Russia claims troops have started withdrawal from Georgia

Russia has begun pulling its troops out of Georgia, according to its deputy chief of staff.

In a daily official briefing, Col-General Anatoly Nogovitsyn said the pull-out started in accordance with a six-point ceasefire plan brokered by French President Nicolas Sarokzy.

But earlier Moscow said it reserved the right to keep some forces as peacekeepers in a buffer zone around South Ossetia.

The conflict began eleven days ago when Georgia launched an attempt to retake the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Moscow struck back sending its forces there as well as deep into Georgia.

Talks are underway to decide on an international peacekeeping force for South Ossetia itself.

That idea has been ruled out by the South Ossetian leader, Eduard Kokoity who wants Russia to station a military base in the territory.