Coke Rival To Invest Big in Russia

The number two soft drink maker behind Atlanta-based CocaCola, PepsiCo says it will team up with its largest bottler, Pepsi Bottling Group, to invest $1 billion in Russia over three years. PepsiCo calls it part of a long-term strategy to expand in emerging markets. The investment will be used to boost manufacturing and distribution capacity in Russia - an "attractive growth market." PepsiCo is also opening a new beverage facility this week in Domodedovo and will open a snacks manufacturing plant in Azov later this year. The PepsiCo plant in Domodedovo will produce Pepsi-Cola andother beverages. Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo is the world's second-biggest maker of soft drinks behind Coca-Cola Co.

(Associated Press)

GA lawmaker on Russia-Georgia war

The US Congress will fully support the country of Georgia, a US ally, in the now five day war with Russia, says House member Phil Gingrey. The Peach State congressman says that could include congressional approval to send in American peacekeeping troops.

Top US officials have intensified their criticism of Russia as the former soviet state continues their five day military incursion into the country of Georgia. Speaking at a local GOP barbeque in Rome over the weekend, Republican Representative Phil Gingrey says congress will work quickly to authorize any requests from the President to send troops or other aid.

“That’s where you see bi-partisan support,” said Gingrey, “on something like this you will see Republicans and Democrats coming together quickly.”

Gingrey sits on the Armed Services Committee, and says this is another sign Russia is looking to antagonize western interests and allies. Russian jets have been bombing the Georgian region of South Ossetia since Thursday. That northern territory is controlled by Georgian separatists, and is home to a vital oil and natural gas pipeline.