“Gori in ruins”? You decide

Russia Today
Saturday, Aug 16, 2008

Russia’s ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin has dismissed media reports that the Georgian city of Gori is “in ruins.” He called the allegations a “disinformation campaign” and pointed to the fact that Russian peacekeepers have in fact performed a humanitarian mission there.

The Russian military says it has been organising aid for locals who have remained in the city, and maintaining order on the ground to prevent looting.

People say they feel safer because the Russian soldiers protect them from the vandalism of local gangs.

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But media outlets including CNN jumped on Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili’s claim to have witnessed “first hand” two Russian planes bombing the city, and reported it as fact.

Speaking from the UN headquarters in New York, Russia’s UN ambassador said the allegations were part of a “disinformation campaign.” (FULL STORY)

Footage shot by RT shows a ghost town, where a statue of Stalin towers over the main square. Yes, there is glass on the ground and damaged cars, but a ruined city it certainly is not.

If there is one Georgian city that can be added to the pages of history for being ravaged by war, it’s Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia – and Gori will remain a footnote on the “propaganda war”.

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