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3 a.m. -- Michael speaks with Lou Dobbs and explains the Russian advances within Georgia.
LOU DOBBS:
Good evening everybody. The Republic of Georgia
tonight saying Russia now controls a third of its
territory. Earlier, the Russian foreign minister said
Georgia can, quote, "forget about its territorial
integrity", end quote. Russia is ignoring new demands
by President Bush for Moscow to respect Georgia's
sovereignty.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, saying the
United States will not use military force to end
Russia's aggression. We have extensive coverage
tonight and we begin with Michael Ware in the Georgia
capital of Tbilisi. He went to the front lines today.
Michael, what is the latest on the Russian troop
movements within Georgia?
MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Lou, the first
thing to say is that quite frankly, for America,
there simply is no military option. And that's
precisely what the Russians are trying to show not
just to the pro-American regime here in Georgia, but
to other states here in this region.
They're trying send a strong message that Russia is
back and America can nott protect you. What we know
is that in this offensive here in Georgia, Russia
attacked on two fronts. First, securing two
pro-Russian enclaves. But they were not satisfied
with that and they then advanced further into Georgia
proper. Now this afternoon, we're at one of the front
lines. At the furthest line of Russian advance. This
is on the outskirts of the Georgian city of Gori.
There I mixed with the Russian troops themselves and
not only are they firmly in control, but they
appeared comfortable and relaxed.
Why? Because they know that the Georgian forces --
sponsored, trained and to some degree equipped by the
U.S. -- have no response. We saw the Georgian forces
lining the highway leading to the city of Gori and
protecting the capital Tbilisi. They're a rag tag
bunch who have rallied together as best they can
after the initial Russian onslaught.
But to be frank, they are no match for the Russians
and the Russians know it. Now, despite promises to
leave the city of Gori by the end of today, Thursday,
when I left shortly before dusk the Russians were
making no signs of movement. Meanwhile, on the
western front, the Russians, despite previous
denials, it appears certain now that they occupy the
important port city of Poti.
Now what we've learned is that earlier this evening,
about 100 Russian armored vehicles were seen pushing
south from one of the other pro-Russian enclaves
towards that port city, perhaps to reinforce the
troops already there. Bottom line is the Russians are
here, they're consolidating their positions even
within Georgia itself beyond the enclaves. And they
know and the Georgians know that there's nothing that
anyone, including America, can do about it -- Lou.
DOBBS: Thank you very much. Michael Ware reporting
from Tbilisi, Georgia.