I am deeply troubled about the violent and life destroying conflict in Georgia.
I have dropped in on Georgia a number of time. Only stopping at the International Airport in Tbilisi on the way to Armenia one of their neighbours.
Dictionary::
a country in southeastern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea; pop. 4,693,000; capital, Tbilisi; languages, Georgian (official), Russian, and Armenian.
An independent kingdom in medieval times, Georgia became part of the Russian empire in the 19th century and then was absorbed into the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, Georgia became an independent republic outside of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Since then, separatist movements among the Abkhazian and South Ossetian minorities have led to outbreaks of ethnic conflict.
I have many friends in Georgia, mainly among the YMCA staff there. Many have visited me in my work here and I have met and dialogued with others at International conferences. I care for that region having worked alongside these beautiful humans many times in their country. They are very proud and care much about their nationhood and culture.
Bulgaria has been the nation I have visited most in this region. From 1991 for some fourteen years I visited them once or twice each year. They have a great spirit, and yet, they live in a poverty which we never smell. They are much like Georgia with their culture, warm hospitality and generous spirit.
The conflict started only last Thursday. Yet it has cost many lives and serious damage to many other humans and of course the infrastructure of the towns and cities.
The Georgian President seems now to be a broken and humiliated man. I don't believe in war. It creates damage in the spirits of humans which lasts for decades. Peace must be the way - diplomacy and face to face communication to ensure that all realise that the human they are talking with is a human with families and fears too. Therefore - it seems to me that to shell south Ossetia was a real bad move on behalf of the Georgians.
Russia are mighty. I am particularly interested in two humans in that nation.
Prime Minister Putin and the new President Medvedev have interesting non-verbal communication. (I have said many times - in communication 'words' are only 7% and the rest is non-verbal.) Putin seems to strut with utmost confidence whilst the new President seems to be uncomfortable in his skin. I consider that Putin is calling the shots (and shells).It seems to me that the Russians have a big agenda for that region and they have used their muscle on this occasion. I guess that they want regime change in Georgia and to see that little country to return to what used to be called 'the USSR'.
There is a cease-fire now - we hope.
And pray
Yet there is killing going on by non uniformed men. Maybe reprisals because they have had friends and family die from shells and rockets fired from the other side. Terrible thing war. I hate the smell of it. God bless all these damaged and in-pain humans.
With all this destruction, displaced peoples (how would you feel if you had to leave your home right now and never return to it or your community?) I hate war.
The west was right not to intervene with armour. And to speak peace is the way. I don't like the reteric from some key players. Sounding tough - dear me.
I am glad the mediators are in there doing their stuff.
They will have to do some long hard work there and the United Nations too.
Consider::
Read some of the more peaceful reflections about my visits there - and if you place your hands together-ever, with purpose.
Please ..................
Monday, February 27, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
