Russia circulated a draft UN Security Council calling resolution for an embargo on arms sales to Georgia, after the United States announced measures to rebuild the South Caucasus country”s military.
After presenting the draft on Tuesday, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said: “the unrestrained militarization of Georgia in recent years, backed by the United States and certain other countries, certainly contributed to the act of aggression committed by [Georgian President Mikheil] Saakashvili against South Ossetia.”
Earlier in the day, the Pentagon announced it would send a team to Georgia to decide what military support should be provided.
“Georgia, like any sovereign country, should have the ability to defend itself and to deter renewed aggression,” Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman told a Senate committee.
Churkin acknowledged that the Russian draft was bound to be blocked, “considering the well-known position of the United States in the Security Council,” but said that proposing it was a “necessary political step.”
The text says that all states must take “necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and military equipment” to Georgia, as well as “any aid, consultations linked with military activity.”
The Russian envoy said the issue of Georgia”s demilitarization could be raised at international talks to be held in Geneva on October 15 on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are now both recognized by Russia as independent countries.
The meeting”s agenda will also include “security and stability in the region,” and the “return of refugees and displaced people in line with the principles of international law,” Churkin said.
