. The occupants seized the central highway connecting eastern and western Georgia, disrupted economic links between different regions, blockaded the Poti port and the capital of Georgia, which may result in humanitarian catastrophe.

Open terror and marauding are being carried out in the occupied territories and peaceful Georgian population is being subjected to ethnic cleansing. The upper Abkhazia and Tskinvali region have been empted of population. Part of the population is under arrest and is subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment.

The international community must stand up to the aggression, brutality and full-scale ethnic cleansing carried out perpetrated by the Russian Federation.

This aggression against Georgia constitutes the threat not only for Georgia but for the whole world.

Russian Federation’s aggression against neighboring State has demonstrated once again that Russia is not and can not be a mediator or peacekeeper in the conflict regions of Georgia, because the so-called peacekeeping forces of Russia have turned into occupation forces. They must be replaced immediately by international peace contingents.

The Georgian Authorities and Georgian people shall not reconcile themselves with the presence, in any possible forms, of occupation forces of Aggressor State on the territory of Georgia.

The Parliament of Georgia declares those territories occupied by Russian armed forces as occupied territories and calls upon the international community to do its utmost in order to make sure that military units of Aggressor State immediately leave the territory of Georgia, including the Tskinvali region and Abkhazia.

The Parliament of Georgia calls upon interparliamentary organizations and the Parliamentary Assemblies of international organizations to terminate the mandate of Parliamentary delegations of Russia, as representatives of Aggressor State.

Tbilisi, 14 August 2008

[4] 14 August

15:30 Russian troops are marauding in the village Debisi of Gori district.

14:40 Local residents report, Russian troops have entered village Mejvriskhevi, Gori district.

14:15 Russian troops enter the villages of Ruisi and Tsveri, Kareli district.

14:00 Russian troops are entering Gori again. Georgian police have no control over the city.

12:00 Russian troops entered Poti port again. They occupied building of Coastal Guard. They are destroying vessels of Costal Guard of Georgia.

12:00 Additional Russian troops entered Zugdidi. Russians remain present in Senaki as well. Russian troops still block the entrances to Gori and there is no sign of leaving their positions as agreed before.

11:00 Russian troops are moving in the city of Senaki West of the capital Tbilisi 230 kms, destroying Georgian military installations.

[5] SECRETARY RICE: Good afternoon. I’ll soon take your questions.

Let me just reiterate the President’s statement this morning of our strong support for the democratically elected Government of Georgia, for its territorial integrity and its sovereignty, that Russia must now end its military operations. There are concerning reports from around Georgia that Russia has not, in fact, in accordance with the pledge that it took to the French presidency — to President Sarkozy, that Russia has not ended its military operations. Those operations must stop and must stop now.

You also know that the President has asked Secretary Gates to oversee a humanitarian mission that will be continuous and robust, led by the American military. We expect that Russia will respect the humanitarian nature of that mission, and that ports, sea lanes, air routes will all be open for humanitarian purposes — another pledge that Russia has undertaken to the French.

And you know as well that I am going to leave this evening, first to meet with the French President and other members of the French Government in France. And then I will fly on to Tbilisi to underscore the strong support of the United States for the Georgian people and for their democratically elected government. With that, I will take your questions.

Yes, Anne.

QUESTION: The – so far, the Russians have either already violated a ceasefire or appeared to, as both you and the President have said today. If that’s the case, why is today’s response humanitarian aid and further diplomatic outreach? Isn’t the time – hasn’t the time come for you to say or do something that carries a larger threat?

And secondly, on behalf of the State Department Correspondents Association, we strongly urge you to take a full complement of reporters with you on a very important trip. Thank you.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you. Anne, I will leave the matter of travel arrangements to my chief of staff, who is sitting right there. You can assault him after this briefing. (Laughter.) We’re doing our best. There are logistical difficulties because of the rapidity with which we’ve decided to do this, and so we’ll do our very best.

As to the first question, if indeed Russia is violating a ceasefire – and I have to say that the reports are not encouraging about Russia’s respect for the ceasefire, for the pledge that it undertook – that will only serve to deepen the isolation into which Russia is moving. It will only serve to deepen the very strong, growing sense that Russia is not behaving like the kind of international partner that it has said that it wants to be. And it’s very clear to me that the consequences of that, which are already quite significant, because — the way that Russia has brutally pushed this military operation well beyond the bounds of anything that might have related to South Ossetia calls into question Russia’s suitability for all kinds of activities that it has said that it wants to be a part of.

And so we’ll get to that matter in due course. Right now, the key is to remind Russia that it has an obligation to stop its military activities, remind Russia that it is not to further engage in activities that threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, that it should drop the language concerning the democratically elected Government of Georgia that has been thrown around by some Russian officials, and that it’s time to stop this so that Russia can begin to dig out of the hole that it’s gotten itself into.

Yes.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, why aren’t you going to Moscow? What does it serve – if you’re in the region, why wouldn’t you go and try to pass the U.S. message along to the Russian leaders?

SECRETARY RICE: Well, I’m going to France because we support very strongly the European presidency, which is France, in its mediation efforts. I think it’s best that those mediation efforts now be in the hands of the French. We’ll continue to support those.

I was, this morning, on the telephone with Sergey Lavrov, my counterpart from Russia. And we have open communication to the Russian Government and we’re communicating, at very many different levels and through very many different channels, our concerns and our insistence that Russia live up to the obligations that it undertook just 24 hours ago.

Yes.

QUESTION: But how can you be an honest broker in the conflict when the Russians see you as too close to the Georgians? I think Lavrov said today that, you know, for the United States, this — Georgia is their special project.

SECRETARY RICE: Georgia is a democratic government in the Caucasus that has elected its leaders. To call it a project of anyplace, of anybody, perhaps belies more about the way Russia thinks about its neighbors than the way it thinks about U.S. policy.

Yes.

QUESTION: President Saakashvili said today that America is losing the entire region. He went on to say that the U.S. made a major mistake by issuing too soft a statement from Washington early on that really gave Russia the green light to go ahead.

And just secondly, if I may, Senators Obama and McCain have been having conversations with leaders from Georgia and Russia as well. Does that help or hurt?

SECRETARY RICE: I’ve also been having conversations with Senators Obama and McCain. And I know that they are, at this moment of difficult diplomacy – that they are doing what they can to support the efforts of the Administration.

Secondly, as to President Saakashvili, I was just on the phone with him. He welcomed the President’s statement. I think if you look back a couple of days, you’ll note that the United States was calling very early for a ceasefire, calling for forces to withdraw to the August 6th lines. We were at the Security Council already at the end of last week, just 24 hours or so after the major military operations began, and making a very strong statement. If you will look at what Zal Khalilzad and even the statements that were made before that, I don’t think you can have any doubt but that the United States has, from the very beginning, believed that the South Ossetian situation needed to be resolved and resolved peacefully, as we’ve been working for months and months and months to do; but that Russia seriously overreached, that Russia engaged in activities that could not possibly be associated simply with the crisis in South Ossetia. Bombing civilian targets – bombing targets outside of the zone of conflict, some of which have civilian uses, the activities in Gori, the activities at Poti, destruction of Georgian infrastructure – these are hardly moves that are related to South Ossetia. So I think you will see that the United States has been saying that. We are also in very, very close contact with our European allies to try to get this mediation arranged last week.

Let me just – on the question of honest broker that you asked, I’m sorry I didn’t answer that question. Look, the honest thing to do here is to call it as you see it. And what we see is that what has been a longstanding and somewhat volatile conflict did, in fact, boil over. That could have been handled. But now, Russia has pushed this well beyond the bounds of the conflict in South Ossetia. And that’s what the President was reacting to today. That is why people are questioning the nature of the ongoing relationship with Russia. That’s why people are talking about consequences for the kind of relationship that Russia has wished to build with the international community.

Yes, Sylvie.

QUESTION: Sergey Lavrov also said that the U.S. must choose between supporting the Georgian Government and a partnership with Russia on international issues, meaning that maybe you shouldn’t count anymore on Russia’s support on Iran, for an example. (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY RICE: Well, I’m not going to put words in Sergey Lavrov’s mouth, but let me say this: It’s striking to me that anyone would believe that Russia is involved in trying to keep Iran from getting a nuclear – technologies that could lead to a nuclear weapon as a favor to the United States. If indeed Russia is interested in a Middle East that is stable, if indeed Russia is interested in a Middle East in which the kinds of activities that we have promoted together in the Quartet are going to have any chance, then clearly, it’s not going to be a Middle East in which there’s an Iran with a nuclear weapon. And I think that’s why Russia is involved in efforts to stop Iran from violating the Security Council resolutions that have been passed.

Similarly, on North Korea, I don’t think Iran – I don’t think the Russians want an unstable Korean peninsula. So let’s be very clear whose interests are being served by the partnership that Russia and the United States have engaged in on Iran or North Korea. Again, it’s not a favor to the United States.

And as to choosing, the United States has made very clear that it is standing by the democratically elected Government of Georgia. This is a small neighbor of Russia. It is a country that has made considerable progress in terms of its economy. It is still trying to secure its democratic institutions, and we’ve worked with Georgia on that. But if anyone had any doubts about our support for Georgia, you only have to look at the fact that it’s a Millennium Challenge country, which is one of the most important designations that the United States can make that we believe in the future of that country.

Yes.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, I have two questions. First, the Georgian President has said in the afternoon that the U.S. forces will control the airports and the ports in Georgia. Second, do you have any reaction on establishing diplomatic relations between Syria and Lebanon?

SECRETARY RICE: Well, on the later, we have long stood for the normalization of relations between Syria and Lebanon on the basis of equality and respect for Lebanese sovereignty. One of the steps that has long been required is the establishment of a proper embassy for Syria in Lebanon, and vice versa. Now that the Syrians will go ahead and demarcate the border between Lebanon and Syria, and respect Syria’s [1] sovereignty in other ways, then this will have proved to be a very good first step.

As to the first question, the – I think that the President was very clear about the nature of this mission. It is a humanitarian mission. We expect the air routes, the land routes, the sea routes to be open for humanitarian activities. But I think the Pentagon has already responded, noting that it is not the intention of the United States in some way to take control of facilities, port facilities and the like.

I’ll come back. Yes.

QUESTION: The Russians are saying that by facilitating the return of Georgian troops from Iraq, you are already involved in the conflict. How do you respond to that?

SECRETARY RICE: We had an agreement with Georgia at the time of the Georgian deployment of its forces to Iraq that, if the Georgian Government requested their return for purposes that Georgia deemed a priority, that we would – we would do so, we would facilitate that. And so we carried through on our agreement.

The point that I made to my Russian counterpart and that others made is that, if there is a ceasefire, as there should be and as Russia has said it has stopped its military operations, then the return of those forces should be no concern to anyone. So we were simply living up to an agreement.

Yes.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, thank you. Today is a day of national mourning in Russia for the losses incurred in the regional aggression in South Ossetia by the Georgians. You well know that. Can you acknowledge the losses?

And also, it has been reported that before the war, the U.S. was urging the Georgians not to – not to respond to provocations, not to do anything rash. So we all know what the Georgians did ultimately, so how did it happen? Did you – by the way, did you delegate responsibility, as has been reported, to junior staffers? Or before the war, did the Georgians listen to you and did their own thing, did not – did not follow your suggestions, or were the real suggestions different from what you said publicly?

SECRETARY RICE: First of all, I am very sorry for any loss of innocent life in any part of the zone of conflict, in Georgia or in any other area surrounding this conflict. That is one reason that it is so important to end the fighting.

The Georgians, some time ago, agreed to a ceasefire and to the withdrawal of their troops back to the August 6th lines. Russia needs to do the same, and it needs to honor the agreement that it made with the French President.

As to the U.S. diplomacy concerning this conflict, you must understand that this has been a volatile area for some time. It has been volatile now for more than a decade. And what we have tried to do is to propose and to push any number of peace plans. There was a Georgian peace plan for South Ossetia that the United States tried to press. I myself was there in Georgia to try to put together elements of a peace plan with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Foreign Minister, to try to solve that conflict. Because I think we all recognize that there was volatility in this region, there was a lot of back-and-forth in this region, and that it was a dangerous situation.

Now, as I said, this is something that, had it been about South Ossetia, could have been resolved within certain limits. Russian peacekeepers were in the area; that is true. And Russia initially said it needed to act to protect its peacekeepers and its people. But what Russia has done is well beyond anything that anyone could say is for the protection of those people and for those peacekeepers. Indeed, by prolonging the conflict, the innocents in the area are in greater danger. And so, again, what would be very useful and is absolutely necessary at this point, and indeed the United States insists that Russia live up to the obligations that it took just 24 hours ago to end its military operations.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, many people in Washington would say what you did after 9/11 was very disproportionate to the threat and to the actual loss that you incurred. So the Russians are trying to ensure the security of their forces and their citizens and their peacekeepers. And they – they are moving, they are creating a buffer zone. What’s wrong with that? Why can’t you do this in –

SECRETARY RICE: I am not going to sit here and judge each Russian military operation. I am going to say that when you start bombing ports and threatening to bomb airfields and bombing a city like Gori and bringing troops in a flanking maneuver on the western flank of Georgia and tying up the main roads between Georgia – between Tbilisi and Gori, that’s well beyond anything that is needed to protect Russian peacekeepers. And that is why Russia is starting to face international condemnation for what it is doing.

This is not 1968 and the invasion of Czechoslovakia, where Russia can threaten its neighbors, occupy a capital, overthrow a government, and get away with it. Things have changed. And so, what Russia, I think, is seeing is that to the degree that this is about South Ossetia, about even Abkhazia, let’s accept that it is time to move the forces back. Let’s accept that it’s — first to end the fighting, move the forces back to August 6th, and then have an international mediation to try to resolve these conflicts within the context of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

I fully recognize that the people of South Ossetia and the people of Abkhazia have concerns, even grievances, and they can be addressed within international mediation. And the United States has stood very strongly for the proper treatment of minorities.

Yes, Helene?

QUESTION: You just said that this is not 1968, where Russia can do this and get away with it, and you’ve talked of consequences, but we have yet to really see any. When – at what point – how far – how much further can Russia continue to go before we actually see the United States do something? SECRETARY RICE: Well, let me just expand on the comment for a moment, Helene. Look, the Russia today, I have said many, many times, is not the Soviet Union, and that means many things. But one of the things that it means is that Russia has sought integration, as the President said early in – earlier into diplomatic, political, economic, security institutions of the international system. And it has sought it because it is in Russia’s interest, if it is to modernize and become a fully functioning state.

And so I have to say, and I think you’ll – if you read the President’s statement, it’s pretty clear that that’s at risk. And so I’m not to go any further at this point in time. I think we need to concentrate on getting this – stopping the Russian military operations. We need to concentrate on getting those forces back to the August 6th lines. We will concentrate on sending our strong support for the French mediation and for the Georgian democratically elected government for dealing with the humanitarian concerns of the Georgians to starting to look at what they will need for reconstruction. But I don’t think that there is any doubt that Russia has already, in its actions, called into question some of its desire to be integrated into these institutions. I would hope that they won’t continue to call that into question. And that, as I said, they’re going to stop this and stop digging this hole.

Yes.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, you say that – again, that this is not 1968, but you’ve been – for several months, have been noticing Russia’s actions towards Georgia. Officials in the building have been very concerned not just about South Ossetia, but also about intentions towards – towards Georgia. And in – and since these attacks, officials have said that it seems to be premeditated, pre-planned, and that the swiftness with which Russian forces moved into Georgia show that it wasn’t necessarily only about South Ossetia, but something larger.

How did the U.S. miss the signals that this was some kind of large-scale invasion of Georgia? And are you concerned that the Russians feel that it is 1968 and they’re trying to invade other – are you concerned that they might invade other countries, such as Ukraine or other areas, where they have so-called citizens that they’re concerned –

SECRETARY RICE: I really do believe that the Russians understand that they’re — that pushing the envelope here would have significant consequences for Russia’s standing in the international system, which I think it already has had consequences for that, and for any future hopes that Russia might have to be fully integrated into the international system.

But as to the – what led up to this, we have been concerned for some time – I think you will remember, Elise, that we spoke about the presidential decree of President Putin in April of — April 16th. We spoke about the railway troops that had been deployed. We spoke about the so-called reinforcement of peacekeepers. And we have been constantly speaking with the Russians about all of those elements.

Now, this is a volatile region, and the flashpoint that took place here could have been kept under control but for the Russian decision to push well beyond the bounds of what dealt with South Ossetia and to use these disproportionate tactics and disproportionate force.

I don’t think anybody missed that the Russians were putting pressure — or trying to put pressure on South Ossetia and Abkhazia. I had a number of – a number of discussions with my Russian counterpart about precisely that. But again, that Russia can use its overwhelming regional military power in this way against a small neighbor is obvious. That Russia can do that and bear no consequences for it or that Russia can push far enough to try and destroy the Georgian state, I think that is what is different. Russia cannot succeed in those.

QUESTION: But what if they don’t care about these consequences? I mean, the U.S. – Russia has obvious –

SECRETARY RICE: Well, we’ll see. The –

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, Russia has obviously, despite repeated warnings from the U.S. not to go this far, has obviously made the choice to escalate this conflict despite the threats of consequences from the United States and the Europeans. So what if they don’t care about these consequences?

SECRETARY RICE: I’ve heard the Russian President say that he is – his military operations are over. I am saying that it is time for the Russian President to be true to his word.

QUESTION: Can I ask a question?

SECRETARY RICE: Yes.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY RICE: I’ll take – okay, both, yeah. Go ahead.

QUESTION: On the Balkans, Madame Secretary, anything to say on the name issue between Athens and Skopje? And on the irredentist issue raised the other day by the Skopjian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to the Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, in a crucial period during which Skopje would like to become a NATO member? SECRETARY RICE: Let’s – I’ll have to reset here for a moment about Macedonia. All right. Look, we – you know our position, which is that the Macedonians should be admitted into NATO. That was the position in Bucharest. The hope is that the name issue can be resolved very quickly now. I’ve spoken both to my Greek colleagues, the Macedonians were here. This is something that should not get in the way of the admission of Macedonia to NATO, and that’s what we’re working on. And I just would note, to make a link between the two discussions, one of the reasons for NATO Membership Action Plan and, ultimately, for NATO membership, is that it allows states to overcome longstanding difficulties, differences and conflicts under the umbrella of a collective security organization, defense organization of democracies. I have noted before that had anyone said that you would be able to resolve, for instance, differences between Hungary and Romania, between Bulgaria and Turkey in peaceful ways — no one would have believed it when the Soviet empire broke up. But in fact, under the umbrella of NATO, that has been taking place. And so if you now look across Central and Eastern Europe, one thing that is also very different from just a few decades ago is that the countries that were liberated after the breakup of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Baltic states and the aspirants – Albania, Croatia, Macedonia and others are now – have made the transition and are making the transition into transatlantic institutions. That allows them both to resolve their differences and to have a reason, a spur, for internal reform and further democratization, the appropriate relationship between civilian and military leaders and so forth and so on. That is why Membership Action Plan has been so valuable, and it’s why the United States continues to stand for Membership Action Plan for Georgia and Ukraine. Charlie, you have the last question. QUESTION: Yes. You’ve mentioned several times that Russia could have done what it said it wanted to do and stopped and that they’ve overreached. As, among other things, an analyst of Russians and, before that, the Soviets, what do you think this is about? In that case, since they’ve still continued, what do you think it’s about? And how long do you think it will take for them to reach what they’re trying to reach? SECRETARY RICE: Well, they told the French President that their military operations had ended. And I assume that they said that knowing what it is their military forces are doing, so I expect that they’re going to live up to that pledge.

Now, I’m not going to try to speculate on Russian motives, but let me just say the following. To the degree that there was intended to be some message beyond the frozen conflicts of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the message is not that Russia can use its military power in a brutal way against a small neighboring state. The message is that Russia has perhaps not accepted that it is time to move on from the Cold War and it is time to move to a new era in which relations between states are on the basis of equality and sovereignty and economic integration.

Now, Russia has said that that is the future that it wishes, that that is the future it wishes with the EU, that is the future it wishes with the United States and with any number of international organizations. So the message, unfortunately, that is being sent is that it is important to think again about whether, in fact, Russia will be committed to the kind of behavior that would make its involvement in those institutions appropriate.

Thank you very much.

2008/640

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