    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 32 (Monday, August 18, 2008)]
    [Page 1128]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on the Situation in Georgia

    August 11, 2008

        I just met with my national security team to discuss the situation
    in Georgia.
        I am deeply concerned by reports that Russian troops have moved
    beyond the zone of conflict, attacked the Georgian town of Gori, and are
    threatening Georgia's capital of Tbilisi. There's evidence that Russian
    forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city.
        If these reports are accurate, these Russian actions would represent
    a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia. And these
    actions would be inconsistent with assurances we have received from
    Russia that its objectives were limited to restoring the status quo in
    South Ossetia that existed before fighting began on August the 6th.
        It now appears that an effort may be underway to depose Russia's
    [Georgia's] * duly elected Government. Russia has invaded a sovereign
    neighboring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its
    people. Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century.
        * White House correction.
        The Georgian Government has accepted the elements of a peace
    agreement that the Russian Government previously said it would be
    willing to accept: an immediate cease-fire; the withdrawal of forces
    from the zone of conflict; a return to the military status quo as of
    August 6th; and a commitment to refrain from using force. There are
    representatives of the European Union and the Organization for Security
    and Cooperation in Europe currently in Moscow seeking Russia's agreement
    to this peace plan.
        Russia's Government must respect Georgia's territorial integrity and
    sovereignty. The Russian Government must reverse the course it appears
    to be on and accept this peace agreement as a first step toward
    resolving this conflict.
        Russia's actions this week have raised serious questions about its
    intentions in Georgia and the region. These actions have substantially
    damaged Russia's standing in the world, and these actions jeopardize
    Russians' relations--Russia's relations with the United States and
    Europe. It is time for Russia to be true to its word and to act to end
    this crisis.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:21 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.