Russian troops begin pulling down a key checkpoint in Georgia as they prepare for a pullout from the Caucasus neighbour under a French-brokered ceasefire.
The EU deployed an observer mission of more than 200 unarmed monitors last Wednesday (October 1) with the initial task of monitoring the Russian pullback, which was agreed to under the ceasefire, but which had no set timetable until Moscow announced its plans.
Internationally mediated talks are due in Geneva on October 15, to discuss security in the region and the return of refugees.
In August Georgia sent troops and tanks to retake South Ossetia, a rebel Georgian province. Russia responded by driving Georgian forces out of South Ossetia.
Stefanie McIntyre reports.
