U.S. “scrapped” military exercise with Russia over Georgia
Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. has cancelled scheduled joint military exercises with Russia in response to its aggression in the recent armed conflict in Georgia, a close US ally, and is considering its next step in dealing with the Russian invasion.
By: IranVNC
Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
10:10GMT—6:10AM/EST
RUSSIA – GEORGIA – WAR – US – RESPONSE – EU
Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. has cancelled scheduled joint military exercises with Russia in response to its aggression in the recent armed conflict in Georgia, a close US ally, and is considering its next step in dealing with the Russian invasion.
A senior US Defense official said yesterday that the exercises scheduled for 15-23 August, which were to involve Russian, French, British and US warships in the Sea of Japan have been “scrapped” all together, AFP reports.
“In the wake of this conflict, there is no way that we can proceed with the joint exercise at this time,” said the official speaking under anonymity, according to AFP.
The cancellation of the military exercises comes as the U.S. decides how to respond to Russia’s “disproportionate” attacks on Georgia. Yesterday, Russia agreed to a ceasefire, but skepticism over its execution looms over international sentiment.
“The Russians need to stop their military operations, as they have apparently said they will, but those military operations really do, now, need to stop because clam needs to be restored,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told ABC television.
“I can assure you that Russia’s international reputation and what role Russia can play in the international community is very much at stake here,” continued Rice, AFP reports.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband warned Russia of the international political consequences it faces if it does not halt it “blatant aggression” in Georgia.
He told BBC radio that Russia’s invasion of a sovereign country is “simply not the way in which international relations can be run in the 21st century,” Reuters reports.
“We’ve got to make sure that the Russians know that they have rights in the international system but they must be allied with responsibilities,” Miliband said ahead of a meeting with other EU foreign ministers to discuss the conflict. “And when responsibilities are not upheld, there are political consequences for Russia.”
Miliband said today that the EU should decide next month if it will talk with Russia on strengthening ties with Moscow amid its recent military actions in Georgia, Reuters reports.
The U.S., however has remained vague as to what action it will take against Russia, if Moscow does not comply with the ceasefire, reports AFP.
Sources: Agence France-Presse, Reuters
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