Russia Stays Despite Withdraw Promise
CBNNews.com
August 21, 2008
CBNNews.com - Russian forces have taken up positions at the entrance to Georgia's main Black Sea port city Poti, even though Russian officials say they will begin a pullout from Georgia Friday.
Russian armored vehicles are blocking the only land entrance into the city. And Russian troops are digging trenches and positioning mortars.
For more on Russia and NATO's current influence, click play to watch CBN News International reporter Dale Hurd. You can also visit his blog, Hurd on the Web for more in-depth analysis.
The cease-fire agreement calls for Russian and Georgian forces to pull back to the positions held before fighting broke out two weeks ago.
But Russia has given no certainty about whether it will comply with the terms of the deal.
President Dmitry Medvedev has said forces will pull back from Georgia. But as his troops settle down in strategic spots, the moves have raised concerns that Russia could be aiming for a long-term occupation.
A top Russian general says it could be more than 10 days before the bulk of the troops return to Russia.
Meanwhile, reports yesterday said that Russia will cut military ties with NATO over NATO's support of Georgia.
But today, Russia said it has no plans to "slam the door" on NATO.
Still, the Russians have warned the U.S. and the world that NATO will have to choose between supporting Georgia and continued relations with Russia.
Source: The Associated Press
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