Russia's Peacekeeping Mission in Georgia: A Test of its International Credentials

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright has emphasized the importance of Russia proving its ability to meet international peacekeeping standards in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. After early success in separating Georgian and Abkhazian forces, Russian troops are being closely watched to see if they can maintain a neutral stance in the conflict. The mission is seen as a critical test of Russia's commitment to international cooperation and its ability to put aside old imperial ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian peacekeeping mission in Georgia is a key test of Russia's ability to meet international peacekeeping standards.
• Russian troops have separated Georgian and Abkhazian forces, preventing a new outbreak of violence and overseeing the return of refugees.
• The mission is being closely watched by the international community to see if Russia can maintain a neutral stance in the conflict.
• Russia's involvement in unilateral peacekeeping missions in Tadzhikistan and Moldova has raised concerns about its motivations for intervening in former Soviet republics.
• The US-Russia joint peacekeeping training exercises, currently underway in Totskoye southeast of Moscow, are aimed at promoting international cooperation and building trust between the two nations.
• The Israeli-Romanian joint exercise is seen as a positive development in U.S. - Russia relations.
• The Russian Defense Ministry has sent Russian soldiers to Georgia after Tbilisi's request for international peacekeepers was turned down by the United Nations and the C.I.S. leaders.
• The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Madeleine Albright, has called peacekeeping the world's 'new growth industry' with more peacekeeping options than peacekeepers.

Statistics:

• The conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia lasted for one year before ending in 1993.
• Russia has sent soldiers to Georgia after the United Nations and C.I.S. leaders turned down Tbilisi's request for international peacekeepers in 1993.
• Russian troops are currently involved in unilateral peacekeeping missions in Tadzhikistan and Moldova.
• The first U.S.-Russian peacekeeping training exercises were stalled for months due to opposition from communist and nationalist groups.
• The joint exercises are currently underway in Totskoye southeast of Moscow.

Sources:

• "Russia's Peacekeeping Mission in Georgia Tests Its International Credentials", by Ron Laurnesco Moscow, Sept. 6
• Department of State, "U.S. Position on Peacekeeping"
• United Nations, "United Nations Peacekeeping Operations"
• Defense Ministry, "Russian Peacekeeping in Former Soviet States"
• U.S.-Russia Joint Peacekeeping Exercises, Moscow, Aug. 1994