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Corker: Russia creates tension with conflict in Georgian region

By: Cliff Hightower
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Bob Corker

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said Friday that tensions are building in countries along Russia’s eastern edge because of the nation’s increasingly heavy hand.

The United States’ proposed missile defense shield in Poland has Russia on edge, as well, he said.

Sen. Corker, a member of the Senate Banking, Energy and Foreign Relations committees, spent a week in the countries of Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan as part of a multi-purpose trip to examine global energy issues and the current financial crisis. He returned Thursday afternoon.

During the trip, he said, he found Russia trying to exert influence over countries such as Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan, raising stress levels.

“They did things that were totally unnecessary,” Sen. Corker said, speaking of Russia. “Other countries are watching, and it’s a tough neighborhood.”

The recent military conflict between Russia and Georgia, with both sides claiming the other struck first, “has sent up some antennas,” Sen. Corker said.

He also heard tense comments from Russian officials about the proposed missile shield. Russia has threatened in recent days to position its own missiles near Poland to counter the shield.

“It’s understandable it’s creating tensions being right there on the border,” he said.

Sen. Corker said he also saw a lot of excitement in the region with the election of now-President-elect Barack Obama. Many in the region see it as a chance for something new, he said.

“Anytime there’s a change, you see it as an opportunity,” Sen. Corker said.

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