U.S. Hails Georgian Troops’ Pullout from South Ossetia

The United States welcomed Georgia’s decision to withdraw its extra troops from the South Ossetian conflict zone on August 19.

?President Saakashvili today [on August 19] offered a pullback of troops. We certainly welcome this move. It sends the right signal, and we call on all sides to build on this proposal to reduce tensions and to move the political process forward,? Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman of the U.S. Department of State, said at a news briefing in Washington on August 19.

He also said that the United States is working very actively with the Georgian government, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and with Russia ?to bring the situation under control and promote a political settlement and dialogue? in South Ossetia.

?What we’re working toward, is to reduce the level of violence and develop a political solution that enhances Georgia’s territorial integrity,? Adam Ereli added.