As was expected, the meeting of European leaders was a mix of calls for severe sanction against Russia, and calls for more moderate actions in view of the fact that Europe is really dependent on oil and gas supplies from this country.
As a result, no sanctions are envisaged, but EU has decided to condemn Russia for recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In addition, any discussions on the Strategic Pact between EU and Russia are postponed until full withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia. You may find the text of the conclusions of the European Council Meeting here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/01_09_08_eurussia_statement.pdf
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I like this statement - "Don't tease the bear because it may just be smarter than you". It appears the Georgians fell into the yawning trap set for them by the Russians. Each summer both sides had fired on the other, and Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili decided this summer was the time to root out the separatists - many with freshly issued Russian passports - in South Ossetia. When his forces moved into the province beginning August 7, the Russian bear pounced. By all accounts, the Georgians moved first militarily. By most accounts, the Russians were simply awaiting that provocation, biding their time, with massive columns of armor ready to roar south once Georgia crossed into South Ossetia. Now that their troops occupy both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, they seem intent on remaining there as purported peacekeepers. Maybe rightly so...
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