Obama Interrupts Vacation To Talk About Georgian Conflict
(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.