Bush calls Georgia fighting 'unacceptable'

BEIJING, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush said Monday he has told Russian leaders the outburst of hostilities between Russia and Georgia is "unacceptable."

Bush was seen conferring with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Summer Games.

"I said this violence is unacceptable -- I not only said it to Vladimir Putin, I've said it to the president of the country, Dmitry Medvedev," the U.S. president said in an interview with NBC Sports. "And, look, I expressed my grave concern about the disproportionate response of Russia and that we strongly condemn bombing outside of South Ossetia."

Bush added it was "just interesting to me that here we are trying to promote peace and harmony and we're witnessing a conflict take place."

Bush said he was "firm" with Putin, with whom he has "a good relationship." He said he hopes the dispute can be resolved peacefully.

"There needs to be a international mediation there for the South Ossetia issue," the U.S. president said.