Posted on 08/13/2008 10:31:04 AM PDT by rightinthemiddle
Remarks by President Bush in the Rose Garden on Wednesday about the crisis in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, by as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions.
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.google.com ...
Here’s the balance of the article:
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-to-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 raised 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.
Putin sure isn't going to like that! I'm sure a few Raptors will be supplying air cover.
Russian Aspirations Beyond the Pipeline
If Russia takes and holds Georgia with a mass of troops, or enough of
Georgia to have an occupied path north to south in Georgia...
And then there is the imminent expected chaos in Iran once it is
attacked by Israel...
Russia has only to roll across little Armenia to take a role in the
military situation in Iran.
Thus Russia can take advantage of the situation and claim a warm water
port in the Persian Gulf as well as the oil and gas fields of Iran on
the way to the Gulf. (See map below)
Iran could not say no to the bear ally or the bear enemy. The Russians
could sweep down along the oil and gas fields to the Gulf and provide a
barrier line of Russian troops protecting Iran from the Americans.
If they occupy territory beyond the pipeline, it will become obvious
their aspirations are far beyond the pipeline. They too sense the
moment of opportunity for gas, oil and a warm water port is coming.
It might even involve a Yalta-like situation where we end up thanking
the Russians for stabilizing the nuclear situation in Iran for us.
See map of oil and gas fields of Iran:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/ofr-97-470/OF97-470G/iranmap.html#TOP
If we try to hold this situation off by reining in Israel (as seems to
be happening) then the Iranians get to finish their bomb. Its a win
either way for Russia as oil either comes under their control, or is
destroyed in war.
The only solution is to stop the Russians now. Thus President Bush has
dispatched Condi with “humanitarian aid” which we hope includes the
weaponry specified by Jack in “Georgia can be Putin’s Afghanistan”.
The Russians dare not block the delivery of such “aid” when Condi is
accompanying it.
Dagnyd.net
We are insisting on Georgia's complete territorial integrity.
You got that right! Putin and his sock-puppet Medvedev must think that the U.S. will be supporting Georgia militarily, whether or not that’s the case.
If I had the talent I would write up a parody of what Obambi’s speech would’ve sounded like - complete with over the top meaningless platitudes, solidarity with “fellow travelers,” proffered proof of ‘man of the worldness,’ etc.
Your President has played this extremely well. Correct rhetoric, not rubbing the Russians nose in it, giving them an out - and meeting steel with steel.
This is very, very good.
The humanitarian efforts will require escorts. I wonder if a U.S. carrier group has ever been in the Black Sea without Russian cooperation?
I LIKE THAT!! I LIKE Bush’s response. The meaning between the lines is VERY clear!!
Good Job President BUSH!!!!!!!!!!
If I can find the time, I’ll write one for you (it’s what I do). Do my best.
Well done indeed.It was alot better than I expected.We got another glimpse of Bush version 9.11 again.Something I’ve missed over the years.
Yup. W. “check-raised” the Russians.
:^D
It may not be the crazy 'nukes for Georgia' strategy some were pushing for, but I think it will work.
Good question D....I know we have two additional carrier groups headed that way already, they just finished war games in the Atlantic with the Brits and French.
This could get really tense.
Yep! Let Putin, and the world, read between the lines.
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