Articles of Opinion - Editorials by the Ambassador

Georgia Must Be Whole and Free

Ambassador Robert J. Callahan
(Unofficial translation – originally run in La Prensa on September 12, 2008)

Every four years, the world traditionally puts aside its disputes to cheer on its athletes during the uplifting quadrennial spectacle of the Olympic Games. During this Olympic year, however, we’ve been treated to a spectacle that has been anything but uplifting, as Russian tanks, troops, and planes have swept across the border of one of its small neighbors.  Though the country is Georgia, not Czechoslovakia, and the tanks were Russian not Soviet, the chilling scene was evocative of 1968.

The aftermath of these events has been equally disturbing. Russian troops have refused so far to fully pull out, and have dug in to positions not only in Georgia’s disputed areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, but also in Georgia proper, all in violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity.  The United States, in solidarity with our partners in the G-7, NATO, and the EU, has strongly condemned Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s independence, which is inconsistent with numerous UN Security Council resolutions, international precedent, and the French-brokered cease-fire agreement. 

We call on all states to uphold their commitments under numerous UN Security Council resolutions to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.  Time after time in internal conflicts from Bolivia to Spain and the People’s Republic of China, the U.S. government has consistently supported the territorial integrity of these sovereign nations, urging governments to dialogue and find peaceful solutions with separatist groups.

The world’s attention now is focused on two urgent objectives: ensuring a permanent halt to all hostilities and abuses in the conflict area, and helping the survivors of the conflict.

  The United States and other countries have already begun delivering medical care and supplies, food, shelter, and other assistance to the survivors.  On September 3, President Bush announced $1 billion in additional economic assistance to meet Georgia's humanitarian needs and to support its economic recovery.  More than half of these funds will be made available in the near term and will support reconstruction efforts in Georgia, assist the government of Georgia in leading the nation's recovery, and meet ongoing humanitarian needs, including the resettlement of displaced families.  The balance of the funds, together with assistance from the European Union and other partners, will help the people of Georgia rebuild critical infrastructure and help local businesses get back on their feet.

Vice President Cheney, on his recent visit to Georgia, stated clearly our position: “It is the responsibility of the free world to rally to the side of Georgia." He told the people of Georgia, "We will help your people to heal this nation's wounds...and to ensure Georgia's democracy and independence."  He pledged that, “America will help Georgia rebuild and regain its position as one of the world's fastest-growing economies."

In reality, this is a U.S. government commitment worldwide--encourage economic growth and protect democratic nations.  As the new U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua, I have just begun to visit many of our own assistance programs in Nicaragua which totaled upwards of $75 million this fiscal year.  I can see how important these programs are to Nicaragua’s economy.  They help Nicaraguans strengthen their democratic system and take advantage of the CAFTA trade agreement.  After a natural disaster, they are absolutely crucial to aiding economic recovery. 

 The scenes of Russian aggression – and now the threats, both direct and indirect, against other countries such as Poland and Ukraine – have brought back frightening memories to the former captive states which have since chosen a Western model of freedom and democracy.  But the world we live in today is different from 1968, when the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia.  Since then, Europe, the transatlantic community, and the world have moved forward. Russia has sought to integrate into the diplomatic, political, economic, and security structures of the 21st century, and the United States has strongly supported those efforts. 

 But through its actions Russia has now put its international reputation and aspirations at risk.  The impact of its actions is already being felt as questions are being raised about Russia’s suitability for admission into the World Trade Organization, and the prestige of an eighth seat at the G-7 economic forum. Some critics are even questioning the appropriateness of Russia hosting the next Olympics in Sochi, which is only a marathon’s race away from the disputed territory of Abkhazia.

If Russia wants to repair the damage to its reputation – and to its relations with the rest of the world – the first step it must take is to respect the ceasefire its president has signed and stop all hostilities.  In accordance with the terms of that ceasefire, it must immediately remove from Georgia the troops it introduced after August 6.  It must also permit international observers and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered.  Most importantly, Russia must adhere to its previously professed policy of supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity.

Without those actions, Russia will become an isolated nation in a global system which respects the territory of sovereign nations.  As Secretary Rice said after the NATO meeting: “There can be no business as usual with Russia while this kind of activity is going on.”

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