Campaigning began 5 Aug ahead of 5 Sept parliamentary elections, first since 1992. Opposition parties, rights groups accuse govt of extensive pre-poll abuses, including squeezing out opposition media and campaigning, interference in electoral commission. Founding UNITA member Jorge Valentim 19 Aug defected to ruling MPLA.

Little progress in peace agreement implementation despite several meetings starting 18 Aug between President Nkurunziza and FNL leader Agathon Rwasa. Sides reportedly agreed twice-weekly meetings, joint commission to address impasse, principle of FNL integration into institutions. FNL earlier demanded 50-50 share of positions in power sharing. Both sides traded accusations of serious violation of May ceasefire after 22 Aug clash killed 1 soldier. Rwasa claimed security forces plot to kill him in 26 Aug letter to Nkurunziza. Opposition parties 20 Aug denounced covert political and ethnic census of civil servants ordered by Senate.

Peace process stalemated as rebels, opposition parties withdrew from national political dialogue talks over amnesty law and composition of dialogue committee. Govt 1 Aug presented law granting amnesty to govt, rebel forces for offences since Patisse overthrow March 2003, but only to govt forces for pre-2003 abuses. Rebel groups APRD, UFDR and FDPC, and UFVN opposition coalition withdrew demanding extension of pre-March 2003 amnesty to all; authorities 16 Aug granted APRD permission to form political party. Confrontations reported between army and APRD elements in north west including 2 killed, 4 wounded 7 Aug.

Security situation remains fragile: reported clashes between rebels, pro-govt militias continuing on eastern border- rebels reported many killed. Court sentenced former President Hissène Habré, currently in Senegal and due to be tried there for atrocity crimes during 1982-1990 rule, to death 15 Aug for planning govt overthrow early 2008. 4 Aug explosion in N’Djamena market killed 7, attributed to rocket from Feb 2008 rebel attack. Bilateral relations with Sudan reopened 1 Aug.

Large rallies in Anjouan and Moroni reportedly called for President Sambi’s resignation over price hikes, non-payment of salaries, failure to deliver reform. UNDP representative 22 Aug warned of potential instability across country despite hopes following Aujouan’s peaceful June elections.

Some progress in delayed electoral preparations, but concerns that 30 Nov polls increasingly unlikely. UNOCI 10 Aug delivered first batch of equipment for voter registration; initial EU mission arrived 6 Aug to assess conditions for 100 observers; identification process extended to 12 Sept. President Gbagbo 30 Aug nominated as Ivorian Popular Front party candidate. UNOCI 14 Aug began 6-month $4m ex-combatant reintegration initiative. Some 300 ex-rebel FN forces protested in Bouaké 18-24 Aug in further unrest over non-payment of military demobilisation packages.

Heavy fire between army and General Nkunda’s CNDP rebels broke out 28 Aug in North Kivu following early month reports of rearming and recruiting; casualty figures unconfirmed. Nkunda mid-month alleged provocative govt attacks against his positions, govt 30 Aug sealed border with Uganda to cut off “supply source”. Army and Mai Mai rebels reportedly clashed in North Kivu, killing 7 on 16 Aug, while fighting broke out between FDLR elements in South Kivu. Increased tensions also reported in Ituri. MONUC and FARDC troops jointly deployed late Aug following reported LRA attacks in east. MONUC 1 Aug reported some 70 RUD, FDLR rebels surrendered 31 July to joint UN-govt North Kivu reception centre. UNSG Ban Ki-moon 12 Aug said internal UN investigation found evidence some peacekeepers may have been involved in sexual exploitation. New investigation launched into senior North Kivu peacekeeper’s alleged public declaration of support for CNDP rebels. Algerian Leila Zerrougui appointed new MONUC deputy head 28 Aug.

Govt circulated draft law on NGOs, law criticised for curbs it would impose on freedom of rights groups. Editor of major weekly Reporter arrested 22 Aug after publishing article critical of labour practices; released on bail 27 Aug.

Despite 31 July termination of UN peacekeeping mission on border, status quo prevailed, with Ethiopia stressing intention to pursue dialogue with Eritrea to resolve border dispute.

In series of political reshuffles, President Conté early month sacked long-time ally and high-level minister Soumah, replacing with son-in-law Kéïra. Move widely thought linked to Conté’s 1 Aug rescinding of significant mining concession contract in Simandou. Electoral commission 28Aug announced national polls, set for Nov, likely to be again postponed due to funding shortfalls and June govt changes. Health workers’ 2-day countrywide pay strike 11-12 Aug suspended after govt talks. Guinean army chief 12 Aug apologised over 200 civilians killed in police crackdown on early 2007 anti-Conté protests.

President Vieira 5 Aug dissolved National Assembly following opposition PAIGC withdrawal from govt alliance last month, reversing Apr law extending MPs’ mandate until 16 Nov elections. Vieira ally Correia sworn in as PM 9 Aug leadin new loyalist interim govt. Authorities 8 Aug said military coup plot foiled, alleged ringleader navy chief Na Tchuto captured in Gambia 13 Aug.

Justice Minister Karua 22 Aug announced new committee to oversee confession, surrender of illegally acquired wealth as part of proposed amnesty law. Former anti- corruption czar John Githongo, returning 19 Aug after 3 years self-exile, supported amnesty for economic crimes following full confessions. Attorney General Wako in address to commission of inquiry into post-election violence said should be no amnesty for perpetrators, as PM Odinga again called for release of 300 suspects. Controversy emerging over Kenya Human Rights Commission report on violence, with early version naming planners and perpetrators including senior officials, later version reportedly exonerating many. Leaked memo proposing high salaries to PM, vice-president’s wives provoked outrage.

UNSG Ban Ki-moon 15 Aug recommended UNMIL mandate extended to Sept 2009 and police units expanded due to security risks. Controversy over Senate presidency after 5 Aug vote to suspend temporary president Nyenabo, later ruled unconstitutional by Supreme Court. Anti-corruption commission set up 22 Aug following donor, opposition calls to fight graft.

July’s Algeria-brokered ceasefire between govt and Tuareg rebels held. Joint commission set up 20 Aug ahead of 28-30 Aug talks on forming mixed police units, security in north. Rebels released 24 hostages late month, some 70 allegedly still captive.

Rebel group Niger Justice Movement (MNJ) leader Ag Alambo 19 Aug denied earlier reports that group promised to end attacks, but confirmed readiness to participate in externally led mediation. At least 1 killed, up to 40 injured, in 24 Aug explosion in Zinder province during arms handover by surrendering Saharan Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARS) rebels; officials claim blasts accidental. Army late-month claimed large landmines stockpile seized at Chad border.

President Yar’Adua 21 Aug sacked heads of army, navy, chief of defence, in assertion of executive control. Series of high-profile anti-corruption arrests, including ex-Adamawa State Governor Haruna, ex-deputy chairman of ruling PDP party George, and current chair of Niger Delta Development Commission Edem. Niger Delta militancy continued: kidnappings targeting foreign workers reported; militants destroyed gas pipeline in Rivers State 12 Aug, oil pipeline in Delta State 19 Aug. Oil vessel on Bonny River hijacked 24 Aug, 8 hostages taken. 4 soldiers killed in attacks on security forces in Rivers and Delta States. Militant group Movement for the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed 6 members, 29 soldiers killed in 30 Aug offensive; army denied. Governor Amaechi requested additional military support after 30 killed in gang clashes in Port Harcourt. Bakassi Peninsula handed to Cameroon 14 Aug amid tight security, prompting crossing of up to 60,000 into Nigeria and unconfirmed attacks on Cameroonian forces by Niger Delta-linked militants.

Justice ministry 5 Aug released Mucyo report accusing French govt of aiding and arming Hutu fighters before and during 1994 genocide; demanded legal action. French govt rejected report as “unacceptable”. ICTR appeals chamber 29 Aug overturned 2006 genocide conviction, 25-year jail sentence of former army officer. President Kagame 15 Aug dissolved lower chamber ahead of 15 Sept parliamentary elections; campaign began 25 Aug, 355 candidates contesting seats.

Ruling APC party youths 13 Aug attacked opposition SLPP offices in further inter-party clashes; govt- called meeting between parties ended in violence including police attacks on journalists. President Koroma suspended Transport Minister Sesay 4 Aug after brother’s arrest following 21 July cocaine load seizure.

Violence escalated across country, with southern port Kismayo falling to Islamist insurgents 22 Aug after 3 days of fighting killed at least 100, as political crisis between President Yusuf and PM Nur Adde intensified. 18 Aug deal between Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and faction of opposition Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) established political and security committees, set 30-day ceasefire deadline, 120 days for requested stabilisation force authorisation and deployment, and Ethiopian troop withdrawal. Both sides called for enlarged peacekeeping force as UNSC 19 Aug extended AMISOM mandate by 6 months. ARS said ceasefire dependent on Ethiopian troop withdrawal schedule; Al-Shabaab and Eritrea-based ARS hardliners including Sheikh Aweys rejected agreement. PM, president and parliament speaker 26 Aug signed deal in Addis to mend rift. Ethiopian PM Meles suggested possible policy shift on involvement in Somalia, including potential troop withdrawal; FM criticised TFG divisions. Row sparked by PM’s dismissal of Mogadishu governor and Yusuf ally, Mohammed Dheere, with two thirds of cabinet ministers resigning 1 Aug. Yusuf accused top Ethiopian army chief in Somalia 17 Aug of connections with insurgents. Major clashes between Al-Shabaab and govt, Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu and elsewhere, including 15 Aug Ethiopian attack on 2 minibuses killing 60. 3 aid workers, 1 AU peacekeeper killed through month; 2 foreign journalists, 2 local staff abducted. UNHCR Somalia boss freed 27 Aug after 2 months captivity; Medecins sans Frontières closed clinic in capital. Pirates seized 4 ships, 130 crew in 48 hours 20-21 Aug.

Somaliland interior minister 11 Aug claimed militants with links to Al-Shabaab organising outside Burao in south; claim dismissed by opposition. Police 26 Aug arrested journalist reporting on opposition party convention.

Ruling NCP stance hardened against July International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s application for President Bashir arrest warrant. Bashir said 20 Aug will ask UNAMID peacekeepers to leave if ICC issues warrant. UNSC divided over invoking Art 16 of Rome Statute to defer investigation, as UN 19 Aug reported strengthened security measures in case of hostile reaction. Darfur rebel groups rejected new govt- SPLM agreed framework for Sudan People’s Initiative (SPI) to resolve Darfur conflict. Army launched new offensive: 26 Aug killed more than 30 in weapons hunt in southern Darfur IDP camp, drawing protest resignations from Darfur govt officials and condemnation from UNAMID. UN, activists urged review of some 50 death sentences for rebels accused of May attack on capital. NCP and SPLM agreed 8 Aug on composition of Abyei administration: Bashir appointed SPLM member as chief administrator, NCP member as deputy. UN peacekeeping mission reported 10 Aug north and south armies still not fully withdrawn from region, but joint forces operating. 4 days print- run of Sudan Tribune seized for criticising govt on North-South peace deal roll-out. Sudan and Chad agreed 1 Aug to restore bilateral relations. Some 70 killed in 20 Aug clashes between Rizeigat and Misseriya over water, land in southern Darfur; govt responded with rapid reconciliation mechanism. Swiss group 26 Aug reported buildup of troops, weapons in Nuba Mountains. Unidentified group hijacked passenger plane leaving Darfur 26 Aug, all but crew released in Libya 27 Aug.

UN envoy Joaquim Chissano 17 Aug reported LRA leader Joseph Kony ready to sign final peace agreement on condition of meeting chief mediator Riek Machar; govt ruled out further talks 19 Aug. Kony said 22 Aug no deal until ICC arrest warrant lifted; Chissano claimed ICC negotiations ongoing. Kony failed to attend 24 Aug meeting with LRA negotiators and Chissano; U.S. applied personal sanctions to Kony 28 Aug. Govt 6 Aug started implementing certain Juba Peace Agreement provisions, including IDP resettlement, ceasing military activities in north. UPDF said 2 Aug will deploy along Sudanese border to prevent harassment of locals by alleged SPLA soldiers. Reports emerged that former pro-govt militias and UPDF responsible for recent murders in north, claiming to be LRA, using LRA weapons. Division deepened in ruling NRM over Museveni’s fourth term bid, launched 5 Aug; 4 opposition parties signed coalition agreement 4 Aug.

No progress in power-sharing talks between ZANU-PF leader Mugabe, opposition MDC leader Tsvangirai and MDC faction leader Mutambara. Talks stalled mid-month over division of executive powers as Mugabe and ZANU-PF hardliners demanded Tsvangirai accept semi-ceremonial PM role. Further talks in margins of SADC summit 16-17 Aug and in South Africa 29-31 Aug failed to break impasse; regional leaders increasingly concerned talks ineffective. Mugabe unilaterally convened parliament 26 Aug, in breach of 21 July talks agreement, and began appointments to Senate, governorships 24 Aug. In blow to ZANU-PF, MDC-Tsvangirai MP Lovemore Moyo elected parliamentary speaker after gaining 11 ZANU-PF and MDC-Mutambara votes. State violence, intimidation down since June peak, but reports 2 killed in continuing ZANU-PF attacks on MDC supporters in rural areas; 2 MDC MPs arrested before speaker vote. ZANU- PF 29 Aug lifted 3-month ban on aid agencies, issued new currency 1 Aug removing 10 zeros from dollar.

Angry exchanges over 22 Aug coalition airstrikes in western province of Herat: UN 26 Aug said “convincing evidence” of some 90 civilians killed, while U.S. claimed only 5. Karzai sacked 2 Afghan army officials over incident. Afghan cabinet called for greater regulation of foreign forces, more effective curbs on aerial bombing. 3 female expat humanitarian workers and Afghan driver killed in vehicle ambush in Logar province 13 Aug. 10 French soldiers killed 18 Aug near Kabul, deadliest attack on foreign soldiers since 2001. 9 labourers killed in attack on main U.S. base in east in Khost 18-19 Aug; NATO said it repelled wave of other attacks same night.

Local polls held 4 Aug in 4 cities, 9 municipalities as state of emergency “eased” in voting districts. No party affiliations allowed, some confusion over voter identification reported. Candidates backed by Awami League reportedly led polls. Supporters of ex-PM Zia rioted 25 Aug, demanding her son be released from detention for medical treatment; 1 killed outside Dhaka college. India ordered night-time curfew on shared border 25 Aug.

16 paramilitary officers reportedly killed in 4 Aug attack by Uighur Muslims in Kashgar, Xinjiang. Turkistan Islamic Party issued threat against Olympics 7 Aug, warned Muslims to stay away from Games. Several pipe bombs exploded 9 Aug in Kuqacounty, Xinjiang, 2 dead; police claimed they subsequently killed 8 attackers. 3 police killed in knife attack outside Kashgar 12 Aug.

PM Bainimarama reversed pledge to hold elections by March 2009; said time needed to set up new electoral system. Labour party left military-led govt in protest 17 Aug. Regional leaders threatened 21 Aug to suspend Fiji from Pacific Islands Forum if no progress made towards polls by end 2008.

8 killed, including 6 police, in 21 Aug Bihar clash with Maoists. At least 10 killed in Orissa Hindu-Christian fighting late month, thousands displaced; police suggested Maoist provocation. 10 Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) members arrested 16 Aug, suspected of July Ahmedabad bombings. Supreme Court 6 Aug upheld ban on SIMI, in effect since 2001.

Violence grew in India-controlled Kashmir, as protests sparked by planned Hindu shrine land transfer resumed. 4 killed in independence rallies 25 Aug in Srinagar, several party leaders detained for curfew violations; over 25 reported killed by Indian police in 2 weeks. Indian security forces killed prominent separatist leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz as he led march towards Line of Control (LoC) 11 Aug; several killed in LoC battles in month.

1 killed in 9 Aug celebration of World Indigenous Day in Papua after police opened fire in response to raising of Morning Star flag. Trial of Muchdi, former intelligence (BIN) deputy director, in relation to 2004 death of human rights lawyer Munir, began 21 Aug in South Jakarta district court.

North Korea threatened 26 Aug to reactivate plutonium making facilities at Yongbyon as talks stalled over modalities for verification of country’s June nuclear declaration: generally seen as more negotiating brinkmanship rather than signalling talks breakdown. Impasse over removal of DPRK from U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list as 45-day notification period expired 11 Aug: U.S. demanding verification first, Pyongyang ceased dismantling facilities 14 Aug. Controversy continued over July shooting of ROK tourist on Mt Kumgang: North issued statement 3 Aug blaming tourist and criticising Seoul’s response. WFP requested $60m in food aid from Seoul as dire warnings over malnutrition in North persist.

UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari made 5-day visit to country 18 Aug, but failed to secure meetings with either Gen. Than Shwe or Aung San Suu Kyi, calling efficacy of UN effort into question. Suu Kyi supporters claim she refused visit, began hunger strike over lack of progress. Separate visit made 4 Aug by new UN rapporteur on human rights Quintana. Indonesian parliament lifted block on appointment of ambassadors between countries but invited 4 NLD reps to Indonesian president’s independence day address.

Constituent Assembly 15 Aug elected Maoist (CPN(M)) leader Prachanda new PM with 80% of votes. Prachanda announced coalition govt 22 Aug with third- and fourth-placed parties in Apr elections, UML and MJF; CPN(M) to hold finance, defence ministries, UML in second position with deputy PM, home ministry, and MJF foreign affairs. Nepali Congress party refused to join Maoist-led govt. Prachanda made first foreign visit as PM to Beijing, attending Olympics and meeting Chinese PM and president. Heavy flooding in Tarai plains displaced over 35,000 mid- month.

President Musharraf 18 Aug announced resignation, following 7 Aug decision by PPP and PML-N coalition parties to begin impeachment proceedings. Coalition collapsed 25 Aug after PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif said PPP head Asif Ali Zardari failed to honour 7 Aug agreement on reinstating judges sacked by Musharraf in Nov. New president to be elected 6 Sept by national and provincial assemblies: Zardari and PML-N candidate Said Siddiqui, former chief justice, among candidates. Military operations continued in FATA particularly in Bajaur agency, where over 250,000 displaced. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for 19 Aug suicide attack on hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, NWFP, killing 32; threatened more if Bajaur operations continue. Over 60 killed, 100 injured, in 21 Aug bombing at ordnance factory near Islamabad. Govt banned TTP as terrorist organisation, rejecting offers of ceasefire.

July agreement on ancestral domain issue for Mindanao scrapped amid escalating clashes between govt, paramilitary forces and MILF. Supreme Court issued temporary restraining order on initialled agreement 4 Aug, as opponents of inclusion in new “Bangsamoro Judicial Entity” rallied in North Cotabato. MILF troops occupied 13 towns there; ensuing clashes with security forces displaced estimated 160,000. Separate fighting by MILF faction in Lanao del Norte 18 Aug killed some 24 civilians; tens more killed in govt push that followed. Govt negotiator said 22 Aug Manila no longer interested in deal, MILF must disarm. Malaysia 28 Aug extended its participation in monitoring mission by 3 months.

Govt gained further territory in north as forces neared de facto LTTE capital Killinochchi. Tens of thousands more displaced, with tight restrictions on humanitarian aid causing severe hardships. Govt won provincial council elections in North-Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces after campaign marred by assaults, shootings and widespread intimidation of opposition. After 5 months detention without charge, Tamil journalist J.S. Tissanayagam accused of publishing allegedly terrorism-supporting magazine. 44 injured in Colombo bombing 30 Aug.

During late Aug commemoration of 1958 PLA bombardments of Kinmen, President Ma Ying-jeou renewed pledges to promote peace with China. Earlier, Taipei carefully announced plans to request “participation” in UN agencies. Former President Chen Shui-bian and wife Wu Shu-chen quit DPP 15 Aug after party announced investigation into their abuse of campaign funds.

Series of bombings in Songkhla 2 Aug hit South’s largest city, Hat Yai; Songkhla town affected for first time. Cabinet approved deployment of some 2,500 additional paramilitary rangers to South 5 Aug. Former PM Thaksin and family fled to UK 11 Aug to escape corruption trials, 10 days after wife’s sentencing to 3 years for tax evasion. Large demonstrations began 25 Aug, led by People’s Alliance for Democracy, calling for PM Samak’s resignation.

Leaked UN report of investigation into Feb attacks on president highlighted weakness of Timorese forces’ response, slowness of UN. Leaked autopsy findings on rebel Alfredo Reinado killed in same incident showed shot 4 times at close range. Separate UN report noted increase in complaints about abuses by security forces. IDP camp at Dili airport, one of country’s largest, closed without incident.

Thousands in 1 Aug opposition rally in Yerevan; former presidential candidate Ter-Petrossian called for President Sarkisian’s resignation. Head of commission investigating March violence Samvel Nikoyan 29 Aug accused police of not cooperating. Further relaxation of Armenian- Turkish tensions as Turkish President Gul invited Armenia to newly-proposed Caucasus union initiative (see Turkey).

Armenian, Azeri FMs held Russian-brokered closed-door talks 1 Aug in Moscow; no agreement on “Madrid principles” reached. Azerbaijan 4 Aug returned 4 prisoners detained in April; Armenia 14 Aug freed 1 prisoner held since Feb.

Grenade attack on Abu Bakr mosque in Baku 17 Aug killed 3. 1 soldier killed 30 Aug in clash with alleged Islamists at border with Dagestan. State-owned SOCAR oil company announced exports through Iran after 5 Aug closure of BTC pipeline (see Turkey), halt of deliveries through Georgia (see Georgia).

Up to 1,000 marched in pro- independence rally 22 Aug in Bilbao. At least 10,000 evacuated from Spanish holiday resorts 17 Aug after 2 small bomb blasts; further bomb threats in French holiday resorts near Arcangues village saw some thousand evacuated as French police defused 3 bombs 8 Aug. French police 26 Aug arrested alleged ETA activist Zurutuza in Gotein-Libarrenx.

Political prisoners released ahead of 28 Sept parliamentary elections. Former presidential candidate Alexander Kazulin discharged 16 Aug, after opposition party Hramada replaced him as party head; 2 further dissidents pardoned 20 Aug. U.S. lawyer Emmanuel Zeltser – arrested in March – sentenced 3 years 11 Aug on industrial espionage charges. U.S. State Dept official David Merkel in Minsk 22 Aug to discuss relations after May/June diplomatic row.

Leaders of 6 parties in ruling coalition met 26 Aug in attempt to resolve deadlock on issues related to implementation of SAA with EU; no major agreements. Bosnian war crimes court 26 Aug indicted former Republika Srpska special police member Zoran Tomic with genocide for role in 1995 Srebrenica massacre.

Ongoing targeting of security forces saw 1 soldier, 2 suicide bombers killed in 30 Aug attack on Vedeno military camp; 1 soldier left dead 30 Aug after bomb attack on convoy in Serzhan-Yurt village; 2 killed 24 Aug in attack on police convoy; 1 officer fatally shot in armed attack in Urus-Martan district. 2 servicemen left dead in separate incidents 19 Aug.

Ahead of 3 Sept opening of full-fledged reunification talks, chief negotiators met 27 Aug to discuss remaining details; failed to agree on border opening in village of Limnitis. Greek nationalists 20 Aug damaged Turkish shops, cars in ethnically mixed Pyla village.

Devastating decline in political, security and humanitarian situation with war between Georgia and Russia over breakaway regions. After heavy clashes 1-2 Aug in South Ossetia (SO), Tbilisi 7-8 Aug launched military offensive on Tshkinvali. Russia responded immediately with massive attack with ground troops, air bombardments, naval attack; 9 Aug cited “genocide” and “responsibility to protect” its citizens. Separatist Abkhaz forces 8 Aug commenced fighting in Abkhazia, assisted by Russian planes; captured Georgian- controlled Kodori gorge 12 Aug. Tbilisi started withdrawal from SO 10 Aug, as Russian troops advanced further into Georgia, causing massive civilian displacement in SO, adjacent Georgian district of Gori. Casualties disputed: Russia reduced initial claim of up to 2,000 dead to 133 civilian and 64 Russian soldiers; Human Rights Watch documented 419 killed, mostly SO militia; Georgia says 69 civilians, 215 Georgian troops killed. UNHCR estimated 30,000 from SO, 128,000 within Georgia displaced. Tbilisi 12 Aug filed application at ICJ, accusing Russia of ethnic cleansing. ICC chief prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo said 20 Aug court analysing war crimes allegations. Fighting sparked heavy international engagement: EU, U.S. criticised Moscow’s “disproportionate” response; G7 FMs 27 Aug in unprecedented joint statement condemned Russia’s “excessive use of force”. French President Sarkozy 12 Aug presented 6-point ceasefire agreement including end of hostilities, withdrawal of troops, international talks on separatist regions; President Saakashvili, Russian President Medvedev signed 15-16 Aug. UNSC deadlocked after Moscow, U.S.20, 22 Aug rejected respective draft resolutions over issues of territorial integrity, implementation of 6-point agreement. Russian army official announced 23 Aug 2,600 forces to remain in “zone of responsibility” around conflict regions and in port of Poti; U.S. President Bush urged full withdrawal, accused Moscow of ceasefire breach. U.S. army-led humanitarian aid mission launched 13 Aug. Moscow 21 Aug suspended NATO cooperation. Medvedev 26 Aug recognised SO, Abkhazia independence following non-binding Duma resolution; EU,U.S. denounced move; SCO declined to support Russian recognition (see Tajikistan). Tbilisi 29 Aug cut diplomatic ties with Russia. EU leaders to discuss possible sanctions, future Moscow ties at 1 Sept extraordinary summit.

UNMIK began downsizing 11 Aug: 70% of staff to leave in first phase, around 600 to remain; fewer cuts in Serb areas. UN and EU signed technical arrangement 18 Aug to transfer UNMIK assets to EULEX. EU mission to operate under “UN umbrella”. Belgrade continued to insist EU mission requires UNSC approval, wants role in shaping mission. Russia 27 Aug affirmed backing of Belgrade, despite its recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia independence (see Georgia). Serbia submitted draft resolution to UNGA 15 Aug seeking advisory opinion from International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Kosovo’s independence declaration. Kosovo authorities rejected negotiations with Belgrade on 6 areas identified in June UNMIK reconfiguration plan, denounced any possible UNMIK-Belgrade deal on police, courts, customs in Kosovo Serb areas. PM Thaci appointed Fehmi Mujota defence minister 6 Aug, to lead establishment of new 2,500-strong Kosovo Security Force replacing civilian Kosovo Protection Force. Kosovo’s first senior diplomats appointed 29 Aug, new privatisation agency also created. Several hundred Kosovo Serbs 25 Aug protested reinstallation of customs cameras at border between Kosovo and Serbia. Ethnic Albanian and Serb residents clashed 27 Aug in north Mitrovica suburb.

President Bakiyev 6 Aug enacted legislation further tightening restrictions on freedom of assembly. Govt 26 Aug announced severe power cuts in response to chronic energy shortage; measures expected to last all winter, trigger further increase in food prices. Govt 5 Aug apologised for mistaken 4 Aug police raid on U.S. soldiers apartment, citing organisational failings.

Russian President Medvedev warned President Voronin against use of force in Transdniester in 25 Aug meeting. Romanian President Basescu and Voronin 20 Aug called for greater EU involvement in Transdniester conflict settlement.

Continued deadlock over UN-sponsored name talks with Greece. Sides discussed proposals in New York 13-14 Aug with UN envoy Nimetz. Macedonia continued lobbying foreign counterparts, attempted to expand talks to other issues, including recognition of Macedonian Orthodox Church; UN said focus to remain on name issue. Macedonia 14 Aug accused Greece of increasing pressure by conducting military exercises near border. Parliament 28 Aug adopted resolution supporting property claims of 1946-49 refugees from Greece. Nimetz visited Skopje and Athens 21-22 Aug, but both sides rejected options put forward. U.S. 13 Aug reiterated name dispute should not impede NATO admission. Political divisions in govt continued. PM Gruevski criticised President Crvenkovski’s early Aug pardon of Social Democrat VP Zoran Zaev and blocking of five bills passed during July parliamentary boycott. Crvenkovski announced intent to stand against PM Gruevski in 2009 parliamentary elections, criticised Gruevski’s handling of name issue.

In Dagestan, attacks on police patrols left 5 officers dead in separate incidents. Russian authorities 6 Aug closed newspaper Chervonik, citing extremism charges. In Ingushetia, owner of opposition website Magomed Yevloyev fatally shot in police custody 31 Aug. 1 killed in attack on army convoy 22 Aug; security officer also killed 2 Aug. Gunmen 24 Aug attacked house of Russian MP.

Serbian ambassadors previously recalled from EU countries recognising Kosovo independence reinstated starting 11 Aug, in face of opposition from nationalist DSS. EU 26 Aug said further progress on accession depends on capture and transfer to The Hague of Bosnian Serb war crimes fugitive Ratko Mladic. Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, conducting own defence at The Hague, refused to enter plea 29 Aug; judge entered not guilty pleas to all 11 charges. Vojvodina Social Democrats pushing for greater autonomy for province.

At 28 Aug Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, concern among Central Asian members focused on relations with Russia in wake of Georgia crisis; in final statement states urged resolution “peacefully, through dialogue”, made no reference to Russian recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia independence (see Georgia). WFP pledged $10m food supply for coming year, citing famine risk after significant food, fuel price rises since Aug 2007.