White House: 'Premature' to discuss US sanctions on Russia

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The White House said Thursday it was reviewing the US-Russia relationship given the Georgia crisis but that it was "premature" to say whether it would impose sanctions on Moscow.

"We're reviewing our relationship with Russia in light of the situation in Georgia, but it's premature to discuss what actions the United States may or may not take," said spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

"Our focus is on providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Georgia and on Russian compliance with the ceasefire agreement" brokered by France, which holds the rotating European Union presidency, said the spokesman.

Johndroe's comments came after French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that some EU states were considering imposing sanctions on Russia when...