On August 9, 2008, Georgia's parliament unanimously agreed to declare a "state of war" with Russia, as the dispute over the breakaway region of South Ossetia continued. The conflict between Georgia and Russia began when Georgian forces moved into South Ossetia on August 8, 2008, in hopes of regaining control over the region. Russia then moved tanks into Georgia, saying they were protecting South Ossetia from Georgian attacks. The countries signed a cease-fire August 12, 2008. On August 22, 2008, Russia claimed it had withdrawn its troops from Georgian territory, except for troops that would stay in "security zones" of Georgia. United States, France and Britain said the withdrawal was not complete.News 8: Russian Military Pulls Out Of Key Georgian Areas (August 22, 2008)
Russian Attacks in Georgia
On August 9, 2008, Russian bombers intensified attacks on Georgia. Several cities in Georgia had reportedly been bombed, and reports said the town of Gori was particularly hard hit. Many of the areas attacked by Russia were reportedly far from the dispute in South Ossetia. President Bush urged Russia to end its bombing, saying the latest attacks marked a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict.
References
Fast Facts
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August 9, 2008
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Parliament acted on a request by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili
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The "state of war" is not an outright declaration of war but it allows Saakashvili to impose curfews and regulate travel
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Saakashvili accused Russia of launching an "unprovoked full-scale military attack" against Georgia
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Russia claimed it was protecting the citizens of South Ossetia
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Georgia is a staunch ally of the U.S.
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President Bush called for an immediate end to the violence
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Georgia and Russia signed a cease-fire agreement on August 12, 2008
