Obama Interrupts Vacation To Talk About Georgian Conflict

By: Maria Gavrilovic
Topics: Barack Obama

(CBS)

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(HONOLULU) - Barack Obama took a break from his vacation today to speak to President Mikhail Saakashvili and to deliver a brief statement on the conflict in Georgia.

Speaking at podium set up on the driveway of his vacation rental in Kailua, Obama condemned Russia's movements in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and called for an immediate ceasefire.

"There is no possible justification for these attacks," Obama said.

"I reiterate my call for Russia to stop its bombing campaign, to stop flights of Russian aircraft in Georgian airspace, and to withdraw its ground forces from Georgia."

Obama called on the international community to condemn Russia's actions and to pursue an end to the conflict.

"There should also be a United Nations mediator to address this crisis, and the United States should fully support this effort. We should also convene other international forums to condemn this aggression," he said.

Despite describing the conflict a "turning point" in the relationship between Russia and the West, Obama appealed for talks with the Putin government as well as "friendship with the Russian people."

This afternoon, Obama will visit his 85-year-old grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, for the third time since arriving to Hawaii. He also plans on going to the movies with his family.

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by calebcs August 14, 2008 11:09 PM EDT: Is Obama aware that Russia holds veto power on the UN? What good would a UN mediator do to resolve the crisis if Russia can simply veto any decision they come to? His inexperience is very very scary; Reply to this comment


by mattcat25 August 12, 2008 1:10 PM EDT: Republicans love war, and will continue to incite conflict that could be escaladed and profited from all over the world.

Vote for Republicans and you will be voting for perpetual military conflicts and WAR!; Reply to this comment


by wmb57 August 12, 2008 4:30 AM EDT: Obama should listen to the left. It is not Russia''s fault, doesn''t he know. It is the U.S.''s fault. We should not have been helping Georgia, training their military, selling them weapons, or providing other assistance. We aren''t supposed to help other countries, that is military agression, we forced Russia''s hand.

I guess Obama has to play diplomat while underneath he doens''t do anything, so the left still wins. Thats Obama do nothing diplomacy.; Reply to this comment


by greenfun August 12, 2008 12:26 AM EDT: I''m surprised BO didn''t ask Florida and all "57" states to come help Georgia.; Reply to this comment


by blkpresident August 11, 2008 11:56 PM EDT: At least soon to be President-elect Obama knows where Georgia is; word on the street is that old man McCain thought the Russians were in Atlanta. Anybody seen grampy''s "blankie"? Another "power" nap may do gramps well geographically speaking. Goodnight, John Boy.; Reply to this comment