    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 32 (Monday, August 18, 2008)]
    [Pages 1130-1131]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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. 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.

    [[Page 1131]]