Russia Chose Action Over Indifference in Georgia - Medvedev
During a ceremony to present State Decorations, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev defended Russia's actions with regards to Georgia and its breakaway republics.
Speech at State Decorations Presentation Ceremony
October 1, 2008
The Kremlin, Moscow
PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA DMITRY MEDVEDEV:
DMITRY MEDVEDEV: Dear comrades, dear friends,
I want to thank you sincerely once more for your service and for everything you did at this difficult moment for our country.
It is very clear that almost two months ago our country faced the choice of doing nothing and closing its eyes to gross violations of international obligations and the deaths of our people, including our peacekeepers, or taking resolute action to stop the aggression. We chose the latter and we were right. It was at this moment that we showed that Russia is a country that can stand up for its citizens and that other countries will have to take into account, including countries that hide behind friendship with other stronger powers. We will not tolerate arbitrariness. If need be, we will use different means to protect our interests. Our emphasis is on political means, of course, political negotiations, and this reflects our peaceful foreign policy. But we cannot close our eyes to what is happening.
One more point I want to make: the world changed after August this year. We have witnessed the collapse of the old world order and we are now seeing the emergence of a new and we hope safer and fairer world order. Russia's actions in August this year to save the people of South Ossetia and protect our citizens and our country's interests are evidence of this.
It is my great pleasure to thank you for what you have done, because were it not for your sense of duty and your service at this difficult hour, history could have taken a different turn. We are proud of you!
Thank you for your service. We are counting on you!
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