Tbilisi
26 August 2008
Georgians are reacting with a mixture of concern and fury at the Russia's decision to recognize the independence of two separatist territories within Georgia. VOA's Peter Heinlein in Tbilisi reports senior Georgian officials are urging the West to view the Kremlin's action as proof that Russian imperialism is again on the rise.
Among the latest prominent Americans visiting Tbilisi is Cindy McCain, the wife of U.S. Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain. She toured camps for the internally displaced in the company of Georgia's first lady, Sandra Saakashvili.
Mrs. McCain told reporters her job was to make sure the international community does not forget what is going on in Georgia, and to shine a light on the hardship of people left homeless by the destruction caused when Russian troops roared through their towns and villages this month.
"The only place these people want to be is home, and they cannot go home because of what has happened to them, and because the situation that the Russians have caused. Our goal as humanitarians is to do the best we can to give them a solid life with food, clothing and self esteem until we can get them back into their homes," she said.
The recent stream of American visitors has included Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, Senator Joe Biden, and a host of Congressional delegations.
Others currently in the Georgian capital include Undersecretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs Reuben Jeffrey, and the President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Robert Mosbacher. They are here for a signing ceremony on an agreement pledging U.S. financing for a feasibility study on development of Georgia's substantial coal methane reserves.