LOC17:44
14:44 GMT
LONDON, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- Britain joined international calls on Friday for an
immediate ceasefire in South Ossetia after Georgia launched a military
offensive to regain control of the breakaway province.
In a statement, the British Foreign Office said that in was "monitoring
developments," amid fears of an all-out conflict as Russia, which has close
ties with the South Ossetian separatists, sent tanks across the border.
"We urge an immediate ceasefire in the fighting in South Ossetia and for a
resumption of direct dialogue between all parties", the statement said.
It echoed calls by NATO and the European Union for a halt to the fighting.
NATO said that it was "closely following the situation" and called for "an
immediate end of the armed clashes and direct talks between the parties."
France, which currently holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, issued
a statement urging all parties to show "the greatest restraint."
The Foreign Office added that it was keeping its travel advice under review
although as yet it is not advising against all travel to Georgia.(end)
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KUNA 081744 Aug 08NNNN