MR. FRATTO: Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry for the delay. Let me just give you a quick update on something, and then we'll get into a little bit of the news of the day. And then I'll be ready for any questions you have.

The President this morning had his normal briefings, and was out on the ranch, working with some brush-clearing and trail-building. He obviously had a number of calls with senior officials back in Washington.

Also, to update you on a call he had yesterday with Governor Crist of Florida -- called to talk about the damage caused by Tropical Storm Fay, I think now Tropical Depression Fay, and the flooding -- the severe weather and flooding taking place in Florida. We obviously have a major disaster declaration out there for Florida.

Additionally, FEMA Administrator Paulison called Florida officials this morning to inform them that individual assistance has been added to the major disaster declaration. Administrator Paulison and Small Business Administration Acting Administrator Sandy Baruah are in Florida today to talk with state and local officials, and visit a state logistics center. Federal officials are also keeping an eye on the progression of Hurricane Gustav.

A number of you have asked today, and I've seen reporting with respect to the Russian decision on their part, the very unfortunate decision to attempt to recognize the independence of the two regions in Georgia. You've heard Secretary Rice on this this morning; I certainly refer you to her comments and I can tell you that you can expect a statement to be issued from the President later this afternoon.

Clearly, the actions by Russia stand in contradiction to existing U.N. Security Council resolutions and the spirit of the U.N. Security Council, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country of Georgia. Georgia's territorial integrity is contained in a number of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and those resolutions recognize that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are part of Georgia.

The Russian decision yesterday also violates the cease-fire agreement that President Sarkozy brought to President Medvedev for his signature. He signed it, and this is clearly another violation of the agreement. That agreement speaks to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

So it is a serious issue, but I think as Secretary Rice made clear, this is not an act that will be recognized by the U.N. Security Council. It will be dead on arrival at the U.N. Security Council. And this is another case, it's a reminder to the world of Russia committing to one thing and doing another. And so it leads all of us, the international community, to question Russia's commitment to its word. And I think that's what you're hearing from certain world leaders out there today. The NATO Secretary General issued a statement this morning. Chancellor Merkel has issued a statement. The French, on behalf of the EU, as they sit as the EU President, have just released a statement. And so it is fairly universal condemnation of the actions taken by Russia.

So, as I said, you'll hear -- or you'll read a statement by the President at some point this afternoon. And with that I'll be happy to take your questions.

Ben.

seen at 09:00, 26 August in Whitehouse Press Briefings. Email this to a friend.
Next item; Original source; Previous item;