S.Ossetia events show Russia will be reckoned with - Medvedev
After the events in South Ossetia, other states will have to take Russia's opinion into consideration, President Dmitry Medvedev said Saturday.
"The events in South Ossetia showed that Russia will not allow anyone to infringe upon the lives and dignity of its citizens, that Russia is a state to be, from now on, reckoned with," Medvedev told the State Council.
He said political pressure on Russia will not yield any result. "They are trying to subject us to political pressure, but we have got used to it, and
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they will not be able to do anything," the Russian leader said.
Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia on August 26, two weeks after it had concluded its operation "to force Georgia to peace." The operation came in response to an attack by Georgian forces on breakaway South Ossetia on August 8.
Moscow said hundreds of civilians were killed in the Georgian attack on South Ossetia, and thousands fled the devastated region.
Apparently hinting at the United States, Medvedev said certain nations keep arming Georgia under the guise of humanitarian aid. "Unfortunately, the armament of the Georgian regime, including under the flag of humanitarian aid, is continuing," he said.
The U.S. has sent humanitarian and economic aid to Georgia, leaving Russian officials wondering why aid should be provided on warships. However, the U.S. has denied there were any armaments on the ships.
Medvedev also said: "The world became different after August 8... we were supported by hundreds of millions of people, but have not heard words of support or understanding from those who in similar circumstances spoke about freedom of choice and the necessity to use force to punish an aggressor."
"Unfortunately, as a result of such forces' activity, the armament of the Georgian regime is continuing," he said.
Russia has now withdrawn its regular troops from Georgia, but insists it can maintain checkpoints in security zones near the regions under the ceasefire deal brokered by France. Moscow has also accused Tbilisi of building up troops near South Ossetia.
Western nations have strongly criticized Russia for its "disproportionate" response to Georgia's attack and the recognition of Georgia's breakaway provinces. NATO-Russia cooperation has also been frozen.
Nicaragua has become the first country after Russia to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
After the events in South Ossetia, other states will have to take Russia's opinion into consideration, President Dmitry Medvedev said Saturday.
