Georgia Warned by Russia, Defended by US, on Bases

[DuctapeFatwa]

Russia warned the new leaders of Georgia on Tuesday against allowing any violent action to close Russian military bases there, but the United States publicly backed the Georgians in the dispute.

The Russian foreign ministry, reacting to harsh remarks by a Georgian politician who called for popular action to force the closure of the two bases on Georgian soil, warned its former Soviet ally that such action would harm bilateral relations.

A top U.S. official earlier backed the new Georgian leadership in the row with Russia and said Washington might even put up money to help pay for removing the bases.

Georgian Foreign Minister Tedo Japaridze, interviewed later on television, said Russia wanted large sums for speedy closure. "The Russians are demanding $500 million to speed up their withdrawal from Georgia," he told Imedi television.

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/reuters20040113_518.html

[amber dog democrat]

1. Not very smart

to get this deeply involved in Russian regional politics..

[bemildred]

2. Intentional provocation.

Russia will take the money, if they can get it, and otherwise
will ignore this, perhaps loudly, but nothing will be done.