Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MOSCOW2408
2008-08-14 14:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Moscow
Cable title:
TFGG01: UNION OF SOLDIERS' MOTHERS SAYS GOR SHOULD
how-toVZCZCXYZ0015 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHMO #2408 2271409 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 141409Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9488 INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHXD/MOSCOW POLITICAL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 002408
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PINS MOPS GG RS
SUBJECT: TFGG01: UNION OF SOLDIERS' MOTHERS SAYS GOR SHOULD
HAVE ACTED SOONER IN SOUTH OSSETIA
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Alice G. Wells for reason
s 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 002408
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PINS MOPS GG RS
SUBJECT: TFGG01: UNION OF SOLDIERS' MOTHERS SAYS GOR SHOULD
HAVE ACTED SOONER IN SOUTH OSSETIA
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Alice G. Wells for reason
s 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Valentina Melnikova of the Moscow Union of Soldiers'
Mothers Committee told us August 14 that her organization's
only criticism of Russia's conduct on the South Ossetia
conflict is that it waited too long to help the peacekeepers.
She said the GOR should have intervened in South Ossetia
when Georgia started shelling parts of the breakaway
province, and should not have waited until Georgia invaded to
send in military assistance.
2. (C) Melnikova told us there was little reliable
information about events in South Ossetia available, but she
agreed with MOD figures that 74 Russian soldiers died and
many more were wounded. She said the troops were
well-commanded and the assault was well-executed. Her office
has gotten numerous calls from families concerned for their
sons' safety; most callers were told to call the MOD hotline
to find out information.
3. (C) Melnikova had many harsh words for Saakashvili and
blamed him personally for civilian deaths. She called
herself a "peaceful person," but said she fully supported the
"our boys at the front."
Comment
--------------
4. (C) Melnikova's comments reflect the staunch support that
Russia's military attack on Georgia enjoys throughout Russian
society. Her NGO is distinguished by its traditionally
critical views of military operatinos and transparency.
RUBIN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PINS MOPS GG RS
SUBJECT: TFGG01: UNION OF SOLDIERS' MOTHERS SAYS GOR SHOULD
HAVE ACTED SOONER IN SOUTH OSSETIA
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Alice G. Wells for reason
s 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Valentina Melnikova of the Moscow Union of Soldiers'
Mothers Committee told us August 14 that her organization's
only criticism of Russia's conduct on the South Ossetia
conflict is that it waited too long to help the peacekeepers.
She said the GOR should have intervened in South Ossetia
when Georgia started shelling parts of the breakaway
province, and should not have waited until Georgia invaded to
send in military assistance.
2. (C) Melnikova told us there was little reliable
information about events in South Ossetia available, but she
agreed with MOD figures that 74 Russian soldiers died and
many more were wounded. She said the troops were
well-commanded and the assault was well-executed. Her office
has gotten numerous calls from families concerned for their
sons' safety; most callers were told to call the MOD hotline
to find out information.
3. (C) Melnikova had many harsh words for Saakashvili and
blamed him personally for civilian deaths. She called
herself a "peaceful person," but said she fully supported the
"our boys at the front."
Comment
--------------
4. (C) Melnikova's comments reflect the staunch support that
Russia's military attack on Georgia enjoys throughout Russian
society. Her NGO is distinguished by its traditionally
critical views of military operatinos and transparency.
RUBIN