US warship packed with aid supplies docks in Georgia
US aid on the way to Georgia
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Sunday, 24, Aug 2008 09:50
An American warship carrying essential aid supplies has docked in Georgia as world leaders continue to urge Russia to withdraw forces from its neighbour.
The USS McFaul arrived at the port of Batumi today carrying food, blankets and other relief supplies for those affected by the conflict which started on August 7th. Two other American ships are scheduled to arrive later this week.
Meanwhile, a huge explosion was reported in Gori, a town on the outskirts of South Ossetia. The interior ministry said a fuel train had exploded after driving over a mine placed on the rail tracks. Information about casualties is yet to be released.
In other news, French president Nicolas Sarkozy spoke to Russian president Dmitry Medvedev over the sending of officials from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor conflict zones in the disputed areas.
A spokesperson for the Kremlin told the AFP news agency that Russia was willing to cooperate with the OSCE but added that no discussions had taken place over the replacement of Russian peacekeepers in the area by an international force
The US, UK and France have repeatedly urged Russia to stick to the terms of the ceasefire with Georgia and to withdraw immediately from its neighbour's territory.
The ceasefire calls for all forces to withdraw to positions held before the outbreak of hostilities on August 7th.