McCain statement on the Georgian conflict; Russia warns Latvia and other states

A few minutes ago, John McCain made a statement on the conflict in Georgia. Here's some of what he said:

What the people of Georgia have accomplished in terms of democratic governance, a Western orientation, and domestic reform is nothing short of remarkable. That makes Russia's recent actions against the Georgians all the more alarming. In the face of Russian aggression, the very existence of independent Georgia and the survival of its democratically-elected government are at stake.

In recent days Moscow has sent its tanks and troops across the internationally recognized border into the Georgian region of South Ossetia. Statements by Moscow that it was merely aiding the Ossetians are belied by reports of Russian troops in the region of Abkhazia, repeated Russian bombing raids across Georgia, and reports of a de facto Russian naval blockade of the Georgian coast. Whatever tensions and hostilities might have existed between Georgians and Ossetians, they in no way justify Moscow's path of violent aggression. Russian actions, in clear violation of international law, have no place in 21st century Europe.

The implications of Russian actions go beyond their threat to the territorial integrity and independence of a democratic Georgia. Russia is using violence against Georgia, in part, to intimidate other neighbors such as Ukraine for choosing to associate with the West and adhering to Western political and economic values. As such, the fate of Georgia should be of grave concern to Americans and all people who welcomed the end of a divided of Europe, and the independence of former Soviet republics. The international response to this crisis will determine how Russia manages its relationships with other neighbors. We have other important strategic interests at stake in Georgia, especially the continued flow of oil through the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which Russia attempted to bomb in recent days; the operation of a critical communication and trade route from Georgia through Azerbaijan and Central Asia; and the integrity an d influence of NATO, whose members reaffirmed last April the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Georgia.

In related news, Russia warned four nations that know a lot about their aggressive neighbor to the east. Last week Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Last week Latvian President Valdis Zatlers and his counterparts in the other three countries issued a statement that asked NATO and the European Union to oppose Russia's "imperialist" action in Georgia.

Russia's ambassador to Latvia responded, "One must not hurry on such serious issues, as serious mistakes can be made that have to be paid for a long time afterwards."

Mrs. Marathon Pundit emigrated from Latvia in 1991. I've talked with many Latvians who suffered from earlier Russian imperialism.

Zatlers is the man in the photograph planting a tree in Sece, Latvia--Mrs. Marathon Pundit's hometown--last summer. That's Little Marathon Pundit looking into the camera.

Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland--and Georgia--have planted the seed of democracy on their soil. Russia is regressing.

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