    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [August 25, 2008]
    [Pages 1158-1159]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Georgia
    August 25, 2008

        I am deeply concerned by today's appeal to President
    Medvedev by Russia's Federation Council
    and Duma, the upper and lower houses of Russia's parliament, to
    recognize the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as
    independent countries. I call on Russia's leadership to meet its
    commitments and not recognize these separatist regions.
        Georgia's territorial integrity and borders must command the same
    respect as every other nation's, including Russia's. Russia agreed, when
    President Medvedev signed the French-
    brokered cease-fire agreement, to the opening of international
    discussions on security and stability modalities in Abkhazia and South
    Ossetia. This represents an internationally endorsed approach to these
    issues, which recognition would undercut. Recognition would also be
    inconsistent with unanimously approved United Nations Security
    resolutions that Russia has consistently voted for in the past.

    [[Page 1159]]

        The United States will continue to stand with the people of Georgia
    and their democracy and to support its sovereignty and territorial
    integrity.

    Note: The statement referred to President Dmitry A. Medvedev of Russia.