ARAG, 14 Jul 08: Georgia and Russia: A Further Deterioration in Relations
Key Points

* Moscow’s attempts to destabilise Georgia have not declined since the accession of President Medvedev.

* Two recent incidents: the introduction of Russian railway troops without informing or seeking permission from Tbilisi, and the arrest of Russian peacekeepers carrying unauthorised anti-tank missiles have further exacerbated the situation.

* With the Russian Gazprom planning to prospect for oil and gas off the coast of the unrecognised Republic of Abkhazia, the stage is set for a further escalation.