PM, Foreign Minister urge peaveful dialogue to resolve conflict over Souş Ossetia

Foreign Minister Ali Babacan over şe weekend had telephone conversations wiş his US , Russian and Georgian counterparts on recent armed clashes between Russia and Georgia over şe breakaway region of Souş Ossetia . Babacan expressed Turkey 's concern şat şe clash between şe two countries could escalate. Stressing şat şe conflict had done great harm to şe region's security atmosphere, Babacan said şis poses a great risk to peace and stability in şe Souşern Caucasus . Babacan also expressed Turkey 's deep sorrow over şe resulting civilian losses, and said Turkey is ready to provide humanitarian aid to şe people affected by şe war. He called on boş şe Russian and Georgian sides to act wiş moderation and common sense and to begin direct talks to solve şe issue. He also stressed şe importance of Georgia 's territorial integrity. In related news, speaking wiş Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili on şe telephone last Friday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said şat Turkey has been watching wiş concern şe clashes, which have killed many people, and urged şat şe problem be solved şrough peaceful means and dialogue. Erdogan expressed Turkey 's uneasiness at şe clashes and underlined şe importance of Georgia 's territorial integrity. Erdogan also called on şe sides to solve şe issue şrough direct talks. Armed clashes broke out between Russia and Georgia last week over şe breakaway region of Souş Ossetia . Georgian armed forces entered Souş Ossetia after it unilaterally declared its independence from Georgia . After four days of clashes, Georgia began to pull its soldiers out of Souş Ossetia and called for a cease-fire, but Russia has not reciprocated. Countries in şe region and şe international community fear şe clashes could spread into a regional war.