What is the message behind Russia’s military offensive in South Ossetia?

The fighting over the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia, and the fragile ceasefire which Georgians claim is repeatedly violated by Russian troops, has raised fears of a prolonged conflict between Moscow and the pro-Western, ex-Soviet state. And, on a broader scale, it has fuelled speculation about how Russia’s military offensive into South Ossetia could affect international relations, the balance of power in Europe and plans to expand NATO and the EU. Veronika Kuchynova Smigolova is head of the Security Policy Department at the Czech Foreign Ministry:

Photo: CTK

“Russia is definitely sending a very bad message with this military offensive and of course one of its goals – via this offensive - is to strengthen its position in the Caucuses region and to tell Europe and NATO members that it really, really does not like the idea of further NATO enlargement. Another question is what we should do about that message, and I believe that the more of these signals Russia sends the more we should pursue our policies.”

In what way, could you be more explicit?

“Well, the NATO Bucharest summit did not give Ukraine and Georgia a membership action plan although it did promise those countries that if they want to they will become NATO members at some point. And that is exactly what we should do.”

Nicolas Sarkozy and Dmitry Medvedev, photo: CTK

President Bush issued a very strong statement and there are indications that Georgia is somewhat disappointed with the, let us say, more reserved stand of the EU. Are those feelings justified – could the EU have done more?

“Well, President Sarkozy did a good job in the region when he negotiated a ceasefire. On the other hand, we feel that a strong statement from NATO and from the EU would be appropriate and we also feel that the Russian peacekeeping force is not acceptable any more and we would very much like the EU to take over this role and to send a peacekeeping mission to the region.”

Is this the beginning of a new chapter in European relations – and can it change the balance of power in Europe?

“I think that it is too early to speak about a change in the balance of power. On the other hand, I believe the military offensive Russia took is something that most Europeans did not expect and did not think could – or should happen – at the beginning of the 21st century, and it certainly will influence relations between the European states and Russia at least for some time to come.”

Photo: CTK

The Czech Republic has always supported the former Soviet satellites in their plans to join NATO and the EU. Do you think that this Russian action will postpone that process?

“I hope it will not, but it certainly might. There is, as I said, the Bucharest declaration, there will be a NATO ministerial meeting in December that should look into this issue. I think there are many NATO discussions before us and it is too early to say what will happen in December.”

Has the Czech Foreign Ministry demanded an explanation from the Russian ambassador to Prague?

“Indeed, indeed we did. The Russian charge d’affaires was asked to come and explain Russia’s military offensive and we also clearly stated our position on the matter to the Russian embassy.”