Organizing for America

DEBATE REALITY CHECK: JUDGMENT ON GEORGIA

TONIGHT: McCain: “Well, I was interested in Senator Obama's reaction to the Russian aggression against Georgia. His first statement was both sides ought to show restraint. Again, a little bit of naivete there, he doesn't understand that Russia committed serious aggression against Georgia, and Russia has now become a nation fueled by petro dollars that is basically a KGB-run government.”

THE FACTS: OBAMA FORCEFULLY CONDEMNED RUSSIA’S INVASION OF GEORGIA AND WAS PRESCIENT IN WARNING ABOUT THE IMPENDING SITUATION THERE

April 2008: Obama Warned Of Possible Conflict In The Georgia Region In April 2008. Obama said in a press release, “Georgia is a sovereign country, a member of the United Nations, and a close friend of the United States. I welcome the desire by Georgia, as well as Ukraine, to seek closer ties with NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree establishing closer governmental and legal relations with the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, without the approval of the Georgian government, is deeply troubling and contrary to Russia's obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Putin's declaration falls short of recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries, but these pledges of closer ties to these two regions threatens the Georgian government and emboldens the secessionist forces in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has offered to negotiate substantial autonomy for these regions. Negotiations between the Georgian government and regional leaders, fully supported by international organizations and responsible governments, are the right way to proceed. … The advance of democracy and peace in the region is a remarkable achievement that cannot be undone by unilateral acts designed to undermine the territorial integrity of democratic countries like Georgia.” [Obama Press Release, 4/21/08 ]

Obama Strongly Condemned The Outbreak Of Violence In Georgia And Urged An Immediate End To The Crisis. Obama said in a statement, “I strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Georgia, and urge an immediate end to armed conflict. Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia's territorial integrity must be respected. All sides should enter into direct talks on behalf of stability in Georgia, and the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community should fully support a peaceful resolution to this crisis.” [Obama Press Release, 8/8/08 ]

Obama Condemned Russia’s Aggressive Actions And Reiterated His Call For An Immediate Ceasefire. Obama said in a statement, “I just spoke separately with Secretary Rice and President Saakashvili about the grave crisis in Georgia. I told President Saakashvili that I was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the people of Georgia. Over the last two days, Russia has escalated the crisis in Georgia through its clear and continued violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Friday, Aug. 8, Russian military forces invaded Georgia. I condemn Russia’s aggressive actions and reiterate my call for an immediate ceasefire. Russia must stop its bombing campaign, cease flights of Russian aircraft in Georgian airspace, and withdraw its ground forces from Georgia.” [Politico, Obama Press Release, 8/9/08 ]