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West Worries as Russia Digs In

Troops seen reinforcing positions in Georgia despite pullback agreement

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 4:17 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Russian forces appear to be hunkering down rather than beginning their promised withdrawal from Georgian territory, the New York Times reports. Troops are digging in along the highway to Tbilisi and military vehicles are moving in both directions, alarming the West, according to Reuters. Pentagon officials say they have seen no significant Russian movement out of Georgia.

Russian forces continue to control the main highways, and checkpoints remain outside the strategic city of Goria, in defiance of the ceasefire agreement. President Dmitry Medvedev vowed any attempt to use force against troops would trigger a "devastating response." Four Russian armored personnel carriers moved closer to Tbilisi, pulverizing Georgian police cars that refused to move. The troop movements come as NATO meets today to consider a US proposal to punish Russia by suspending ministerial meetings with Moscow.

A Russian military convoy leaves a Georgian army base.
A Russian military convoy leaves a Georgian army base.   (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)
Anti Russian graffiti is seen on the roadside as Russian military vehicles approach the city of Zugdidi, western Georgia, yesterday.
Anti Russian graffiti is seen on the roadside as Russian military vehicles approach the city of Zugdidi, western Georgia, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)
Russian soldiers ride atop an armored personnel carrier in Igueti, northwest of the capital Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday.
Russian soldiers ride atop an armored personnel carrier in Igueti, northwest of the capital Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
A Russian soldier inspects armored vehicles reportedly seized by the Russians from the Georgian military, in Tskhinvali.
A Russian soldier inspects armored vehicles reportedly seized by the Russians from the Georgian military, in Tskhinvali.   (AP Photo/Sergey Grits)
Russian soldiers sit atop of their armored vehicle near a Georgian army base that was occupied by Russians in Senaki, western Georgia.
Russian soldiers sit atop of their armored vehicle near a Georgian army base that was occupied by Russians in Senaki, western Georgia.   (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)
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Pentagon: Russia has missiles in disputed area
Detroit Free Press

Little evidence of Russia pullback seen
Los Angeles Times

Medvedev warns of 'shattering blow'
Times (UK)

 
Russia • Georgia • Tbilisi • Russian military • Dmitry Medvedev • South Ossetia • Gori

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