    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [August 26, 2008]
    [Page 1160]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Georgia
    August 26, 2008

        The United States condemns the decision by the Russian
    President to recognize as independent
    states the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This decision
    is inconsistent with numerous United Nations Security Council
    resolutions that Russia has voted for in the past and is also
    inconsistent with the French-brokered, six-point cease-fire agreement
    which President Medvedev signed on August 12 [16],* 2008. The six-point
    agreement offered a peaceful way forward to resolve the conflict. We
    expect Russia to live up to its international commitments, reconsider
    this irresponsible decision, and follow the approach set out in the six-
    point agreement.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        *White House correction.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        The territorial integrity and borders of Georgia must be respected,
    just as those of Russia or any other country. Russia's action only
    exacerbates tensions and complicates diplomatic negotiations. In
    accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions that remain
    in force, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the internationally
    recognized borders of Georgia, and they must remain so.

    Note: The statement referred to President Dmitry A. Medvedev of Russia.
    The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this statement.