Conflict in in South Ossetia: General mobilisation of Georgian armed forces is underway - je 08.08.2008 18

European Union nations are calling for an end to hostilities between Russia and Georgia in the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia. France, which currently holds the EU Presidency, says it is working on a ceasefire plan. Russian and Georgian forces have exchanged artillery fire in the provincial capital, Tshin-vali. Unconfirmed media reports from Moscow say Russian forces have "suppressed" Georgian troops in the area. +++LM-REIN+++ Russian troops entered the territory after Georgia launched an all-out artillery and tank assault on Tshin-vali. South Ossetia is home to 70-thousand people - about half of them are Russian citizens. US President George Bush has pledged American support for Georgia's territorial integrity. Russia has promised to protect its citizens in South Ossetia.