[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.
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    *White House correction.
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    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.