This is an email sent to me from Avaaz.org, a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want.
Dear Friends,
The conflict in Georgia is escalating dangerously. Russian troops have moved deep into the country, and thousands of civilians are at risk.
Photo Taken From ABCNews.go.com
Diplomats are scrambling to find a solution, and the European Union has proposed a ceasefire and withdrawal of all forces to their previous positions. China has also called for an "Olympic Truce", an ancient tradition that asks all countries to cease hostilities during the Olympic Games.
Georgia and Russia have agreed to a ceasefire, but reports of fighting continue -- we urgently need a full withdrawal of all forces to prevent further conflict.
In the next 48 hours, a massive global public outcry would show Russian and Georgian leaders that the world wants a ceasefire, and that further aggression will damage a country's international reputation. Click below to sign our emergency petition and then forward this email to your friends and family. We'll publicize the petition in the media and deliver it the UN Security Council and the Russian and Georgian governments:
or this link:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/georgia_ceasefire_now/97.php?cl_tf_sign=1
Russia and Georgia have a long history of tensions, but the recent hostilities were sparked over a small region called South Ossetia, which is seeking separation from Georgia. For years South Ossetia has had de facto autonomy, but after clashes between Ossete militia and Georgian troops, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili ordered the army to occupy the breakaway province. The Russian army immediately responded by driving the Georgian army out, bombing targets and attacking towns deep within Georgia.
History teaches us that small wars easily spark larger ones. Saakashvili has applied to join NATO, angering Russian Prime Minister Putin, who may be using the invasion to remove the Georgian leader and teach a lesson to other Russian neighbours who would like to join NATO. As Georgia is a close ally of the United States, the conflict could escalate dangerously. The Georgian and South Ossetian people could become victims of a great global contest for power in the oil rich region.
Photo Taken From Hurriyet.com
Wars get more vicious and harder to end the longer they last. The best time to stop this one is right now -- let's act now, and help make a full withdrawal of all forces the first step in a peaceful, negotiated solution to the root causes of conflict in this troubled region.
With hope,
Ricken, Iain, Veronique, Graziela, Brett, Paul, Pascal, Milena and the whole Avaaz team
PS - Here are some links for more information on this conflict, and a link to learn more about Avaaz campaigns:
For more information about Avaaz campaigns:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2
For more background on the conflict in Georgia:
International Crisis Group: “War in Georgia”
BBC: “Georgia-Russia Conflict”
Financial Times: “Russia is forfeiting its world standing”
The European Union proposes a ceasefire:
Moscow Times: “Europe takes lead in bid to resolve conflict”
IHT: “Europe taking a diplomatic approach to Caucasus conflict”
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