United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121

Author: George W. Bush  | Date: August 9, 2008

Remarks in Beijing, China,
August 9, 2008

Situation in Georgia

I’m deeply concerned about the situation in Georgia. The United States takes this matter very seriously.

The attacks are occurring in regions of Georgia far from the zone of conflict in South Ossetia. They mark a dangerous escalation in the crisis. The violence is endangering regional peace. Civilian lives have been lost, and others are endangered.

This situation can be resolved peacefully. We’ve been in contact with leaders in both Georgia and Russia at all levels of government. Georgia is a sovereign nation, and its territorial integrity must be respected. We have urged an immediate halt to the violence and a standdown by all troops. We call for an end to the Russian bombings and a return by the parties to the status quo of August the 6th.

The United States is working with our European partners to launch international mediation and with the parties to restart their dialog. Russia needs to support these efforts so that peace can be restored as quickly as possible.

Attack on American Tourists

Laura and I were also saddened by the attack on an American family and their Chinese tour guide today in Beijing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. And the United States Government has offered to provide any assistance the family needs.

Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 7:20 p.m. at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang hotel. In his remarks, he referred to Todd and Barbara Bachman, who were attacked while touring the Drum Tower in Beijing.

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Chicago: George W. Bush, United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121 in United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121 Original Sources, accessed March 29, 2024, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=ZVAS8C4UUCKPN61.

MLA: Bush, George W. United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121, in United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121, Original Sources. 29 Mar. 2024. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=ZVAS8C4UUCKPN61.

Harvard: Bush, GW, United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121. cited in , United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, August 15, 2008 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008), 44:1121. Original Sources, retrieved 29 March 2024, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=ZVAS8C4UUCKPN61.