Georgia will not fight pro-Russian separatist regions

GEORGIAN President Mikhail Saakashvili yesterday ruled out the use of force to establish central government control over two pro-Russian separatist regions, and said Tbilisi remained open to dialogue with Moscow to reduce tension between the neighbours.

"We categorically are not starting any military confrontation," Saakashvili said, rebutting Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement at a meeting with EU leaders on Friday that Georgia was planning to take back South Ossetia and Abkhazia by military means.

"Georgians' long term strategy is simple," Saakashvili said. "No fast solutions; any short-term solution would be beneficial to the people who want trouble."

Fears are growing that the escalating tensions between Moscow and Tbilisi could trigger an outbreak of violence that could draw in the entire volatile Caucasus.