By RIA Novosti,
Vladikavkaz : Georgia has handed 41 Russian civilians, who became stranded as a result of the recent conflict in South Ossetia, to Russia, a border service spokesman said on Monday.
The Russians, including 15 women and 19 children, were visiting Georgia when the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia erupted after Tbilisi launched an attack on Tskhinvali, the capital of its breakaway province of South Ossetia.
“The handover took place on Sunday at the Verkhny Lars checkpoint [between Georgia and Russia],” Lt. Col. Sergei Livantsov said.
Georgia has so far handed over 500 Russian nationals since August 12 to Russian border guards, the official said. Moscow, in turn, has handed over 17 Georgians, who wanted to return to Tbilisi.