US steps up rhetoric against Russia

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-19-2008 08:39

Following Moscow's recognition of the independence of the Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Washington has been stepping up criticism of Russia.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice delivers a policy  speech on US-Russia relations, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008,  to the German Marshall Fund in Washington. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Addressing the German Marshall Fund on Thursday, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice said Russia's recent policies have put it on a path to isolation and irrelevance, and its recent attack on Georgia has brought the world to the brink of a major crisis. As a result, she said, Moscow's bid to join the World Trade Organization is now in question.

Analysts say Rice's statement is an escalation of rhetoric in a relationship that has deteriorated since last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry has no immediate comment about Rice's speech.

On Wednesday, a top aid to Rice said Washington is considering further actions against Moscow.

Editor:Du Xiaodan