Saakashvili Visits South Ossetian Conflict Zone

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili unexpectedly visited the Georgian village of Eredvi in the breakaway South Ossetian early on July 19.

?I came here to observe the situation in the conflict zone. We are capable of dealing with the forces [of breakaway South Ossetia], but now it is important to maintain peace,? President Saakashvili told reporters.

A special center to coordinate Georgian government?s activities in the breakaway region was set up recently in the village of Eredvi.

?The President arrived here to encourage our soldiers,? Interior Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who also chairs the special center in Eredvi, told reporters.

President Saakashvili hailed the Georgian troops stationed in the conflict zone and said ?despite shots fired from the South Ossetian side, our soldiers keep patience and did not respond by opening fire.?

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