Moscow Accuses Tbilisi of Escalating South Ossetia Tensions

In its strong-worded statement issued on August 19 the Russian Foreign Ministry accused Georgia of escalating tensions in breakaway South Ossetian. saying that the window of opportunity is rapidly closing for a negotiated settlement of the South Ossetian conflict.

The statement says that despite the recent ceasefire agreements the Georgian side “renewed military operations.” On August 19 Georgian troops occupied strategic hilltop positions formally held by the separatist forces and mercenaries.  

“Certain representatives of the Georgian side do their utmost to resort to force in order to solve the South Ossetian problem,” the statement reads.