WASHINGTON — President Bush escalated the American response Wednesday to Russian military action in Georgia, ordering a humanitarian aid effort and dispatching Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the stricken region as Pentagon officials announced plans to rebuild the Georgian military.
Speaking in the Rose Garden, Bush accused Russia of seizing territory in Georgia and continuing its military campaign despite agreeing to a cease-fire.
The new words and actions from the White House came after sharp criticism from conservatives, including some in Georgia and the Bush administration, that his initial response was ineffectual.
"The United States of America stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia," Bush said. "We insist that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected."
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Tuesday said he would accept Russian terms for a cease-fire to end the fighting. The agreement, backed by France and the European Union, included a call for Georgia to return its troops to the positions held before hostilities broke out last week when Georgia defied Russia by launching an attack in South Ossetia.
On Wednesday, Russian tanks surrounded Gori, home of Georgia's biggest military base, cut off roads leading out of town and began to rumble south toward the Georgian capital of Tbilisi before turning back. Witnesses reported widespread looting and lawlessness both in Gori and the smattering of villages that lead up to South Ossetia.
By midmorning today, Russian troops had begun to pull out of Gori but had not entirely handed over control.
Georgian soldiers in pickups lined up on the main highway from Tbilisi. At the final checkpoint into Gori, Russian and Georgian troops chatted as they awaited instructions.
The Pentagon emphasized that its initial concern would be providing relief supplies, but announced Wednesday that it would also begin efforts to rebuild the Georgian military.
"Our focus right now is on delivering humanitarian aid and taking care of the immediate needs of those who are caught in this conflict," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell.
The Bush administration's position could make for a more confrontational relationship with Russia. Washington has threatened to keep Russia out of various international groups, such as the World Trade Organization, because of its military action.
