US to Replenish Georgia's Military

US to Replenish Georgia's Military
September 10, 2008
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Turning a deaf ear to Russia's complaints, the Bush administration is moving to rebuild Georgia's military while asserting it will not let Russia divide Europe again.

"Georgia, like any sovereign country, should have the ability to defend itself and to deter renewed aggression," Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Sept. 9.

The Pentagon will send an assessment team to Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, later in the week to help figure out Georgia's "legitimate needs" as a way of showing U.S. support for the country's security, Edelman said.

But at the United Nations, Russia moved to block the U.S. effort. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin circulated a draft resolution that would impose a U.N. arms embargo on Georgia, preventing the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms to the former Soviet republic.

The White House last week announced a $1 billion program of economic aid, with about half going to Georgia before President Bush leaves office and the remainder for the next administration to deliver.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/us-to-replenish-georgias-military.html?col=1186032310810

but a billion to protect junior's oil interests

may he languish in hell . . .