Georgian government does not accept Russians are leaving

Myanmar News.Net
Saturday 23rd August, 2008

The Georgian Government has acknowledged that Russian troops have partially withdrawn from its territory.

At the same time, it has said the country remains under some occupation.

The Russian defence ministry now says it has completed its pullout from Georgia after thousands of Russian troops left Georgia in columns of tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

The troops made for South Ossetia, where Russia has said it will maintain a buffer zone.

Russia says it will permanently station troops in the zone to prevent any further bloodshed.

Georgia's Vice-Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze says the situation is unacceptable and Russia has failed to live up to its commitments under the peace agreement.

He said the stationing of troops in South Ossetia and Abkhazia would not be in accord with the peace agreement.

Peace groups believe the long-term presence of Russian troops could undermine Georgia's statehood and should be rejected by the West.

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