Between America and Russia, the E.U. is On the Front Line: Le Figaro EDITORIAL

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Between America and Russia, the E.U. is On the Front Line

"The entire relationship between Russia and the West hangs in the balance … Did Georgia deliberately initiate the conflict in wanting to regain control of South Ossetia? If so, did it get the green light fro Washington? Or is it the contrary: that Russia, by the extent of its reaction, is the aggressor?"

EDITORIAL By Pierre Rousselin

Translated By Sandrine Ageorges

August 11, 2008

France - Le Figaro - Original Article (French)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at a cabinet meeting in Moscow, as Russian forces pushed deep into Georgia, Aug. 11

BBC VIDEO: President Vladimir Putin says the West is misguided - calling 'white, black, and black, white' and stuck in the Cold War, Aug. 11, 00:01:47

The diplomatic phase now opening in regard to the conflict in South Ossetia will be more complicated than the ongoing military operations. Beyond the fate of a separatist province of Georgia - and soon a second, Abkhazia - the entire relationship between Russia and the West hangs in the balance.

Vladimir Putin understands this, since on his return from the Beijing Olympic Games he stopped in Caucasus. This was first of all to encourage Russian troops engaged in battle, but it was mainly to serve as a warning to George W. Bush and the Europeans about the importance Moscow attaches to the events playing out in Georgia.

As the head of Europe [France holds the rotating E.U. presidency], France is in a key position to conduct decisive mediation over the future of East-West relations.

One must first of all, and urgently, obtain a cessation of hostilities. What is being prepared in Abkhazia is in fact on a scale that would be far more serious than the devastation that has occurred in South Ossetia. The Russian bombing of Georgian territory far from the combat zone, the naval blockade and the reinforcements that have been sent to Abkhazia show that the Kremlin will not allow its interests to be challenged in the region.

Setting an Example: Russia's silver-medal winner Natalia Paderina,

left, and Georgia's bronze medal winner Nino Salukvadze, hug and

wave after the 10-meter air pistol final at the 2008 Olympics. As the

two embraced on the medal stand, their two nations were at war.

Did Georgia deliberately initiate the conflict in wanting to regain control of South Ossetia? If so, did it get the green light fro Washington? Or is it the contrary: that Russia, by the extent of its reaction, is the aggressor?

Rather than seeking to designate those responsible for the crisis and brandishing condemnations, it is more useful to define the principles on which to base a political solution to a situation that is in many respects, inextricable.

Confronting the Russian desire to maintain a foothold in the southern Caucasus, we must with all determination defend the sovereignty of Georgia. In exchange for this principle, endorsed by all European countries and the United-States, Georgian President Mikahaïl Saakachvili must calm the spirits and renounce the use of force.

It would be absurd to humiliate Russia. But demanding that it stop the creeping annexation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by encouraging the separatists has become an international priority. This is a precondition for serious negotiations with Moscow on the status of the two breakaway regions.

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

The Kremlin considers that its interests are at stake in the Southern Caucasus and in its “near abroad." For its part, Georgia claims full sovereignty and intends to free itself from Russia. It wants to join NATO, while Russia sees this as a threat.

All of this must be addressed. Between the United States and Russia, the European Union is on the front line. By extending the German initiative on Abkhazia, European diplomacy must find a way to initiate a dialogue with Moscow to preserve peace on our continent. This is a heavy responsibility for the French presidency.