Русская версияWeeks of tension between pro-Western Georgia and rebels in
breakaway South Ossetia, which has links with Russia, have
escalated into heavy fighting.
Russia's Interfax news agency quotes
the leader of South Ossetia, Eduard Kokoity, as saying that
hundreds of civilians have died in fighting in the region's capital
Tskhinvali. This has not been confirmed by other sources. Russia
said it had sent "reinforcements" into South Ossetia while Georgia
said its forces controlled Tskhinvali after launching an offensive.
The Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili claimed their forces had
shot down two Russian combat planes over Georgian territory.
Earlier, Russia's defence ministry had denied a similar report.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined the calls for an end to the
fighting along with the European Union, the Western alliance NATO
and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE).
(Deutsche Welle)
more info >>
<< Back