Russia could use military force to defend S. Ossetian residents

MOSCOW, August 1 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Defense Ministry is
concerned over recent shots on South Ossetia’s capital Tskhinval and
its suburbs and could use military force to defend the republic’s
nationals, the ministry said Saturday.
"Events in August 2008 developed in line with a similar scenario,
which led to Georgia unfolding military aggression against South
Ossetia and attacking the Russian peacekeeping contingent," it said.
The ministry said Georgia opened fire on the South Ossetian territory
several times in the past few days. South Ossetian authorities
reported mortar fire from Georgia on Saturday. But Georgia has denied
all reports saying they were a provocation.
"There was no shooting in the conflict zone at all," Georgia’s police
said.
The Russian ministry also said: "Such actions cause serious concerns
in the Russian Defense Ministry."
"In case of further provocations threatening the republic’s population
and the Russian military contingent deployed in South Ossetia, the
ministry retains the right to use all available means and forces to
defend the nationals of South Ossetia and Russian servicemen," it
said.
Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another former
Georgian republic, Abkhazia, after Russia and Georgia fought a
five-day war last August. Most residents of both South Ossetia and
Abkhazia have held Russian citizenship for several years.
Georgian forces had attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it
back under central control. Since recognition of the two republics,
Russia and Georgia have had no diplomatic ties.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress