[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
[August 13, 2008]
[Pages 1140-1141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
Remarks on the Situation in Georgia
August 13, 2008
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.
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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.
Note: The President spoke at 11:10 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
House. In his remarks, he referred to President Nicolas Sarkozy of
France, in his capacity as President of the European Council. The Office
of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
these remarks.