Russia risked its ties with the West, says Bush

France, which is the current leader of European Union, is mediating to find solution to the conflict in the Caucasus.

“To begin to repair the damage to its relations with the United States, Europe, and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must keep its word and act to end this crisis,” the US President said in a statement at the Rose Garden.

“As I have made clear, Russia’s ongoing action raise serious questions about its intentions in Georgia and the region. In recent years, Russia has sought to integrate into the diplomatic, political, economic, and security structures of the 21st century,” he said.

“The United States has supported those efforts. Now Russia is putting its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of those institutions” Bush said.

Criticising Russia that it is not living up to its word in resolving the South Osettian conflict he said, “Russia has stated that changing the Government of Georgia is not its goal. The US and the world expect Russia to honour that commitment.”