Cheney slams "unjustified assault" on Georgia

By Tim Gaynor

PHOENIX (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Wednesday called Russia's actions in Georgia an "unjustified assault" and pledged to ensure the small U.S. ally's territorial integrity.

"We will work with our allies to ensure Georgia's territorial integrity as a free and independent nation," Cheney told a meeting of armed forces veterans in Phoenix.

He made the remarks after Russia recognized two rebel regions of Georgia as independent states on Tuesday, driving up tension in the volatile Caucasus and worsening already strained relations between Moscow and the West.

President George W. Bush has condemned Moscow's recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as an action that "only exacerbates tensions and complicates diplomatic negotiations."

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the United States, Europe and their allies will make the case to Russia that its decision was "very short-sighted."

He told reporters travelling with Bush to Washington from Texas that Russia knows where the United States stands. "I think Russia has gotten the message," Fratto said.

Bush, who spoke with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Tuesday night, will receive an update on the conflict from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday evening, Fratto said.

Bush is sending Cheney to Tbilisi next week.