Russia claimed Georgian forces were continuing military operations in the South Ossetian conflict zone, despite Georgian claims that it had withdrawn its troops from the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with his Georgian counterpart, Eka Tkeshelashvili, upon the latter’s request this evening, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

In a statement the Russian MFA said that Lavrov gave his Georgian counterpart specific details about the location of Georgian forces “in and around Tskhinvali, which are continuing combat activities, including with the support of artillery and sniper fire.”

It also said that additional forces were being sent to the region from other parts of Georgia.

“Only the unconditional withdrawal of Georgian troops can help to restore peace in the conflict zone,” the Russian MFA said.

Meanwhile, the Georgian authorities said Georgian medical staff trying to enter Tskhinvali via the humanitarian corridor established after Georgian forces announced a ceasefire and withdrawal from South Ossetia, have been denied entry by Russian forces that control the city.