"In accordance with its mandate, the ICRC reminds those involved in the hostilities of their obligation to comply with international humanitarian law," the Geneva-based organization said in a press release.

   The ICRC also asked them to, in particular, distinguish at all times between the civilian population and those taking direct part in the fighting.

   Attacks aimed at the civilian population are prohibited, and access to essential means of survival and to humanitarian aid must be guaranteed for civilians, said the ICRC.

   All wounded and sick must have access to adequate medical care, medical transports must be allowed to proceed, and hospitals and staff treating the wounded and sick must be allowed to carry out their activities unhindered, it added.

   The ICRC stressed that people who surrender or are wounded,sick or have been captured may not be attacked and must be treatedhumanely, and their lives must be spared in all circumstances.

   South Ossetia wants to integrate into neighboring Russia while Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has pledged to reunite the country by taking the region and another breakaway republic, Abkhazia, back under the control of the central government.

   The simmering tensions between Tbilisi and South Ossetia erupted in late May when Saakashvili briefly sent troops into the region. Enditem