U.S., Russia on collision course
Cheney backs Georgia's bid to join NATO as it rebuildsU.S., Russia on collision course
Cheney flew to Kiev from Georgia, where he denounced Russia's "illegitimate, unilateral attempt" to redraw the U.S. ally's borders by force.
"Georgia will be in our alliance," Cheney told reporters while standing alongside Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, whose pro-Western government has sought to join NATO despite Russian opposition.
Angry Russian officials have repeatedly said U.S. military aid was instrumental in emboldening Georgia to try to retake South Ossetia by force on Aug. 7. The attack sparked five days of fighting and resulted in Russian forces driving into South Ossetia and on into Georgia.
Speaking in Moscow, Konstantin Kosachyov, head of foreign affairs committee in the Kremlin-controlled lower house, accused Cheney of trying to forge an "anti-Russian axis."
"It's Cheney who was behind all recent events on the former Soviet turf," Kosachyov said in televised remarks.
Before Georgia, Cheney also stopped in oil-rich Azerbaijan.
There are concerns the Kremlin might next seek to squeeze Ukraine as it tries to reclaim dominance in the former Soviet Union. The strategically located country of 46 million has pipelines that carry Russian gas to European consumers and a Black Sea port that is home to a key Russian naval base.
"America will do its duty to work with the governments of Georgia and our other friends and allies to protect our common interests and to uphold our values," Cheney said.
"Russia's actions have cast grave doubts on Russia's intentions and on its reliability as an international partner," Cheney added.
On the eve of his arrival, the White House announced a $1 billion commitment to help the small, strategically located nation recover from its war with Russia.
Saakashvili said Georgia was grateful for the aid, which matched his government's estimate of war damages: "Together with our other partners, in Europe, America and elsewhere, we will rebuild Georgia. We feel that we are not alone."
The United States is at Georgia's side, Cheney said, "as you work to overcome an invasion of your sovereign territory and an illegitimate, unilateral attempt to change your country's borders by force, that has been universally condemned by the free world."
Recent comments
Do you lefties suggest that we do? Nothing?? Maybe we could sent…
So what exactly... | Sept. 5, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.
Russia was never under threat by Georgia's tiny army no matter what…
george | Sept. 5, 2008 at 8:56 p.m.
here we go again.....there's something behind every bush!!
sweet home alabama | Sept. 5, 2008 at 4:34 p.m.
