Georgian forces have launched a heavy offensive against South Ossetian separatists just hours after agreeing to a ceasefire and Russian-mediated talks.
Both sides used rockets and planes in overnight clashes centred in and around the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali. There have been reports of numerous casualties. Georgia said it had surrounded the capital to try and restore order in the region that broke away in the early 1990's. Both Russia and the United States have expressed concern over the situation and the United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating violence. South Ossetia's separatist rebels are backed by Moscow and have been seeking an independent state since 1992.
(Deutsche Georgia recalls ambassador to Moscow ...
German FM calls for renewal of relations with Russia ... Welle)
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