Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis calls on to protect the civilian population in Georgia. According to a CE press-release, forwarded to UNIAN, his statement reads as follows:

"The human toll of the escalation of the conflict in Georgia continues to rise and the country is now on the edge of a full-scale war which would have devastating consequences for the people in the region. Everyone should refrain from any action which endangers the lives of the civilian population. The first priority is an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This should be followed by direct talks in order to find a peaceful and permanent solution."