Russia's recognition of Georgian breakaway provinces' independence strains ties with U.S.

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Russia's recognition of Georgian breakaway provinces' independence strains ties with U.S.

Story Published: Aug 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM EST

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP)- President Bush says the United States
condemns the "irresponsible decision'' by Russia to recognize two
breakaway Georgian provinces as independent.

Already rebuffed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Bush
issued a statement Tuesday that urged Russia to change course,
although that appeared unlikely.

The president said, "We expect Russia to live up to its international commitments.'' He said Russia should "reconsider this irresponsible decision.''

Medvedev said Tuesday that his country will grant diplomatic recognition to the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He said Georgia forced Russia's hand by trying to gain control by force in the smaller of the two areas, South Ossetia, on Aug. 7.

Speaking in Texas, White House spokesman Tony Fratto on Tuesday
said Russia is making a number of "irrational'' decisions that
puts its place in the world at risk.

Fratto said the U.S. will use its veto power on the U.N. Security Council to make sure any effort to change the provinces' international status is "dead on arrival.''

Medvedev is also reported to have said there may be a military
response to the U.S. missile shield in Europe.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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