[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.

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