Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STOCKHOLM592
2008-08-27 07:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Stockholm
Cable title:
TFGG01: Media Reaction - Georgia
how-toVZCZCXYZ0015 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHSM #0592 2400714 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 270714Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3706
UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000592
SIPDIS
SECSTATE FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/PPD, EUR/NB, EUR/PA, EUR/FO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PINS PHUM PREF EUN SW
SUBJECT: TFGG01: Media Reaction - Georgia
On August 27 the conservative Stockholm morning daily "Svenska
Dagbladet" editorialized on "We Must
Not Let Georgia Down:"
"Too little and too tacit - in short - being too understanding and
permissible. This is how one can sum up international reactions to
Russia's attack on Georgia. After yesterday's recognition - in the
form of a decree by President Medvedev - of the secessionists South
Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, a much tougher approach
will be needed to counter the Russian challenge. The lesson learned
is that Putin will ignore international appeals and warnings that
lack substance....
"It is now all about giving support Georgia by reconstruction
assistance, rapprochement to the EU with the aim of future
membership, renewed NATO assurances that Russia has no veto rights
against Georgian NATO membership. In other words, to increase
(Western) presence, possibly by deploying NATO forces in the Baltic
States. This approach also is applicable to Ukraine, which may be
next in line for Russia. (Our) engagement must increase.
"We must be prepared to take the fight even if things heat up. If we
do not, we will leave Georgia out in the cold and give free rein to
more aggressive Russian policies."
WOOD
SIPDIS
SECSTATE FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/PPD, EUR/NB, EUR/PA, EUR/FO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PINS PHUM PREF EUN SW
SUBJECT: TFGG01: Media Reaction - Georgia
On August 27 the conservative Stockholm morning daily "Svenska
Dagbladet" editorialized on "We Must
Not Let Georgia Down:"
"Too little and too tacit - in short - being too understanding and
permissible. This is how one can sum up international reactions to
Russia's attack on Georgia. After yesterday's recognition - in the
form of a decree by President Medvedev - of the secessionists South
Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, a much tougher approach
will be needed to counter the Russian challenge. The lesson learned
is that Putin will ignore international appeals and warnings that
lack substance....
"It is now all about giving support Georgia by reconstruction
assistance, rapprochement to the EU with the aim of future
membership, renewed NATO assurances that Russia has no veto rights
against Georgian NATO membership. In other words, to increase
(Western) presence, possibly by deploying NATO forces in the Baltic
States. This approach also is applicable to Ukraine, which may be
next in line for Russia. (Our) engagement must increase.
"We must be prepared to take the fight even if things heat up. If we
do not, we will leave Georgia out in the cold and give free rein to
more aggressive Russian policies."
WOOD