Gates Warns Russia to 'Step Back' from Military Action in Georgia
By VOA News 14 August 2008
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is warning that Russia's relationship with the United States will be damaged for years, if Russia does not step back from its military offensive in Georgia.
Gates said the U.S. government had expected the United States and Russia to cooperate in maintaining peace in the region. But he said Russian military behavior in recent days "calls everything into question."
Gates said current U.S. military efforts in the Caucasus are focused on humanitarian needs. He said the only U.S. personnel on the ground in Georgia will be those required to carry out relief efforts.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice again called on Russia to honor the cease-fire in Georgia.
The secretary issued her call after talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in southern France. Earlier this week, Mr. Sarkozy helped broker a cease-fire plan for Georgia. Rice stopped in France on her way to Tbilisi in a show of support for Georgia in its confrontation with Russia. The secretary is to arrive in Tbilisi early Friday.
Wednesday, U.S. President George Bush urged Russia to honor its commitment to pull its forces out of Georgia.
Meanwhile, the second U.S. military aircraft with relief supplies landed in Georgia Thursday. Wednesday's initial flight delivered such items as medicine, tents and blankets.
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