Administration Plans Billion Aid Package to Georgia

[Bobbieo]

U.S. Is Set to Announce $1 Billion in Aid for Georgia

By STEVEN LEE MYERS
Published: September 3, 2008
BAKU, Azerbaijan — The Bush administration plans to announce a $1 billion package of aid to help rebuild Georgia after its rout by Russian forces last month, an administration official said on Wednesday, as Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in the region to signal support for Georgia and other countries neighboring Russ

Georgia Eager to Rebuild Its Defeated Armed Forces (September 3, 2008) The aid — along with Mr. Cheney’s visit — are sure to increase tensions with Russia, whose leaders have accused the United States of stoking the conflict with Georgia over its two separatist regions, by providing weapons and training to the Georgians. President Dmitri A. Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin have also complained that humanitarian supplies delivered by the American Navy and Air Force since Russian forces routed Georgian forces and occupied parts of the country were a disguise for delivering new weapons.

Administration officials have dismissed those accusations as baseless.

The aid package, which is expected to include money for rebuilding Georgia’s infrastructure and its economy, is scheduled to be detailed in Washington later on Wednesday by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the official said. It is not clear whether the package will include any direct military support, which officials have acknowledged they are considering. The aid package reflects an intensification of the administration’s support for Georgia, though President Bush and his senior advisors have yet to settle on any punitive actions against Russia.

Mr. Cheney arrived on Wednesday in Azerbaijan on the first of three stops in the region the Russians consider their “near abroad” in what one of his aides last week described as an effort to bolster countries in the face of their more assertive neighbor. Mr. Cheney is scheduled to visit Georgia on Thursday, followed by Ukraine.

While Mr. Cheney’s plans to visit Azerbaijan and Georgia were made before Russia’s military operation in Georgia, the trip took on added significance following the conflict, which began on the night of Aug. 7, when Georgian forces tried to seize control of South Ossetia, only to be driven back when Russian forces poured into the country.

Although a ceasefire ended the fighting, Russian forces have still not withdrawn from parts of Georgian territory near South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia. Russia last week recognized both as independent countries, a move that has failed to win any international backing.

Azerbaijan, like Georgia, is a former Soviet republic that has sought closer ties to the West and the United States, and it is considered a vital crossroads for oil and gas from the Caspian Sea.

[Bobbieo]

1. Any one wonder where Cheney has been? They are still at it and

no one is stopping them.

[madokie]

2. Stirring up more shit

Thats all hes good for, is it not? :-)

[Bobbieo]

3. Maks one wonder if there will be an election!!!!

[madokie]

5. I'll believe it when I see it

Actually its inauguration day that worries me. Not so sure that will happen no matter the election

[western mass]

4. translation:

billions in handouts to US defense contractors.

The writing's on the wall for the Iraq gravy train, time to move operations to the next cold war with Russia.