US Secretary of State: we have to be informed by events of 2008 in Georgia in dealing with Russia

Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, has pointed to Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia as a “reference” for the West to being prepared to deal with Russia in the ongoing crisis along the Ukrainian border.

Blinken recalled the example of the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia at a briefing hosted at the 58th Munich Security Conference on Friday, when answering a question about where the Western partners stood with Russia in the heightened tensions and military build-up of Russian troops.

We remain fully prepared [...] to engage on the diplomacy, but we have to be, I think, informed by history.  You referenced 2014; one could reference 2008 as well and Georgia,” the Secretary of State pointed out.

Blinken also commented on Russia’s announcement of a partial withdrawal from the border areas, countering the claims by saying the “facts” showed the pulling back of forces “has not happened”. The American official alleged the reverse to be happening along the state boundary between Ukraine and Russia, adding “we see additional forces going to the border”.

Blinken’s comments came at the security conference that brings together heads of state, diplomats and business leaders from the world’s leading democracies for three days of meetings and presentations.

The event involves the Georgian delegation led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze and the Head of the Government Administration Ilia Darchiashvili.

Garibashvili has called the conference a “truly outstanding platform” early today. He noted the MSC examined traditional and contemporary security challenges and added “Georgia stands alongside the international community” in the cause of ensuring international security.