Radio address, the president of the United States (on Georgia)

17.08.2008 00:12
VOA

President George W. Bush issued August 15, 2008 with radoobrascheniem Americans. It was devoted to the current conflict in Georgia.

Good morning. For more than a week, the people of Georgia is subjected to military attack from Russia. The world anxiously watched as Russia invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatened a democratic government elected by the people. This act is completely unacceptable to the free nations of the world.

The United States and its allies stand with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government. We demand respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. Moscow should keep his promise and fully withdraw its invading forces from Georgian territory. Earlier this week, I ordered the adoption of a series of steps to demonstrate America's solidarity with the Georgian people and aimed at a peaceful solution to the conflict. On Thursday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held a meeting with French President Sarkozy's French government-led diplomatic efforts on behalf of the European Union.

Yesterday in Tbilisi, Georgia, she expressed support for the Georgian government on the part of America. Next week, Secretary Rice will travel to Brussels for consultations with the foreign ministers of our NATO allies and EU officials in order to continue efforts to mobilize the free world to the protection of a free Georgia.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates headed by US forces carried humanitarian aid to the people of Georgia. In recent days, arrived in Georgia several US cargo planes carrying humanitarian aid. In the coming days we will continue to use American air and, as appropriate, other means of providing all forms of humanitarian assistance, and Russia must keep open all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, airports, roads and airspace for civilian transit and the delivery of humanitarian aid .

In America, students may wonder why events taking place in a small country halfway around the world for us, so important for the United States. During the years of independence in the wake of the Soviet collapse, Georgia has become a courageous democracy, and its residents to make difficult decisions that are necessary in a free society.

Since the "Rose Revolution" in 2003 the Georgian people held free elections, has made its economy open and laid the foundations of a successful democracy. Georgia sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq to help others achieve the liberty that she fought so hard. For the sake of consolidating its democracy, Georgia is striving to become a part of the free institutions of the West. Georgia has made a choice in favor of the free world, and we will not stay away from it.

The heyday of the young Georgian democracy - of the inspiring and hopeful new chapter in Europe's history. Europe has left behind the world wars that killed millions of people, and the "cold war" that divided its citizens between two superpowers. For the first time in the history of Europe is becoming a united, free and at peace. It is very important to America and other free nations ensure the sovereignty, security and unity in distress democracy that wants to be on our side.

Russia's actions against Georgia raise serious questions about the role and intentions of Moscow in Europe of the XXI century. In recent years, Russia has sought to integrate into Western structures in the field of diplomacy, politics, economics and security. The United States has supported those efforts. But now Russia has put its aspirations at issue since taking such actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of these structures.

To begin the process of repairing the damage caused to its relations with the United States, Europe and other countries, and to regain its place in the world, Russia must take action to end the current crisis.

Thank you for attention.