Hostilities between Russian and Georgian forces in the disputed Caucasus region of South Ossetia, Georgia, have been flaring since Aug. 8. South Ossetia, the area under attack, is a long-conflicted region along Georgia’s border with Russia.
Intense bombing has led to tens of thousands of people fleeing South Ossetia for the north. At present, the number of refugees and displaced persons in North Ossetia is estimated to be about 35,000.
PDA said in a situation report on Thursday (Aug. 14) that it is responding to the crisis in Georgia through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, a Swiss-based international alliance of churches and relief agencies of which PDA is a member.
ACT members, along with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA), are working together to deliver assistance to refugees and displaced persons in North Ossetia, the situation report said. ROC, through its emergency response arm called the Russian Round Table, is taking the lead in the response.
The Russian Round Table has at its disposal the necessary working contacts, infrastructure and experienced staff in place in the region, PDA said. The orthodox churches and institutions are helping to provide shelter and are distributing food, clothing and medicines to the refugees and displaced persons.
Gary Payton, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s World Mission Regional Liaison for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland, has informed PDA that he is also monitoring the situation and is in contact with Margarita Nelyubova, head of the Russian Round Table.
ACT Rapid Response Funds are being provided to help provide additional food, sanitary items and household packages to displaced persons in North Ossetia. Other ACT members are mobilizing to provide assistance in South Ossetia and in other parts of Georgia as security permits, PDA’s situation report said.
The conflict in Georgia began late last week when forces from the Russian capital, Tbilisi, launched a military incursion into South Ossetia in an effort to rout separatist rebels. Russia — which supports the separatists, many of whom claim Russian citizenship — responded the next day, sending tanks across the border into the province. The conflict quickly spread to parts of Georgia and to Abkhazia, another breakaway region. Concern beyond Georgia’s borders prompted European leaders, spearheaded by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, to mediate a cease-fire deal and U.S. President George W. Bush to offer humanitarian support.
Despite the cease-fire deal on Aug. 12, accusations of ongoing hostilities have continued on both sides, and Russia’s incursion into undisputed Georgian territory has been adding to confusion and fueling doubts that a quick solution to the conflict can be found.
Those wishing to respond to the crisis financially may do so by designating gifts for Europe, DR000134. Donations may be sent through normal mission giving channels. Gifts by credit card can be made by calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283 or online. Checks payable to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can also be mailed directly to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Individual Remittance Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
