While this version of events is being written in much of the western media, the facts present a different picture.

By Sergei Lavrov
The writer is minister of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation

Published: August 12 2008 19:52 | Last updated: August 12 2008 19:52

For some of those witnessing the fighting in the Caucasus over the past few days, the narrative is straightforward and easy. The plucky republic of Georgia, with just a few million citizens, was attacked by its giant eastern neighbour, Russia. Add to this all the stereotypes of the cold war era, and you are presented with a truly David and Goliath interpretation – with all its accompanying connotations of good and evil. While this version of events is being written in much of the western media, the facts present a different picture.

Let me be absolutely clear. This is not a conflict of Russia’s making; this is not a conflict of Russia’s choosing. There are no winners from this conflict. Hours before the Georgian invasion, Russia had been working to secure a United Nations Security Council statement calling for a renunciation of force by both Georgia and South Ossetians. The statement that could have averted bloodshed was blocked by western countries.

Last Friday, after the world’s leaders had arrived at the Beijing Olympics, Georgian troops launched an all-out assault on the region of South Ossetia, which has enjoyed de facto independence for more than 16 years. The majority of the region’s population are Russian citizens. Under the terms of the 1992 agreement to which Georgia is a party, they are afforded protection by a small number of Russian peacekeeping soldiers. The ground and air attack resulted in the killing of peacekeepers and the death of an estimated 1,600 civilians, creating a humanitarian disaster and leading to an exodus of 30,000 refugees. The Georgian regime refused to allow a humanitarian corridor to be established and bombarded a humanitarian convoy. There is also clear evidence of atrocities having been committed – so serious and systematic that they constitute acts of genocide.

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This is rich coming from an assassin and daughter of terrorists...

Last update - 17:10 18/06/2008

Livni blasts culture of corruption in Israeli leadership

By Haaretz Service

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Wednesday that Israel's leaders should be bound by the state's values and morals, referring to an ongoing corruption investigation currently underway against fellow Kadima Party member and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. "I find it unacceptable that whatever is not criminal is tolerable," Livni said at a conference held by the Movement for Quality Government in Jerusalem.

Livni added that a system of socials conventions must be established, and that any elected politician who breaks them will be pay the price.

Speaking in Jerusalem at a memorial service for David Raziel, the commander of Etzel - the militant Zionist group that operated in Palestine between 1931 and 1948, Livni said: "The state has a vision and values that obligate both its citizens and its leaders. Before we can a light onto others, it is only fitting that we work toward showing the light inside our home." 

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Former Finance Minister Hirchson indicted for fraud

State Prosecution files charges against former finance minister on theft, breach of trust, falsification of corporate records. Hirchson believed to have embezzled over $1.2 million while serving as head of National Labor Federation

Avi Cohen

Published: 06.04.08, 09:41 / Israel News

The State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against former Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson on Wednesday on multiple charges of theft, aggravated fraud, breach of trust, fraudulently obtaining funds, money laundering and falsifying corporate documents.

The State was able to press charges against the former minister after he relinquished his parliamentary immunity, opting to stand trial.

Hirchson pled not guilty on all counts.

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Anything goes with neocons... until someone calls them on their BS.

Related
Canadian PM dismisses security concerns about cabinet minister's ex-girlfriend
Was Bernier's ex bugged?

Bernier left sensitive documents in girlfriend's apartment, Couillard says

By Nelson Wyatt, The Canadian Press

MONTREAL - Ex-foreign minister Maxime Bernier left sensitive government documents in her Montreal residence, where she alleged that evidence found recently suggested her bed had been bugged, Julie Couillard revealed Monday in a candid interview.
"Maxime came to see me and he left a document behind," said Couillard, who also claimed Bernier was aware of her past involvement with two men allegedly tied to Quebec biker gangs.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper accepted Bernier's resignation hours before the 24-minute-long interview with the French-language TVA network aired and was broadcast on the website canoe.ca. The interview was taped Sunday and is the first time Couillard has publicly spoken about her controversial relationship with Bernier.

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