Bush to make statement on Georgia (11:00 am)

AFP ^

[maquiladora]

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush spoke to Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili on Wednesday and will make remarks on the conflict between Georgia and Russia at 11:00 am (1500 GMT), the White House said.

Bush -- who spent the morning in the "Situation Room," his high-tech national security nerve center in the mansion's basement -- was to make his remarks in the Rose Garden outside his Oval Office.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice scrapped a planned morning press conference to deliver Washington's formal diplomatic answer to the bitter conflict and was expected to be at the president's side.

"The president will make a statement on Georgia later today," said spokeswoman Dana Perino, who declined to give details from Bush's talks with Saakashvili. An aide later said the remarks would be at 11:00 am.

It was not immediately clear what Bush would say, though Washington has been mulling diplomatic retaliation for Russia's operations in Georgia and has called an extraordinary meeting of NATO alliance foreign ministers next week.

[Centurion2000]

Listening to Bush now. He sounds like he knows that there is jack that he can do. Depressing but true.

Using insist in diplo-speak.

[mware]

Dr Rice heading to France and they Georgia.

[happinesswithoutpeace]

Sending Condi...

[roses of sharon]

Why is Gates there I wonder?

[txhurl]

W, Rice and Gates.

W somber. Saying ‘ceasefire’ isn’t happening.

Sending Rice to see Sarkozy, then to Tlibisi.

Gates going on a humanitarian mission to Georgia. Supplies on way.

[Centurion2000]

wow ... military humanitarian mission using Air Force and Naval vessels are going to Georgia.

[mware]

sending relief expects Russia to allow them to enter the regions.

[RummyChick]

This is indeed depressing...and it is telling Russia that they can push the envelope and we will sit by and watch it. How far can they go before the US reacts.

[TomGuy]

France attempts to negotiate.

Rice being sent to France.

Humanitarian suppies being sent, via NATO.

Expect Russia to honor commitment to allow humanitarian aid.

Expect all Russian forces to withdraw from Georgia.

[tobyhill]

US Aircraft and Naval forces for “humanitarian supplies”. Hey Russia, go ahead and try to inspect the cargo!

[Uncle Ike]

Thank you... ;~)

[mware]

Good for the President it looks like Saint George on his White Horse is sending a surrogate in George Bush from the White House.

[tcrlaf]

If I heard that right, he’s going to run the Navy down thier throats....

I remember the Black Sea “Bumping” incidents in the 80’s...

[PGalt]

Short and to the point.

[epluribus_2]

how about a UN security council meeting? isn’t the WHOLE FREAKIN POINT of the UN to protect members’ soverign rights from agression.

[roses of sharon]

Ummmm....having Gates there....sending him on a “mission” seems like a signal to Russia of some sort.

[Mom MD]

Ummm-
Russia gets a veto of any security council resolution

[pieceofthepuzzle]

“US Aircraft and Naval forces for “humanitarian supplies”.”

Smart move. Puts us in the region and sends a message without yet committing to a definitive military response.

[sionnsar]

Will begin a vigorous, ongoing humanitarian mission using American aircraft and military forces. Expects Russia not to interfere with this mision.

LOL!