U.S. Says Troops Pullout Creates Positive Momentum

The U.S. welcomed once again on August 20 Tbilisi?s decision to withdraw its extra troops from the South Ossetian conflict zone.

?We urge all parties to act with restraint as the withdrawal proceeds,? the statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on August 20 reads.
 
?Georgia’s ability to carry out its ambitious reform agenda depends on having peace and stability. We call on the parties to the conflict and other OSCE partners to capitalize on this positive momentum created by this troop withdrawal to establish an effective negotiating mechanism in pursuit of a political settlement that preserves South Ossetian autonomy within Georgia,? the statement says.

Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman of the U.S. Department of State, said at a news briefing in Washington on August 19, that the U.S. is working toward reduction the level of violence to ?develop a political solution that enhances Georgia’s territorial integrity.”