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Gorbachev: Peace Remains Possible

Western powers must tread lightly in Georgia, ex-Soviet prez warns

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 12, 2008 12:24 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The situation in Georgia dates to at least 1991, when the government slapped a lid on South Ossetia, setting off a "time bomb," Mikhail Gorbachev writes in the Washington Post. The ex-Soviet president outlines his vision for regional stability. "In addition to patience, this situation requires wisdom," he writes, calling on regional leaders to "devote their efforts to building the groundwork for durable peace."

The conflict has made clear nominal PM Vladimir Putin’s continuing significance, the New York Times reports. With barely a mention of his successor as president, Putin has become the Russian face of the crisis. "He is playing the game which is designed by Putin," one expert said of Dmitry Medvedev.

Russian soldiers on top of an APC pass by a burning house on the way to Tskhinvali, capital of Georgian breakaway enclave of South Ossetia on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008.
Russian soldiers on top of an APC pass by a burning house on the way to Tskhinvali, capital of Georgian breakaway enclave of South Ossetia on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speaks on Ekho Moskvy radio in Moscow, May 24, 2007.
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speaks on Ekho Moskvy radio in Moscow, May 24, 2007.   (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)
Russian soldiers sit in a truck in Tskhinvali, capital of Georgian breakaway enclave of South Ossetia on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008.
Russian soldiers sit in a truck in Tskhinvali, capital of Georgian breakaway enclave of South Ossetia on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is seen at a cabinet meeting in Moscow, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. Speculation remains regarding Russia's next move in the region.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is seen at a cabinet meeting in Moscow, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. Speculation remains regarding Russia's next move in the region.   (AP Photo/Alexei Nikolsky, Pool)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting in Moscow on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. Speculation remains regarding Russia's next move in the region.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting in Moscow on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. Speculation remains regarding Russia's next move in the region.   (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, Pool )
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More on Putin's role in the conflict
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EU president Sarkozy announces "provisional ceasefire"
CNN

Obama adviser makes Hitler comparison
Guardian (UK)

 
Russia • Vladimir Putin • Georgia • Mikhail Gorbachev • Dmitry Medvedev • South Ossetia

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