Russia makes new promise on Georgia withdrawal

There had been a promise of an “immediate” withdrawal of Russian troops; now the Kremlin says it will be by the end of the week.

This, amid intense pressure from the West, and with the language against Moscow getting tougher.

But while one column of tanks left the Georgian town of Gori, other soldiers were seen digging trenches near artillery positions.

The US, backed up by reports from journalists on the ground, says there is no evidence yet of a large-scale pullout.

After NATO said it was suspending contact with Russia until its troops leave Georgia, the Kremlin insisted it would happen by Friday.

Under a ceasefire deal, most of the Russian forces will have to withdraw to Russia or the breakaway region of South Ossetia. However, Moscow says it wants to keep some troops in a buffer zone.

Copyright © 2009 euronews