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Russia, Georgia Exchange Prisoners

But Russian military remains in Gori as NATO meets

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 7:31 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Russia and Georgia exchanged prisoners of war today in a gesture that observers hope will reduce tensions and expedite a Russian withdrawal. Fifteen Georgians and five Russians were set free, the Georgian military says. Yet despite the exchange, there was still no movement of Russian troops out of Gori or other parts of Georgian territory, reports the Times of London.

NATO foreign ministers are holding an emergency meeting today in Brussels to come up with a unified response to the Russian invasion. But Dmitry Medvedev offered a stark warning yesterday that other former Soviet nations who seek to emulate Georgia will incur Russia's wrath. "Anyone who tries anything like that will face a crushing response," said the president.

Georgian prisoners of war who took part in a prisoner exchange today.
Georgian prisoners of war who took part in a prisoner exchange today.   (AP Photo)
Georgian prisoners of war stand next to a Russia military helicopter in Tskhinvali, Georgia. The Georgians were to be transported to the central city of Gori for a prisoner exchange with the Russians.
Georgian prisoners of war stand next to a Russia military helicopter in Tskhinvali, Georgia. The Georgians were to be transported to the central city of Gori for a prisoner exchange with the Russians.   (AP Photo)
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks with Italy's Franco Frattini, left, as NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer listens during a NATO foreign minister meeting in Brussels.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks with Italy's Franco Frattini, left, as NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer listens during a NATO foreign minister meeting in Brussels.   (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband, center, talks with French counterpart Bernard Kouchner at the NATO summit in Brussels.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband, center, talks with French counterpart Bernard Kouchner at the NATO summit in Brussels.   (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
David Miliband, left, talks with NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer during an emergency NATO foreign minister meeting in Brussels, Tuesday Aug. 19, 2008.
David Miliband, left, talks with NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer during an emergency NATO foreign minister meeting in Brussels, Tuesday Aug. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
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As NATO gathers, little sign of action
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Russia • NATO • Georgia • Dmitry Medvedev • prisoner exchange • South Ossetia

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