This site moved: www.TbilisiWeb.info

Conflict in Georgia: the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, invites his colleagues to an informal ministerial meeting

Strasbourg, 04.09.2008 – The Council of Europe’s Ministers’ Deputies met on 3 September to discuss the conflict in Georgia and to take stock of the present situation. The Deputies listened to statements made by Georgia and Russia. They were informed about the action taken or planned by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, the Swedish Minister Carl Bildt and by the various Council of Europe bodies such as the Parliamentary Assembly, the Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe Development Bank, since the outbreak of the conflict. In this context, the importance of coherence of all efforts within the Council of Europe was stressed and the meeting provided an opportunity to ensure a co-ordinated approach.

U.S. Vice President reiterates support to Georgia

In a snub at Russia and a strong show of support for Georgia, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Georgia on Thursday, underscoring Washington’s $1 billion commitment to help the small but strategically located nation recover from its war with Russia.

Dick Cheney said the U.S. is a ’sturdy and faithful friend’ of Georgia following its five-day war with Russia.

Cheney said the U.S. is committed to Georgia’s territorial integrity after Russia recognized the independence of two separatist regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. He spoke to reporters after meeting with President Mikheil Saakashvili in the capital Tbilisi.

Cheney told Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili that his country can count on continue U.S. assistance and support.

`Americans are acutely conscious of the great trials your country has faced over the last four weeks and we stand in solidarity with the people of Georgia,` Cheney said.

Rice: U.S. to Give $1 Billion to ‘Help Georgia Sustain Itself’

U.S. Secretary of State Mrs. Condoleezza Rice has officially confirmed that the Washington will allocated $1 billion to Georgia.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who unveiled the plan, drew a direct line between what she called Russia’s irresponsible behavior in sending troops into Georgian territory last month and the need for `the free world` to `help Georgia sustain itself during these difficult times.`

”With our full support and the support of the entire free world, a democratic Georgia will survive, will rebuild and will thrive,` US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said as she announced the package.