Russia Courting Isolation over South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Despite the pleas and warnings from the West, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev went ahead and recognized the independence of the Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on Tuesday. It looks as if Moscow is courting isolation. More from Der Spiegel.
French Foreign Minister Kouchner Blasts Russia for Ethnic Cleansing
European foreign ministers have been outraged by Russia’s actions in Georgia, and France’s Bernard Kouchner went on French television last night to make a spectacular allegation. If his claims are backed up with solid evidence, then international condemnation of Russia could build, but for some it may already be too late.
“I just want to say, here’s the map of South Ossetia, and here’s a town called Akhalgori, and I’ve been told that tonight Russian troops are sweeping through it pushing Georgians out and over the border. It’s ethnic cleansing, creating a homogeneous South Ossetia. That is unacceptable, we can’t accept everything,” said Kouchner, jabbing at a map on the evening news.
More from Euro News including a video report.
US-Russian Ties Under Strain
A video report from the Associated Press:
An Interview with Dmitry Medvedev
Below Russia Today talks to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev:
Russian Financial Markets Tumble
Meanwhile the New York Times reports Russia’s financial markets are increasingly worried about the West’s response sending the Moscow stock market to its lowest levels since 2006.
Frozen Conflicts
On Monday I reported on the Russian warning to Moldova over the breakaway region of Transdniestra. Today Fistful of Euros has more on this story.