24 August 2002
White House Deplores Russian Bombing of Georgian Villages
(Statement says bombings verified, and U.S. "deeply concerned") (240)
Following is the text of an August 24 White House statement reacting
to reports that Russian planes on August 23 bombed villages in
northern Georgia:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
August 24, 2002
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
The United States is deeply concerned about credible reports that
Russian military aircraft indiscriminately bombed villages in northern
Georgia on August 23, resulting in the killing of civilians. The
Government of Georgia and border monitors of the Organization of
Security and Cooperation in Europe have verified that these aerial
bombardments occurred. The United States regrets this loss of life and
deplores the violation of Georgia's sovereignty.
The United States strongly supports Georgia's independence and
territorial integrity, and has welcomed similar statements by the
Russian Federation. Yesterday's attacks and their denial by the
Russian Government, however, belie such Russian assurances and
escalate existing tension between Russia and Georgia, just as
cooperative arrangements for resolving regional security problems are
emerging. In this context, we call again urgently for a political
settlement to the conflict in Chechnya, which would contribute to
stability in both Russia and Georgia, and advance our efforts to fight
terrorism and establish peace in the Caucasus.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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