Don't Back Georgian Rebels, U.S. Tells Russia

[Khephra]

By Emma Thomasson and Paul Gallagher
MAASTRICHT, Netherlands (Reuters) - The United States issued a thinly-veiled warning to Russia on Tuesday not to back Georgia's breakaway regions amid instability in the former Soviet republic after last month's bloodless revolution.

Georgia, troubled by three restive regions, plans to hold presidential elections on January 4 to replace Eduard Shevardnadze, who was toppled by mass protests last month after allegations of vote-rigging in parliamentary polls.

"The international community should do everything possible to support Georgia's territorial integrity throughout and beyond the election process," Secretary of State Colin Powell told the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

"No support should be given to breakaway elements seeking to weaken Georgia's territorial integrity," he told OSCE members from Europe, Central Asia and North America gathered for the meeting in the Dutch city of Maastricht.

more...............

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3924061

[htuttle]

1. Putin replies: "Or else what?"

I don't know why I'm still startled by the expressions of unbridled arrogance coming out of this administration, but for some reason, I still am from time to time.

This is one of those times.

[ugarte]

2. Translation: keep your hands off our pipeline

Does Russia have any pride left? I wonder.

[NashVegas]

3. Exactly

Let's all give three cheers for global capitalism, shall we?

[DeathvadeR]

4. The nerve of these idiots. n/t