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Russia trying to redraw borders in conflict zone - Georgian minister
Channel 1, Tbilisi
10 Jul 06
[Presenter] As we speak, Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze is
commenting on the situation at Ergneti [police checkpoint on South
Ossetian border through which Russian, Armenian citizens have been
trying to enter Georgian-controlled territory since Russia closed
the Zemo Larsi - Qazbegi border crossing on 8 July]. We go live to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
[Antadze, addressing a briefing] As for sending them [from Zemo Larsi]
to the Roki Tunnel [on South Ossetia section of Georgian-Russian
border], I should tell you that this is not only a gross violation
of a Georgian-Russian agreement. This is [also] a calculated attempt
by Russia to move the Georgian-Russian border from Roki to Ergneti
and to destabilize the situation in the region and increase military
tension in the conflict zone.
At the same time, I should state very clearly that Georgia will not
allow the transfer of the de facto border and will not fall for the
continued acts of provocation staged by the separatists and their
supporters in the conflict zone.
I should also tell you that the people who will have arrived at the
Roki Tunnel from the Russian side before 14 July, as well as those
who have already entered Georgian territory, [will be allowed in]
out of humanitarian considerations. You probably know that there
are children and elderly people among them and they are in quite a
difficult situation.
I should once again stress that all of this has been caused by Russia's
efforts, essentially encouraging these people to break Georgian
law. Their action amounts to the violation of Georgian law. We have
nevertheless decided that until 14 July people coming to Georgia
will be able to proceed [through Ergneti] without hindrance. This
applies only to people. Freight and other kinds of traffic will be
stopped. This will last until 14 July only.
As for the actions which, as I have said, continue to take place in the
conflict zone, they are aimed at raising tension. We have information
to this effect. Russian officials' recent statements in the media
that Georgia is preparing to settle the conflict in Tskhinvali region
by force are an attempt to prepare both the Russian public and the
international community for possible military action, which Russia,
it its own words, will resort to should there be a need to protect
its citizens in the conflict zone.
I should once again state that we will not fall for these acts
of provocation. We have a very clear programme and we will try to
implement this programme and settle the conflict by peaceful means
together with our partners.
I would also like to say a few words about the appalling act of
terrorism which took place in Tskhinvali. I am referring to the
terrorist attack on [Oleg] Alborov [South Ossetian security council
secretary].
I should state with full responsibility that this was an act
of terrorism aimed at getting rid of a political opponent. This
individual was one of just a few - unfortunately - representatives
of the de facto authorities with a clear vision of prospects for
the cohabitation of the Georgian and Ossetian peoples. He had a very
realistic understanding of the situation.
Channel 1, Tbilisi
10 Jul 06
[Presenter] As we speak, Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze is
commenting on the situation at Ergneti [police checkpoint on South
Ossetian border through which Russian, Armenian citizens have been
trying to enter Georgian-controlled territory since Russia closed
the Zemo Larsi - Qazbegi border crossing on 8 July]. We go live to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
[Antadze, addressing a briefing] As for sending them [from Zemo Larsi]
to the Roki Tunnel [on South Ossetia section of Georgian-Russian
border], I should tell you that this is not only a gross violation
of a Georgian-Russian agreement. This is [also] a calculated attempt
by Russia to move the Georgian-Russian border from Roki to Ergneti
and to destabilize the situation in the region and increase military
tension in the conflict zone.
At the same time, I should state very clearly that Georgia will not
allow the transfer of the de facto border and will not fall for the
continued acts of provocation staged by the separatists and their
supporters in the conflict zone.
I should also tell you that the people who will have arrived at the
Roki Tunnel from the Russian side before 14 July, as well as those
who have already entered Georgian territory, [will be allowed in]
out of humanitarian considerations. You probably know that there
are children and elderly people among them and they are in quite a
difficult situation.
I should once again stress that all of this has been caused by Russia's
efforts, essentially encouraging these people to break Georgian
law. Their action amounts to the violation of Georgian law. We have
nevertheless decided that until 14 July people coming to Georgia
will be able to proceed [through Ergneti] without hindrance. This
applies only to people. Freight and other kinds of traffic will be
stopped. This will last until 14 July only.
As for the actions which, as I have said, continue to take place in the
conflict zone, they are aimed at raising tension. We have information
to this effect. Russian officials' recent statements in the media
that Georgia is preparing to settle the conflict in Tskhinvali region
by force are an attempt to prepare both the Russian public and the
international community for possible military action, which Russia,
it its own words, will resort to should there be a need to protect
its citizens in the conflict zone.
I should once again state that we will not fall for these acts
of provocation. We have a very clear programme and we will try to
implement this programme and settle the conflict by peaceful means
together with our partners.
I would also like to say a few words about the appalling act of
terrorism which took place in Tskhinvali. I am referring to the
terrorist attack on [Oleg] Alborov [South Ossetian security council
secretary].
I should state with full responsibility that this was an act
of terrorism aimed at getting rid of a political opponent. This
individual was one of just a few - unfortunately - representatives
of the de facto authorities with a clear vision of prospects for
the cohabitation of the Georgian and Ossetian peoples. He had a very
realistic understanding of the situation.