Georgia, Tbilisi, 7 August / Trend corr. N.Kirtskhalia/ Ossetian separatists resorted to well prepared provocation to involve Georgia in large-scale military actions, Georgian Minister of State for Reintegration Temur Yakobashvili said at a briefing on 7 August.
"Unfortunately, provocations are going on in the conflict zone, where shooting was lasting all night long. This way Tskhinvali tries to undermine the talk process. Moreover, heavy military equipment and artillery is used. They attacked the police and civil people at night and we had to retaliate," he stressed.
The State Minister stressed that separatists are now resorting to more refined methods to hold provocation fights. "They shoot from the area nearby Russian peacekeepers, who do not react. And that can result in Russia's involving in the conflict. Separatists also use social premises, including hospitals and schools. They open fire from them to state about Georgian barbarism after retaliation. This is barbarism when you use people's life to maintain your authority," he stated.
According to Yakobashvili, Russia, which armed the separatists, is responsible for escalation of tensions in the conflict zone. "Preparations are being held for new shooting in the region and Russia is losing control over the situation," he said.
The State Minister said two Georgian servicemen and seven people from Ossetia had been wounded in result of the nighttime shootings. "There are a lot of destructions. As a result of sporadic shooting, Ossetia destroyed 20% of its Dmenisi village," he said.
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