George W Bush
H/T to Blogs of War
Good morning. I’ve just met with my national security team to discuss the
crisis in Georgia. I’ve spoken with President Saakashvili of Georgia, and
President Sarkozy of France this morning. The United States strongly supports
France’s efforts, as President of the European Union, to broker an agreement
that will end this conflict.
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.
Russia has stated that changing the government of Georgia is not its goal.
The United States and the world expect Russia to honor that commitment. Russia
has also stated that it has halted military operations and agreed to a
provisional cease-fire. Unfortunately, we’re receiving reports of Russian
actions that are inconsistent with these statements. We’re concerned about
reports that Russian units have taken up positions on the east side of the city
of Gori, which allows them to block the East-West Highway, divide the country,
and threaten the capital of Tbilisi.
We’re concerned about reports that Russian forces have entered and taken
positions in the port city of Poti, that Russian armored vehicles are blocking
access to that port, and that Russia is blowing up Georgian vessels. We’re
concerned about reports that Georgian citizens of all ethnic origins are not
being protected. All forces, including Russian forces, have an obligation to
protect innocent civilians from attack.
With these concerns in mind, I have directed a series of steps to demonstrate
our solidarity with the Georgian people and bring about a peaceful resolution to
this conflict. I’m sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to France, where
she will confer with President Sarkozy. She will then travel to Tbilisi, where
she will personally convey America’s unwavering support for Georgia’s democratic
government. On this trip she will continue our efforts to rally the free world
in the defense of a free Georgia.
I’ve also directed Secretary of Defense Bob Gates to begin a humanitarian
mission to the people of Georgia, headed by the United States military. This
mission will be vigorous and ongoing. A U.S. 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.
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. We expect
Russia to meet its commitment to cease all military activities in Georgia. And
we expect all Russian forces that entered Georgia in recent days to withdraw
from that country.
As I have made clear, Russia’s ongoing action raise serious questions about
its intentions in Georgia and the region. 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. Now Russia is
putting its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are
inconsistent with the principles of those institutions. 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.
Thank you.
Source: The White House
