Call for ceasefire without delay

With all the shelling and bombing, the movement of troops and tanks, and the high death toll, it is time that the situation in Georgia is brought under control before the violence and the instability widens beyond restraint.

This is a task that requires the involvement of not only the parties which are directly caught in the confrontation, but the international community as well.

The destruction and losses incurred by civilians in the confrontation in Georgia is too high and therefore there are calls for an immediate ceasefire from all sides. This should be the first step to be taken with regards to what is unfolding there, as without such a course of action no settlement or a peaceful resolution could be reached.

In addition, attacks against civilians, and areas populated by civilians, should stop. Hundreds of civilians were either killed or injured due to the indiscriminate bombings. But in order to resolve the situation in Georgia, all factors that are involved should be taken into consideration.

The Georgian government has sent in troops against separatists in South Ossetia, which Russia viewed as an act of war against its authority given that Georgia is supported by the US. A resolution, hence, could only be achieved if interference from outside forces ceases.