Russia asks U.S. help with Georgia

MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Russia says it's counting on the United States to exert influence on Georgia to tone down its conflict with the breakaway republic of South Ossetia.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin issued a statement Monday calling on the United States to use whatever influence it can exert on Georgia to pull back from the threat of what he says will be a large-scale military conflict with South Ossetia, RIA Novosti reported.

After speaking to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, Karasin said, "The Russian side expressed deep concern over the latest surge in tensions around South Ossetia, the unlawful buildup of Georgia's military presence in the region and the intensive construction of fortifications.

"Russia has already urged Tbilisi to take a responsible approach and it also counts on constructive cooperation from Washington," the news agency reported Karasin as saying.

The United States will be joining Russia at United Nations-sponsored peace talks on the situation Aug. 15 in Berlin.