President Bush warns Russia over Georgia war | Countdown to Crawford

President Bush told Russia today it must honor its promise to end the crisis in Georgia, and that Moscow's continued military operations there were putting at risk Russia's aspirations for greater cooperation with the West.

He said he was dispatching Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Paris, to confer with French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who is playing a central role in trying to mediate an end to the crisis over South Ossetia, and then to Tblisi, the capital of Georgia.

And, he said the United States was sending humanitarian supplies to Georgia, and he warned Russia not to interfere with their delivery. He said Russia must respect Georgian sovereignty.

The president's statement was his second public declaration in three days about the turmoil in Georgia. The fighting has put the administration in a difficult position: It is finding it has little leverage over Russia, while at the same time it has encouraged democracy in Georgia and has pushed for the admission of the former Soviet Republic into NATO.

The bind in which Bush finds himself as he seeks to confront Russia without edging closer to a direct role for U.S. forces other than in providing humanitarian aid is reflected in the gingerly way in which the administration has approached the crisis.

Before Bush spoke to reporters in the Rose Garden, he met with his national security advisors. Rice and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates emerged from the Oval Office with the president just before he spoke, and returned immediately there with him after the roughly three-minute statement.

But none took questions from reporters--a reflection of the administration's efforts to speak with extra care and avoid statements that could inflame the situation, while also appearing firm. Indeed, for the most part the senior-most administration officials have, thus far, avoided responding to questions about the crisis since it began last week with the confrontation between Russian and Georgian troops in the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Standing at the edge of the garden, Bush said he was concerned that despite Russian promises to end the fighting in the disputed region of the Caucusus, he was still receiving reports that suggested otherwise.

He said Russian units had taken up positions that could threaten Tbilisi, and Russian naval and other forces were attacking Georgian ships, and blocking a key port.

For the White House transcript of the president's remarks, click on Read Full Story...

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

GTHE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

__________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release August 13, 2008

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

ON THE SITUATION IN GEORGIA

Rose Garden

11:10 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: 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.

END 11:14 A.M. EDT