U.S. pledges $1B in aid to Georgia

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The United States will provide a $1 billion package to Georgia for humanitarian and reconstruction aid, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday.

"We envision a multiyear commitment, which will begin now under President Bush and we believe strongly will endure in the next U.S. administration," Rice said in Washington.

Georgia is recovering from a confrontation in early August with Russia, which invaded its neighbor after Georgian troops tried to rein in rebels in the breakaway region of South Ossetia, which has historic ties to Moscow.

"The billion-dollar support package that I am announcing today marks a significant contribution to our long-term commitment to ensure that Georgia's economic success continues and to deepen our trade and commercial relations with Georgia," Rice said.

The administration, working with Congress, is expected to make available up to $570 million in a first phase by the end of this year, Rice said.

Concerning Russia's invasion of Georgia, Rice said, "We've been very clear that Russia cannot have it both ways" by acting as it has in the past and expect to enjoy benefits from integrating into the international community.