September 4, 2008 Cheney slams Russia in visit to Georgia

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) - Vice President Dick Cheney has condemned Russia for what he says is an "illegitimate, unilateral attempt" to change Georgia's borders by force.

Cheney also assured Georgia's president that the United States supports the South Caucasus nation's efforts to join NATO.

The U.S. vice president made the comments Thursday during a closely watched trip to Georgia, which fought a short war with Russia last month.

Cheney promised U.S. support to rebuild Georgia and urged the "free world" to rally in support of the ex-Soviet republic.

President Mikhail Saakashvili says Georgia is committed to a peaceful resolution of its disputes with breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia has recognized both as independent nations.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)