13 August 2008

Russia Must End Military Assault in Georgia, Bush Says

U.S. military to lead Georgian humanitarian aid mission

President Bush announces an effort to resolve the Russia-Georgia crisis August 13.

By David I. McKeeby
Staff Writer

Washington -- 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.  He also announced that the U.S. military will lead a humanitarian aid mission to Georgia.  

“To begin to repair the damage to its relations with the United States, Europe and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must keep its word and act to end this crisis,” Bush said August 13 after meeting with his national security staff at the White House.

Russia has come under increasing international pressure since launching a major air and ground assault in Georgia August 8.

Despite a six-point cease-fire agreement brokered by the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe August 12, Bush expressed concern about reports of continued Russian advances, seizure of strategic ports and highways and violence against civilians.

“Georgian citizens of all ethnic origins are not being protected. All forces, including Russian forces, have an obligation to protect innocent civilians from attack,” Bush said.

Protesters in Greece rally for peace in Georgia on August 12.

Rice will travel to France, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, to confer with President Nicolas Sarkozy and other senior officials, then on to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi.

“The United States of America stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia. We insist that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected,” Bush said.  

Bush announced he also ordered Defense Secretary Robert Gates to lead a “vigorous and ongoing” aid mission to Georgia. 

“A U.S. [Air Force] C-17 aircraft with humanitarian supplies is on its way. And in the days ahead we will use U.S. aircraft as well as naval forces to deliver humanitarian and medical supplies,” Bush said.

“We expect Russia to honor its commitment to let in all forms of humanitarian assistance.  We expect Russia to ensure that all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, airports, roads and airspace, remain open for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and for civilian transit,” he added.

Russia’s ongoing actions are raising serious questions about its intentions in Georgia and the wider region, Bush said.

“In recent years, Russia has sought to integrate into the diplomatic, political, economic and security structures of the 21st century.  The United States has supported those efforts,” Bush said.  “Now Russia is putting its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of those institutions.”

Bush’s statement is available on America.gov.