BEIJING, Aug.21 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is urging Georgia and its South Ossetia region to renounce violence and settle their standoff through talks.

    Earlier on Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed Georgia's decision to pull back its troops from South Ossetia after this week's violence, saying Russia will take all possible measures to prevent conflicts, China Radio International reported Saturday.

    Georgian President Saakashvili ordered the pullout Thursday after the country's forces took possession of strategic outposts near the regional capital of Tskhinvali.

    Russia had earlier criticized Saakashvili for sending troops into South Ossetia, despite earlier pledges to assert its authority over the region peacefully. Enditem

    (CRIENGLISH.com)