Another reason is that the resolution referred to a resolution that was adopted long before August 2008, the month Georgia began a military offensive in South Ossetia. After the violence, both Abkhazia and South Ossetia declared independence. Both were soon recognized by Russia as independent states.

Russia is insisting that unless these new geopolitical realities are recognized by the Security Council and reflected in the new resolution, the document will not be passed.

“I was quite surprised by one comment, which was made by one colleague at today’s consultations, when he was arguing in favor of retaining this reference to the resolution 1801. He said, ‘The only saying which changed since April 15 was Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.’ The thing which changed since then was not our recognition. It was Georgian aggression against South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which made their living together impossible and which brought all this sequence of events,” Churkin said earlier.

“So, we cannot keep inserting those resolutions that date back to before the birth of Christ into the new resolutions. This is not acceptable,” he added.

Still, Western members of the Security Council look set to put the controversial resolution to the vote.

Source: Russia Today

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