-The Georgian government lies

Citizens of bombed-out town furious at officials

GORI: - We have lost the war, but this is also a loss for Europe. It is clear that the Russians are having their will, says Gori citizen Vasily Geldeshvili to VG.

By Kristian Krohg-Sørensen, 10 August 2008

He is one of the very few who still have not fled the Georgian town of Gori now as even military forces pull out and rumours about a coming Russian invasion are strong.

The few remaining soldiers patrol the streets heavily armed.

“There is no-one left in this place. No soldiers, no people. Only one shop is still open, and the shelves are getting empty”, says Vasily, while standing in line in front of the shop. The doors are closed, and goods are being sold through a small window. Vasily has no doubt that the Russians will enter Gori.

“They will capture not only Gori, but Tbilisi and other Georgian cities as well. That’s why I don’t bother fleeing my town. I was born here, and this is where I’ll stay. I’ve got nothing to lose”, he says.

Lies from the government

The remaining citizens in Gori are visibly shaken by the events of the recent days. The anger against the Russian bombs, which have claimed civilian lives, is mixed with an anger against the Georgian government.

“On the radio, they tell people that our forces are in control in South Ossetia, that our side has the initiative and that there is no shortage on food and resources. The government is lying, we don’t have anything here anymore. We’ve obviously lost the war. They should have understood that their actions in South Ossetia would lead to this”, says Kakha Gurdadze, another man standing in line in front of the shop.

He has also chosen to stay behind in Gori.
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“We have lost, but this is Europe’s loss too. It is clear that the Russians are having their will”, says Vasily.

Ghost town

On the main square of the Georgian industrial town, a humungous statue of Stalin watches over empty streets and closed shops. Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, is located just a few kilometers from the border to secessionist state South Ossetia, which is now under Russian control.

The havoc from yesterday’s bombing raid is clearly visible: the charred ruins of two buildings are close to the town centre. Broken glass and other debris is scattered in the streets.

Some of those still remaining here walk the pavements carrying heavy bags and suitcases – hoping to get a lift to the capital Tbilisi.