Other developments
• Georgian officials accused Russia of sending a column of tanks and other armored vehicles toward Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia, then said the convey stopped about 35 miles out. The U.S. said a move toward Kutaisi would be a matter of great concern, but two defense officials told The Associated Press the Pentagon did not detect any major movement by Russian troops or tanks.
• President Bush, fresh off a CIA briefing about the fighting in Georgia, renewed his call Thursday for a cease-fire to be honored in the former Soviet republic. Bush also repeated his demand that Russia respect the “territorial integrity” of Georgia.
• Humanitarian aid groups and U.N. monitors are unable to reach large parts of Georgia because of insecure conditions despite a French-brokered cease-fire.
