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November 10, 2008

Monitors Cast Doubt on Georgia Claims in Russia Conflict
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Newly disclosed accounts from international monitors have cast further
doubt on Georgia’s motives for launching a US-backed armed conflict with
Russia earlier this year. Georgia attacked two breakaway provinces after
claiming its forces had come under Russian fire. But according to the
New York Times, monitors with the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe said there was scant proof Russia attacked when
Georgia claimed. Monitors stationed near the Georgian areas reported
hearing no rounds fired from the Russian side. Instead, monitors
recorded an intense Georgian attack on the separatist capital of
Tskhinvali. At least forty-eight rounds were fired on a civilian area in
the first hour of the Georgian attack. Russian forces stationed there
also came under fire.



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