Medvedev: EU Monitors Will Go To Georgia

by Gh0s7 | September 8, 2008 at 11:04 am

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The Associated Press out of Moscow is reporting that European Union monitors will deploy to the regions surrounding South Ossetia and Abkhazia by some time next month. After the deployment of the EU monitors, Russian troops will pull out of Georgia.

"I believe this accord is an accord that represents a maximum of what we could have done," Sarkozy said. "If all the conflicts around the world found themselves this way on the road to resolution the world would be more stable."

After meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, it was announced by Medvedev that international discussions on the conflict in Georgia will begin on October 15 in Geneva. Sarkozy was visiting with Medvedev in an effort to salvage the cease-fire that was negotiated last month between Russian and Georgian forces.

Although reports vary, Medvedev insists that Russia is complying with the terms of the cease-fire. The Russian leader also claims that Georgia's leader received a "blessing" directly or indirectly to launch an attack against South Ossetia.

"People died and now all of Georgia must pay for that," Medvedev said.

The AP article continues by saying that Medvedev said that Russian troops would pull out of the Black Sea port of Poti and nearby areas within seven days, but only if Georgia would sign a pledge that it would not attack Abkhazia. Medvedev has also accused the United States of helping to reequip the Georgian military.

One of the key points of the talks were that Russia had recognized the "de-facto" independence of the two regions, which has drawn internationl critisism.

"It is not up to Russia to recognize unilaterally the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. There are international rules. These should be respected," he said.

In response to the above comment by Sarkozy, Medvedev said the following:

"Our decision is irrevocable, the two new states have come to existence," Medvedev said. "This is a reality which all our partners, including our EU partners, will have to reckon with."

Medvedev has said that Russia would like to maintain constructive relations with the European Union and has said that the ball is now is the court of Russia's European colleagues. Officials say that it is very important for Russia to adhere to a concrete timetable during this time.