Cheney pledges support for Ukraine

KIEV, Ukraine, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney met with Ukrainian officials Friday to discuss continuing tensions over Russia's military incursion into Georgia.

Cheney met with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, who expressed support for European efforts to mediate the conflict, said a pool report from journalists traveling with Cheney.

"I'm sure we'll find a peaceful way to settle that conflict," Yushchenko told Cheney, who in turn praised the United States and Ukraine for having a strong and "very important relationship."

Thursday, Cheney stopped in Georgia to pledge U.S. support for that country and a desire to see Georgia become a member of NATO, in defiance of Russia, The New York Times reported Friday.

Cheney arrived in Georgia one day after the United States pledged $1 billion to help Georgia recover from its defeat by Russian soldiers, who continue to control two breakaway regions and buffer zones in Georgia.