White House: Russia erred in recognizing enclaves

The United States and its European allies will continue making the case to Russia that its decision to recognize two separatist enclaves in neighboring Georgia was a mistake, the White House said Wednesday. "This is a very shortsighted decision on their part," spokesman Tony Fratto said aboard Air Force One as President George W. Bush flew back to Washington after a vacation at his Texas ranch. "I think Russia has got the message." He said the Russian decision was met with "a very strong response of condemnation" from the international community.