Russian forces stationed in Georgia have completed their pullout from the security zone

Reports on 8 October 2008 indicate that Russian forces stationed in Georgia have completed their pullout from the security zone surrounding South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgian officials have confirmed the withdrawal, which comes ahead of a 10 October deadline. The withdrawal is part of the overall ceasefire brokered by France between the two sides in August. European Union monitors will replace Russian forces in the security zone, butRussian troops will remain stationed in the separatist regions.