Русская версияGeorgia has launched a major offensive aimed at regaining control
of the break-away region of South Ossetia. Correspondents say
the Georgian military has been using fighter jets and heavy
artillery to pound the province.
There are also reports of damage
and several casualties in the regional capital, Tskhinvali.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakasvhili has announced that his
government is calling up all military reservists. In a televised
statement, he also said that Russian aircraft had bombed several
Georgian villages, describing the move as an act of aggression.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is in Beijing to attend
the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games, has criticised the
Georgian offensive against the rebels. Putin said this would
provoke retaliatory measures from Russia. Meanwhile, the United
Nations Security Council has held an emergency session to discuss
the escalating conflict. It has expressed concern over the fighting
but failed to endorse a Russian-sponsored statement urging the two
sides to cease hostilities.
(Deutsche Welle)
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