By KUNA,
Paris : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced Wednesday that the withdrawal of the Russian forces from buffer zones in Georgia will be completed before midnight.
Speaking before the World Policy Conference held in Evian, Medvedev was quoted saying “I would like to inform you that by midnight today, the evacuation of Russian troops will be complete.” For his part, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that the Medevdev has kept his word, regarding the pullout of the troops. Sarkzoy stressed that Russian and Georgia must now abstain from any aggravation on the ground.” Meanwhile, Sarkozy and Medvedev are expected to hold talks on the sidelines of the conference, which is organized by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI).
The Russian withdrawal comes according to a peace deal that was brokered by the French President, whose country is currently chairing the EU Presidency.
Talks are expected to be held on the Russian-Georgian conflict next week in Geneva, where Sarkozy suggested during the conference that all parties involved should take part in these talks and to also respect the stance of each side.”