Russia's invasion of Georgia in my view has achieved, will achieve no strategic objective. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said this at a meeting in Budapest on Thursday, Associated Press reports.
The head of the Pentagon has once again condemned the Russia's invasion of Georgia, adding that Americans had sought a "constructive relationship with Russia".
"But unfortunately their behavior has undermined security in the region and raised real concerns about their intentions", said US Secretary of Defense.
Robert Gates said at his meeting with Georgian Defense Minister David Kezerashvili that the United States is unwavering in its support for Georgia's independence and its aspirations to join NATO.
Two-day long meeting of defense ministers of NATO members are being held in Budapest. The members of the meeting are also actively discussing the situation in Afghanistan.
After his meeting with the head of the Pentagon, Defense Minister of Georgia Kezerashvili said that the US and Georgian officials will meet in late October to talk about how Washington can help rebuild the Georgian military.
"During our meeting, Gates reaffirmed the US support for Georgia to join the alliance", Kezerashvili indicated.
At the same time, first deputy defense minister of Georgia Batu Kutelia said that "one of the priorities for future assistance will be the fortification of air defense system of Georgia".
"That we need not only for militarily but also for politically and economically point of view. We are going to look at the details of these issues at the upcoming meeting in Washington", Kutelia said.
Kavkaz Center
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