Top UN officials have again failed to agree on a statement calling for a ceasefire in Georgia’s separatist region of South Ossetia. The meeting, this time called by Georgia, could not reach a compromise on ending hostilities. Russia’s UN Ambassador said i
After four hours of talks, no voice of compromise could be found. The previous meeting, held on Friday at Russia's request, saw the Security Council reject a Russia-drafted resolution calling on Georgia and South Ossetia to immediately put down their weapons. “If the UN Security Council members agreed to the draft statement proposed by Russia last night, then the situation would not be at this difficult stage,” said Russia's ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin. America's ambassasor accused Russia of being the only Council member not calling for a ceasefire. Russia replied by accusing the US of shouting slogans, when it really needs to look at the root of the problem. Georgia says it wants a strong Council statement condemning Russia’s actions, which it is labelling a military invasion. Russia says Georgia has unleashed slaughter on its own territory, and is now pretending to be offended by the situation that it created. Attempts to find a solution to the violent conflict, in which an estimated 1,600 have already lost their lives, will continue at the United Nations on Saturday.