Number: RL34618
Title: Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests
Authors: Jim Nichol, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: On August 13, President Bush announced that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would travel to France and Georgia to assist with the peace plan and that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would direct U.S. humanitarian aid shipments to Georgia. Secretary Rice proposed a multi-year $1 billion aid plan for Georgia on September 3, and Vice President Cheney visited Georgia on September 4 to assure that "America will help Georgia rebuild." The Defense Department announced on September 8 that it had completed deliveries of humanitarian aid and would later send in a team to assess security assistance needs. Several Members of Congress visited Georgia in the wake of the conflict and legislation has been passed in support of Georgia's territorial integrity and independence. P.L. 110-329, signed into law on September 30, 2008, provides $365 million in added humanitarian and rebuilding assistance for Georgia for FY2009.
Pages: 38
Date: October 24, 2008