TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

McCain, Obama Rip Russia Over Invasion Of Georgia

ADVERTISEMENT

Los Angeles Times

Published: August 13, 2008

YORK, Pa. - Foreign affairs took center stage in the presidential campaign Tuesday as the leading candidates seemed to compete over who could be toughest about Russia's invasion of Georgia.

Speaking at a campaign stop, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told more than 3,000 people that he had spoken with Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili and told him that "the thoughts, prayers and support of the American people are with that great little nation as it struggles today."

"I told him that I know I speak for every American when I said to him, 'Today, we are all Georgians,' " McCain said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who is on vacation in Hawaii, issued a statement in which he hardened his language in describing Russia, which attacked Georgia over its actions against two pro-Russian provinces.

"Now is the time for action, not just words," Obama said in the statement.

"It is past time for the Russian government to immediately sign and implement a cease-fire. Russia must halt its violation of Georgian airspace and withdraw its ground forces from Georgia, with international monitors to verify that these obligations are met."

Throughout the campaign, McCain has pressed foreign and security affairs, arguing that Obama lacks the experience to lead the United States.

The issues come up most often in discussions about Iraq and Afghanistan, but the fighting in Georgia has given McCain another stage.

McCain has a history of supporting Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union but now an independent country that is a strong U.S. ally.

Georgia has sent troops to fight alongside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the United States supports its application to join NATO.

McCain has visited Georgia several times and has been friendly with Saakashvili.

McCain also has warned about what he sees as Russia's ambitions to re-establish some form of authority over countries that became independent when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

He repeated that Tuesday, saying Russia responded with "violence against Georgia to send a signal" to "any country that chooses to associate with the West."

After discussing Georgia, McCain spoke about energy, again calling on Congress to return from its summer recess to deal with the issue.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT