United Nations calls for settlement in South Ossetia

"The secretary-general urges all parties to immediately end hostilities and to engage, without delay, in negotiations to achieve a peaceful settlement," said a statement issued by Bans office.
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"The secretary-general believes that for the success of this endeavor, all armed contingents, which are not authorized by respective agreements on South Ossetia, should leave the zone of conflict," the statement continued.

Russian naval vessels also arrived at the port of Ochamchira in another breakaway Georgian region, Abkhazia.

Ban said he was "profoundly concerned" over mounting tensions in the Abkhaz zone of conflict, including the bombing of the Upper Kodori Valley and the ongoing military build-up along the security zone.
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He urged all parties to exercise "maximum restraint" as well as to guarantee the safety and security of U.N. military observers.
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"The secretary-general strongly believes that a lasting solution can only be found by peaceful means," the statement said.