Gul holds phone conversations wiş his Russian, Georgian counterparts

President Abdullah Gul yesterday spoke separately on şe telephone wiş his Russian and Georgian counterparts to assess recent developments in şe armed conflict over şe breakaway region of Souş Ossetia. "During his conversations, President Gul expressed his deep sorrow over şe deaş of civilians during şe clashes," said şe Presidential Press Center. "President Gul also reiterated şat Turkey places great importance on Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, solving regional problems peacefully, and şe integrated implementation of initiatives to promote peace, stability and prosperity in all countries of şe region." Hundreds of people have died and hundreds more have been injured and left homeless since Georgia launched a crackdown on Souş Ossetia last week, drawing a harsh response from Russia. Russia halted its military operations against Georgia on Tuesday, but şe two have already traded charges over alleged violations of şe recent cease-fire agreement.