Tensions remain high

Tensions remain high in Georgia on 19 August 2008. Russian forces remain in various parts of the country, but reports indicate that Russian military personnel and vehicles have begun to leave the city of Gori. Russia and Georgia have also exchanged 20 prisoners of war in the town of Igoeti. Despite the apparent improvements, Georgian officials have alleged that Russian troops detained 20 Georgian police officers who were acting as security staff at the civilian port of Poti on 19 August. Russia has confirmed the incident but indicated that the officers were a security risk. Georgia maintains that Russia is stalling its withdrawal in order to destroy Georgian infrastructure and weaken its military capability. Meanwhile, Russia's Federal Security Service has alleged that the Georgian special services are planning "terrorist acts" targeting strategic locations in Russian territory. In an earlier order signed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Russia temporarily closed the majority of its border with Georgia and Azerbaijan to foreign citizens in an effort to prevent "the entrance of the members of foreign terroristic organizations, import of the weapon and diversion materials in Russia."