America.gov-

United States Urges Further Progress in Russia-Georgia Talks

David McKeeby — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:18:46 -0400

To strengthen a fragile peace in the South Caucasus, international cease-fire monitors must be granted full access to all of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory, including Moscow-backed separatist regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia, a U.S. official says.

Agreement Eludes Russia-Georgia Peace Talks

David McKeeby — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:59:13 -0400

Mediators in Geneva made progress, but fell short of an agreement to strengthen security and help refugees return home following the August 2008 conflict over Georgia’s Moscow-backed separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried.

Monitoring Mission Can Play Key Role in Georgia Dispute

David McKeeby — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:14:21 -0400

The 56-nation Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has a key role to play in resolving the conflict over Georgia’s Russian-backed breakaway regions, U.S. diplomats say. “This is a moment of truth for the organization and we should act,” says U.S. official Kyle Scott.

Georgia and Ukraine in NATO Is Long-Term Goal, Says State’s Fried

David McKeeby — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:45:48 -0400

Leaders of the 26-nation NATO alliance have already agreed that Georgia and Ukraine will be members, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, calling on the trans-Atlantic body to use an upcoming meeting in Brussels, BHelgium, to redouble support for long-term reforms in both emerging democracies.

U.S. Envoys Report Progress in Russia-Georgia Peace Talks

David McKeeby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:55:50 -0400

Mediators in Geneva have restarted Russia-Georgia peace talks, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, who urges sending more international monitors to the region to strengthen security and help refugees return following the August 2008 conflict over the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

U.S. Welcomes Russian Initiative on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

David McKeeby — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:17:49 -0400

The United States welcomes reports that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will host peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region as a more constructive approach to the region’s “frozen conflicts” than Moscow’s actions in the August 2008 Georgia crisis.

United States Leads Surge of Donors Rebuilding Georgia

David McKeeby — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:15:27 -0400

The United States joins 67 nations, international financial institutions and private-sector donors to deliver $4.55 billion for Georgia. “We share a commitment to Georgia’s territorial integrity,” USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore tells a European Union-sponsored donors’ conference in Brussels, Belgium.

Geneva Talks Seek Stability, Security in Georgia, U.S. Says

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:15:31 -0400

The United States welcomes international talks on security and stability in Georgia and its two breakaway regions, a senior U.S. diplomat says. “These talks underscore the broad international support with, of course, one exception, for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.”

Russian Claims of Privileged Sphere Draw Criticism

Howard Cincotta — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:49:38 -0400

Legal scholars express deep skepticism about Russia’s claim of extraterritorial right to protect its citizens. The principle of national sovereignty does not allow nations to grant citizenship “en masse” to citizens of another country without that state’s explicit consent, says one political scientist.

Rice Says United States Seeks Closer Ties with Kazakhstan

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:36:16 -0400

The United States is trying to build closer ties with Kazakhstan, but that is not intended to undermine Russian influence in Central Asia, Secretary of State Rice says. Rice says an expanded relationship with Kazakhstan does not imply a zero-sum game, meaning that any U.S. gains in the friendship need not mean Russian losses.

U.S. Military Aid to Georgia Was Never Directed at Russia

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:06:39 -0400

U.S. military assistance to Georgia in the five years before the Russian invasion was never a threat to Russian security interests, says a leading defense specialist. It sought to address needs along the violent Pankisi Gorge bordering Chechnya and to prepare units for service with coalition forces in Iraq.

European Union Monitors Enter Security Buffer Zones in Georgia

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:23:53 -0400

The 200-plus European Union civilian monitors begin taking up positions in formerly Russian-held security zones in Georgia as part of an August cease-fire deal between the EU and Russia. A U.S. State Department spokesman says deployment of EU monitors leads to the next step in the Russian withdrawal of forces from Georgia.

NATO Seen as Strengthening Security for All, Including Russia

Howard Cincotta — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:29:20 -0400

NATO operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Mediterranean have not been directed at Russia but are intended to create a Europe that is more secure, democratic and free than at any time in its history. This benefits, rather than threatens, neighboring Russia by enabling more cooperation on mutual concerns.

Transatlantic Unity on Russia

Jonathan Schaffer — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:59:21 -0400

Russia’s recent aggressive actions call into question the type of relationship it wishes with the global community, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says, noting its international reputation is at its worst since 1991 and actions by Russian leaders are causing pain on their nation’s economy.

Russia's Use of Kosovo Analogy for Georgia False, Experts Say

Howard Cincotta — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:07:05 -0400

U.S. officials and foreign policy specialists virtually all agree that Russia’s attempts to cite Kosovo as a precedent for its military actions in Georgia are both misleading and unsupported by even a cursory examination of the facts. America.gov reviews the comments of a variety of knowledgeable observers.

Trans-Atlantic Unity Stabilizing Situation in Georgia

David McKeeby — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:37:29 -0400

On the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed the Georgia crisis with her European counterparts, who reaffirmed their commitment to support Georgia’s recovery and ensure Russia honors its cease-fire commitments, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried.

NATO Supports Georgia’s Integrity, Unity Against Russian Action

Jacquelyn S. Porth — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:47:25 -0400

NATO defense ministers wrapped up an informal meeting in London on September 19 with an acknowledgement that more needs to be done to help the Afghan National Army double in size. Ministers also discussed the conflict in the Caucasus and the need for compromise to reach a political solution.

Russia Must Change Course in Georgia, Says Rice

David McKeeby — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:05:11 -0400

The crisis in Georgia is the latest example of a Russia that has become “increasingly authoritarian at home and aggressive abroad,” says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. “Russia’s leaders are making some unfortunate choices. But they can make different ones.”

Georgia Crisis Deepens Complexity of U.S.-Russian Relations

David McKeeby — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:38:20 -0400

The Georgia crisis has further deepened the complexity of diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia, a relationship whose future will likely see a mix of competition, conflict and cooperation, says Under Secretary of State William Burns.

Allies Launch NATO-Georgia Commission

David McKeeby — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:36:56 -0400

In the international community’s strongest show of support for Georgia to date, 26 trans-Atlantic allies met in Tbilisi, Georgia, to launch the new NATO-Georgia Commission to help the emerging South Caucasus democracy rebuild following Russia’s August 2008 invasion.

U.S. Warns Against New Russian Troop Deployments to Georgia

David McKeeby — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:51:37 -0400

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s proposal to position large troop garrisons in Georgia’s separatist regions threatens to further undermine the fragile truce in the South Caucasus crisis, a U.S. official says. Under a cease-fire accord, Russian and Georgian forces are required to pull back to positions held before hostilities began.

Georgia Security Aid No Threat to Russia, Defense Official Says

David McKeeby — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:42:53 -0400

U.S. security cooperation with Georgia has never been aimed against Russia, says Under Secretary of Defense Eric Edelman. “The reality is something quite different” from recent claims by Russia’s Vladimir Putin that the United States is “arming Georgians to the teeth,” he tells a Senate committee September 9.

NATO Enlargement Not Directed at Russia

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:09:12 -0400

The post-Cold War enlargement of NATO was not directed against Russia. "NATO enlargement was intended to achieve emergence of a Europe whole, free and at peace — all of Europe, not just its western half," Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried tells a Senate committee.

Russian Support of Georgian Separatists Raises New Questions

David McKeeby — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:01:33 -0400

The Georgia crisis began long before Russia’s August 8 assault, following years of provocative acts engineered to obstruct peace efforts, says U.S. official Matt Bryza. “Moscow’s pretext that it was ‘intervening’ in Georgia to protect Russian ‘citizens’ and ‘peacekeepers’ in South Ossetia was simply false.”

Russian Attack on Georgia “Pre-planned,” Says Pentagon

David McKeeby — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:29:03 -0400

Before Russia’s August invasion, U.S. officials sent a clear message to Georgia: resist Moscow’s attempts to provoke Georgian military action in South Ossetia or Abkhazia. Russia executed a “pre-planned” operation to change the status quo in Georgia, says Under Secretary of Defense Eric Edelman.

Georgia Crisis Will Affect U.S.-Russian Relations in Long Term

David McKeeby — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:08:38 -0400

The United States will take a “steady, determined and patient” approach to Russia as it reassesses relations following the Georgia crisis, working with allies to resist further aggression from Moscow while leaving the door open for future cooperation, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried.

Trans-Atlantic Unity Key to Resolving Georgia Crisis, Says Cheney

David McKeeby — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:50:12 -0400

“Does Russia really want to separate itself from the community of values that has fueled so much of its own economic progress?” Vice President Cheney asks in Cernobbio, Italy, September 6. “Do those leaders believe that bullying others will turn out well for their country’s future?”

White House Withdraws Russian Nuclear Agreement from Congress

David McKeeby — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:32:14 -0400

President Bush withdraws a U.S.-Russian civil nuclear cooperation agreement currently under consideration by Congress “in view of recent actions by the Government of the Russian Federation incompatible with peaceful relations with its sovereign and democratic neighbor Georgia.”

Georgia Crisis Tops Agenda on Cheney’s Ukraine Visit

David McKeeby — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:09:54 -0400

Ukraine set a courageous example to the world by standing with Georgia following Russia’s August 8 attack, says U.S. Vice President Cheney. “The people of Georgia are looking to both our countries, and to the rest of the free world, to support them in this time of great trial and testing, and we must answer the call.”

World Rallying to Georgia’s Side, Says Rice

David McKeeby — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:00:27 -0400

The international community has rallied to Georgia’s side in the wake of Russia’s recent attack, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, while all Moscow has managed to show the world is that its military can overrun its smaller neighbors and that its leaders may not honor their diplomatic commitments.

Cheney Condemns Russia's Invasion of Georgia

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:20:08 -0400

Vice President Cheney calls Russia's war against Georgia "an illegitimate, unilateral attempt" to re-draw Georgia's borders by force, which has been condemned by the free world. "Russia's actions have cast grave doubt on Russia's intentions and on its reliability as an international partner,” he says.

United States Pledges $1 Billion to Rebuild Georgia

David McKeeby — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:06:24 -0400

The United States will deliver a new $1 billion recovery package to help Georgia meet immediate humanitarian needs, enhance its stability and regain its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. “A democratic Georgia will survive, will rebuild and will thrive,” says Secretary Rice.

Cheney Begins Consultations with Former Soviet Republics

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:54:10 -0400

Vice President Cheney is beginning a series of consultations with the leaders of three former Soviet republics in the aftermath of Russia's recent incursion into Georgia and its recognition of the breakaway Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

United States Praises European Union Efforts on Georgian Crisis

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:53:54 -0400

The White House welcomes European Union support to convince Russia to withdraw its combat forces that now occupy large sections of Georgia in violation of a cease-fire pact. The White House also encourages the EU to dispatch civilian monitors to Georgia to give Russia no excuse for keeping its forces in Georgia.

Russia’s G8 Partners Condemn Its Role in Georgia Crisis

David McKeeby — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:32:33 -0400

The foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in an August 27 joint statement, deplore the actions of Russia in Georgia and express their “continued support for Georgia's sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.”

U.S. Rejects Russia’s Recognition of Georgian Separatists

David McKeeby — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:39:49 -0400

Russia’s recognition of Georgia’s separatist South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions is a “regrettable” violation of international peace-building efforts Moscow once helped shape, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who joins in widespread international condemnation of Moscow’s latest move in the Georgia crisis.

Russia Still Violating Cease-fire in Georgia, Says White House

David McKeeby — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:05:44 -0400

Russia has reduced its troop presence in Georgia, but still is violating a cease-fire deal brokered by the European Union following Moscow’s strike on the South Caucasus democracy, says White House spokesman Tony Fratto. “We still see large numbers of Russian troops in undisputed territory,” Fratto says.

Georgia Crisis Raises Questions About Russian Policy, Rice Says

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:26:37 -0400

Russia’s attack on Georgia is not the start of a “new Cold War,” but it does raise serious questions about Russia's commitment to "further integration into the international community," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says. Russia's recent actions have damaged the country's reputation, she says.

United States Will Help Rebuild Georgia’s Military

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:47:43 -0400

In addition to delivering humanitarian aid for thousands of Georgians displaced by Russia’s recent military incursion, the Pentagon plans to deliver new security assistance as well. “We will have to help them rebuild because they are a partner in the war on terror,” says U.S. Army General John Craddock.

Russian Provocations Contributed to Georgia Crisis

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:14:49 -0400

Russia’s attack on Georgia followed several months of provocative acts engineered in Moscow, and the conflict was something Washington urged Georgia to avoid, says America’s top envoy to the region, Matt Bryza. “Our message was … avoid a direct military confrontation with Russia at all costs,” he says.

Russia Must Accelerate Withdrawal from Georgia, U.S. Says

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:21:42 -0400

Russia does not need any additional time and does not need to continue setting additional dates in the future for a withdrawal of its forces from Georgia, an administration official says. "They just need to withdraw," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe says.

NATO Strengthens Ties with Georgia

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:52:55 -0400

NATO will strengthen its ties to Georgia through a newly created commission designed to support reconstruction and stabilization in the aftermath of the Russian-Georgian conflict over two Georgian breakaway regions. The commission will help assess damages and restore essential services in the conflict zone.

Bush Says Russia Has Damaged Its Global Credibility

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:15:21 -0400

In the aftermath of the harsh Russian-Georgian conflict this month over two breakaway provinces of Georgia, the Bush administration has begun a careful re-evaluation of the U.S.-Russia Strategic Framework Declaration issued in April and what the bilateral relationship will be in the future.

NATO Ministers Weigh Response to Georgia Crisis

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:25:20 -0400

NATO’s 26 foreign ministers will meet in an emergency session to underline the alliance’s commitment to Georgia and weigh ties with Russia in the wake of Russia’s attack on the emerging South Caucasus democracy. “Georgia will rebuild,” says Secretary of State Rice. “Russia’s reputation may not be rebuilt.”

Bush Says Russia Must Honor Agreement with Georgia

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:22:04 -0400

President Bush says Russia must honor the cease-fire accord it signed with Georgia to resolve a conflict that erupted over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia August 7.

Rice Says Georgian-Russian Cease-Fire Agreement Reached

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:12:42 -0400

Russia's "bullying and intimidation" in Georgia are not acceptable ways of conducting international relations, President Bush says, reminding the Russian government that the Cold War, waged for a half century, is over.

Gates Says Military Mission Aims to Save Lives, Ease Suffering

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:11:51 -0400

A broad U.S. military-led humanitarian relief operation has begun to assist the people of Georgia following nearly seven days of combat between Georgian forces and elements of the Russian army, says Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Rice Rejects Russian “Protector” Role in South Ossetia, Abkhazia

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:11:10 -0400

Secretary of State Rice underlines the importance of respecting Georgia’s territorial integrity as American and European negotiators work for peace. “This is a member state of the United Nations whose internationally recognized boundaries have to be respected,” Rice says.

Rice Urges Russia to Cease Military Operations in Georgia

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:07:55 -0400

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Russia must end military operations in Georgia immediately as it agreed to in a cease-fire agreement worked out by the European Union just days ago.

Russia Must End Military Assault in Georgia, Bush Says

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:06:58 -0400

The United States will “rally the free world in the defense of a free Georgia,” says President Bush, announcing that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is heading to Europe to support mediation efforts with Russia, while the U.S. military will lead a humanitarian aid mission to the emerging South Caucasus democracy.

Rice Welcomes Progress Toward Resolving Georgia Crisis

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:03:01 -0400

The United States welcomes reports that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered a halt to military operations in Georgia, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. “Calm needs to be restored,” Rice says after she briefs President Bush on diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Georgia to Get U.S. Humanitarian Assistance

Domenick DiPasquale — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:01:54 -0400

The U.S. government will be providing new humanitarian assistance to help the people of Georgia affected by the current military confrontation with Russia. The funding, announced by the U.S. Agency for International Development, will be used for relief supplies that can assist as many as 10,000 people.

Russian Attack on Georgia Unacceptable, Says Bush

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:01:00 -0400

Russia’s continued attacks despite a proposed Georgian cease-fire mark a “dramatic and brutal escalation” in the crisis over the breakaway region of South Ossetia, President Bush says at the White House. “Russia has invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its people.”

United States Seeks Emergency Mediation to Defuse Georgia Crisis

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:00:13 -0400

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urges Russia to halt its attacks in Georgia’s breakaway South Ossetia region as the United States reaches out to its European allies to assemble an emergency mediation effort to defuse the crisis.

United States Urges Halt to Hostilities in South Ossetia

Domenick R. DiPasquale — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:57:47 -0400

The United States calls on Russia and Georgia to end the recent sharp escalation in fighting that has broken out in Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia. The United States and Europe are working toward international mediation and “urgently seek Russia’s support of these efforts," Secretary Rice says.

Rice Urges End to Separatist Violence in Georgia

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:56:50 -0400

Russia must do more to help defuse rising tensions between neighboring Georgia and its breakaway regions, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. “It needs to be a part of resolving the problem and solving the problem and not contributing to it,” Rice said July 10 in Tbilisi with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.

South Caucasus Should Follow European Path, Says Fried

David McKeeby — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:55:25 -0400

America is dedicated to advancing the “frontiers of freedom” to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia by helping them resolve conflicts and build democratic institutions that will let them share in the peace and prosperity enjoyed by others since the end of the Cold War, says America’s top diplomat for Europe.

NATO Welcomes Albania and Croatia to Alliance

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:53:26 -0400

Leaders from NATO’s 26 member states unanimously welcome Albania and Croatia into the trans-Atlantic alliance, a move that President Bush says will further the cause of freedom and security in Europe. “Both these nations have demonstrated the ability and the willingness to provide strong and enduring contributions to NATO,” Bush says.

U.S. Supports NATO Membership for Ukraine and Georgia

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:51:19 -0400

Ukraine and Georgia can count on U.S. support when they make an initial bid for NATO membership at the 2008 Summit being held in Bucharest, Romania, President Bush says. "I think it's in our interests as NATO members, and I think it's in Ukrainian and Georgian interests, as well," he tells Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko April 1.

Russian Action on "Frozen Conflicts" Can Save Key Security Pact

David McKeeby — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:48:51 -0400

The United States is committed to helping Russia take necessary steps toward resolving "frozen conflicts" in Georgia and Moldova and thus defusing the Kremlin’s threat to suspend the Conventional Forces Europe Treaty, one of history’s most successful arms control agreements, a top State official tells Congress.