Tensions flare again between Georgia, separatist region
Tensions flared again between Georgia and its separatist republic of South Ossetia amid claims by Tbilisi that military equipment had entered the pro-Moscow province from Russia. Georgian leader Mikhail Saakashvili dubbed the move, which both Moscow and separatist leaders denied earlier Saturday, as “an unfriendly step on Russia’s part.” “I intend to speak about this with President (Vladimir) Putin tomorrow, today there is a holiday in Russia so we could not get in touch,” Saakashvili said at a briefing late Saturday. “In dealing with (separatists) we need serenity and patience. We do not need the conflict’s escalation which the separatist forces and some external forces try to inflict on us,” Saakashvili warned. Full Story