Georgia
Georgia Georgia is a sovereign state in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia with a population of 4,600852 according to the consensus in 2010. The state obtained its independence from Soviet rule April 1991 however its political climate is continuously dominated by the violent conflict over the two autonomous regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The rebel groups are continuously claimed by the Georgian government to be supported by Russia. In the early 1990s both South Ossetia and Abkhazia sought secession from Georgia and as a result violent hostilities broke out between the separatist rebels and Georgian forces. Two ceasefire agreements were settled in 1992 and 1994 however tension persisted and consequently led to the establishment of a UN observer mission (UNOMIG) and an increased involvement of Russia, the OSCE and the European Union. Reunification became a priority for the Georgian authorities shortly after the Rose Revolution in 2004 however the consequence was an increase in violence between separatists and armed forces in Abkhazia and some parts of South Ossetia. The situation further deteriorated when Georgia’s armed forces clashed with rebels in the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali on August 7th2008 which was followed up by a heavy Russian counter- offensive. The military conflict lasted for five days and became known as the 2008 South Ossetia War. Facilitated by France, acting on behalf of the European Union, the parties agreed on a six point peace plan on August 12th which called on all parties to cease hostilities and move back armed forces. Despite the end of hostilities, tension continue to remain high between Russia and Georgia as Russia rapidly moved to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states shortly after the conflict. The differences in strategic outlooks within the EU, between the EU and the US and the Russian involvement have complicated the search for a stable future for the Georgian state. However, August 2008 war marks the beginning of the EU’s direct involvement in conflict management, particularly evident with the on-going European monitoring mission (EUMM). Activities that add on to the longer-term and more structural approaches premised on democracy promotion and rule of law.