Russia refutes Georgian claims at the ICJ

Russia has urged the United Nations’ highest court to dismiss a case brought by Georgia, accusing Moscow of human rights violations in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russia told the International Court of Justice in the Hague that it cannot be held accountable for attacks on ethnic Georgians.

Moscow also questioned the court’s jurisdiction in hearing the case.

Russian lawyers rejected Georgian claims that Moscow has control of buffer zones around South Ossetia.

They claim there are only 195 troops at six sites along the southern edge of the zone.

Troops began dismantling checkpoints before disagreements broke out over an international force of monitors to replace them.

Meanwhile, within Georgia, the opposition are calling for fresh elections, claiming President Mikheil Saakashvili mishandled the August conflict with Russia.

A coalition of opposition parties has said it will present a plan next week to overcome the crisis.