US warships scrap visit to Georgian port-source

reuters ^

[maquiladora]

TBILISI, Aug 26 (Reuters) - U.S. warships have scrapped a plan to deliver relief supplies to Georgia's flashpoint port of Poti on Wednesday, a source close to the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi said.

"The ships will not dock in Poti tomorrow," the source told Reuters, referring to a planned mission by the USS McFaul and another vessel.

Their presence would have been sure to enrage Russia, which has troops patrolling the port following a brief war with Georgia.

"There was a possibility that the McFaul might go to Poti but no-one has given us a final decision. We're not sure (if it's coming)," a US navy source told Reuters.

Pentagon did not confirm or deny scrapping the Poti visit.

"We're evaluating all ports for what makes the most sense for delivering relief supplies expeditiously," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told Reuters.

Whitman said the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Dallas was due to reach Georgia within 24 hours and that the USS McFaul had left the port of Batumi after unloading its aid supplies. He did not say where it had gone.

[webrover]

Dammit, Cartman, you're exactly right. We need to work together to defeat a common enemy. Leaders of both Russia and the US don't seem to realize that. Putin will deal with anyone for his benefit. Bush lives in a world of abstractions about democracy and jussis.

[Truth29]

"In reality, who would force them o withdraw?"

Good question. The EU and the US have let this develop to such a stage that there is no clear way forward now. However, our endless stern statements that Russian behavior is not acceptable and won't be allowed to stand is not helpful when Putin immediately demonstrates that he can do anything he wants.

Options that could be considered include answering Ukraine's request for NATO vessels to patrol the Ukrainian coast, the immediate accession of the Ukraine to NATO, the provision of defensive systems to Tbilisi against air or artillery assault, and many other items. We should not validate Russian control of Georgian territory and facilities outside of the two disputed provinces.

[webrover]

I’m just uncomfortable with NATO. The Ukraine thing seems Okay to a point. But we can’t let this get out of hand.

[Colorado Doug]

My guess is we could probably dock in Poti but would have to leave any goods at the dock and not deliver them inland, in which case the Russians would have them.

I have also heard that rail lines are damaged outside of Poti. If true, that would hamper distribution.

[justa-hairyape]

Why pointlessly infuriate The Russkies just for show?

Its about access to the largest and most strategic port along the eastern coast of the Black Sea. It also happens to be a major port for oil from the Caspian. Economic and Military implications. The Russians have no legal right to be in Poti. Is Russia infuriating the west just for show ?

[dragnet2]

I guess when the Chinese put troops ashore in Baja, and they head north, you wouldn't want to upset them by sending armed ships to "monitor" their progress.

Given the fact our leaders already publicly encourage, and stand by gawking at the current lawless illegal invasion, you think this leadership even cares?

[ThermoNuclearWarrior]

We need to stop talking tough unless we are willing to do something to back it up. That's all we do anymore with our enemies. Talk tough and never do anything. We need to stop the talk unless we are actually going to do something that possibly could escalate the situation. If we aren't willing to do that then we need to shut up because it's getting embarrassing. Words without action mean nothing.