Georgian Response, Dutch Pressure, and Uruguayan Crackers: Five Bets for the Weekend
The Georgian Response
Georgia has responded to Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by severing diplomatic relations with Russia and calling for international sanctions. The Georgian government has also declared a state of emergency in the country and has mobilized its military. Russia has said that it will not withdraw its troops from Georgia until the Georgian government agrees to a ceasefire.
The Georgian government has accused Russia of aggression and has said that it will not negotiate with Russia until it withdraws its troops from Georgia. The Russian government has said that it is not interested in a war with Georgia, but that it will not tolerate any threats to its security.
The Dutch Pressure
The Netherlands has called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Russia in response to its recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Dutch government has also said that it will not support any further enlargement of the EU until Russia withdraws its troops from Georgia.
The EU has said that it is considering imposing sanctions on Russia, but that it wants to give diplomacy a chance to work. The EU has also said that it is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Georgia and has called on Russia to allow humanitarian aid to reach the country.
The Uruguayan Crackers
Uruguay has banned the sale of crackers made in Russia in response to Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Uruguayan government has said that the ban is a symbolic gesture of protest against Russia's actions.
The Russian government has said that it is disappointed by Uruguay's decision, but that it respects Uruguay's right to make its own decisions. The Russian government has also said that it is confident that the ban on crackers will not have a significant impact on Russia's economy.
Five Bets for the Weekend
Here are five bets for the weekend:
- Georgia will not agree to a ceasefire until Russia withdraws its troops from Georgia.
- The EU will impose sanctions on Russia.
- The humanitarian situation in Georgia will worsen.
- Russia will not withdraw its troops from Georgia.
- The ban on crackers in Uruguay will not have a significant impact on Russia's economy.