Putin claim 'patently false,' Perino says

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The White House labeled as "patently false" Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's claim that the United States orchestrated the Georgian conflict.

"I think that the claims, first and foremost, are patently false," said White House press secretary Dana Perino said during a briefing. "But it also sounds like his defense officials who said they believe this to be true are giving him really bad advice."

Putin, during an interview with CNN interview Thursday, accused U.S. leaders of inciting the war in Georgia to influence the U.S. election. Putin said that the United States trained and equipped the Georgian army, and incited Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to send troops to bring the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

When asked whether the rhetoric was being ratcheted up, Perino said she didn't see an increase in oratory from the United States or its allies.

"What I do see is unanimity for the sovereignty, the independence and the territorial integrity of Georgia," she said.

Perino said U.S. officials remained concern because Russia "continues not to be in full compliance with the agreement that it signed on to just two weeks ago. And so we are going to continue to press."