Russians claim that troops have begun to withdraw

Russian military officials claim that Russian troops have begun to withdraw from Georgia on 18 August 2008, as previously promised by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and some reports indicate that they have unblocked Georgia’s primary east-west road near Gori. However, Georgian officials have denied the Russian statements, indicating that there has been no troop movement as of yet around Gori, and have alleged that Russian forces are destroying munitions stores and other infrastructure at Georgian military bases, including the one near Senaki. U.S. officials also allege that Russia has moved launchers for short-range ballistic missiles and surface-to-air missiles into South Ossetian territory, from where they are capable of reaching Georgia. According to the cease-fire agreement signed, Russian forces are supposed to pull out of Georgian territory to South Ossetia and the surrounding security zone, which was established in 1999. Russian military actions -- which are allowed only until the arrival of international peacekeepers -- are to be limited to an area within nine miles of the South Ossetian border. Russian troops are also limited to conducting patrols and are not allowed to set up checkpoints, block roads or enter urban areas. Meanwhile, Georgia is in the beginning stages of repairing some of the damage done to its infrastructure during the conflict. Georgia is receiving help from Azerbaijan and Armenia in repairing a railway bridge that was bombed on 16 August. The bridge in the Kaspi district is the only rail route for the shipment of goods, including oil and other cargo, to landlocked Armenia. Georgian officials have blamed Russia for the destruction of the bridge. Separately, South Ossetia’s President Eduard Kokoity reportedly declared a state of emergency in the separatist province on 17 August after dismissing his government. The emergency measures are scheduled to last one month.