September 4, 2008 Cheney slams Russia for 'illegitimate, unilateral attempt' to change Georgia's borders Play video

(NECN) - U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney condemned Russia on Thursday for what he called an "illegitimate, unilateral attempt" to change Georgia's borders by force.

Speaking during a closely watched trip to this US-allied South Caucasus nation, Cheney also assured Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili that the United States was "fully committed" to his country's efforts to join NATO.

"Georgia will be in our alliance," Cheney said.

The trip signals that the United States intends to continue cultivating close ties with Georgia and its neighbors even after Russia's short war with Georgia last month - a demonstration by Russia that it is not afraid to use military force in what it considers its sphere of influence.

The United States is at Georgia's side, Cheney told Saakashvili, "as you work to overcome an invasion of your sovereign territory and an illegitimate, unilateral attempt to change your country's borders by force, that has been universally condemned by the free world."

"Russia's actions have cast grave doubts on Russia's intentions and on its reliability as an international partner," he added.

He also thanked Georgia for sending troops to Iraq. Georgia has been the third largest contributor of troops to the US-led operation there.

Saakashvili, meanwhile, said Georgia was committed to a peaceful resolution of its disputes with the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russia, which has long been the patron

"On our part, Georgia is a peace loving nation, we'll do our best to avoid violence, we're committed to the peaceful resolution of all issues, and we're committed to dialogue with everybody, internally and with all the nations in the neighborhood and worldwide," Saakashvili said.

On the eve of Cheney's arrival, the White House announced a one billion US dollar commitment to help the small but strategically located nation recover from its war with Russia.

Cheney planned to make the massive aid package a major highlight of his meetings in Tbilisi, but it will likely leave unanswered the question of potential US military aid to rebuild Georgia's army.

Residents in the capital Tbilisi welcomed the US' pledge to assist the country.

"America has to help us by all means because Georgia cannot be left alone in these circumstances. If they will leave us alone in a few years half of Europe will be in our position and the United States will not feel safe itself," said Zauri Nemsadze.

Lena Razmadze added: "I hope and I am confident that Cheney's arrival will push these Russian occupiers from the country."