Russia to 'pull out of Gori' as US plans deliver aid to Georgia

Tbilisi: Russia says it will soon pull out of the town of Gori on Thursday, as US military planes began delivering aid to Georgia in growing support against Russia.

Gori, a town 60 km (east of the capital Tbilisi, lies just outside South Ossetia and controls the key road between eastern and western Georgia.

A top Russian general said on Wednesday night, Gori and the surrounding area will soon be handed over to Georgian forces.

"All buildings are in normal shape, the town is supplied with water and electricity," he added inviting Georgians who fled Gori to return to their homes.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was set to hold talks on Thursday with French President Nicolas Sarkozy before heading to Tbilisi.

President George Bush has demanded Moscow end the crisis, complete an agreed ceasefire and withdraw Russian troops sent into Georgia after fighting began last Thursday.

"The United States of America stands with the democratically-elected government of Georgia. We insist that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected," Bush told reporters at the White House.

Moscow has denied violating a ceasefire and rejected claims its troops and armour had advanced on Tbilisi or looted Gori.