International Law
Georgia Sues Russia in World Court
Posted Aug 13, 2008, 03:04 pm CST
By Martha Neil
Unable to win a five-day war that Russia has waged, Georgia is seeking help from the World Court, as the International Court of Justice, at the United Nations in The Hague is informally known.
It has no power of enforcement, but Georgia filed suit there yesterday seeking a ruling that Russia must withdraw all troops from two disputed Georgian provinces and pay compensation, reports the Associated Press. The two neighbors are currently negotiating a ceasefire.
The lawsuit accuses Russia of murder, rape, and mass expulsion in the two provinces, according to court papers.
Related coverage:
BBC: " Human cost of Georgian conflict"
London Times: "Shattered Georgia pays high price for peace"
Diane Francis (Financial Post): "Georgia: wake up Europe"