OSCE to extend Goergian border patrol

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE, says it plans to extend its border patrols between Georgia and Chechnya for a further eight months.

The announcement was made by the organisation's current chairman, the Romanian foreign minister, Mircea Geoana, who's visiting Georgia.

It was due to withdraw its patrols in April.

After talks with Mr Geoana, the Georgian President, Eduard Shevardnadze, said he wanted OSCE observers to be deployed along Georgia's borders with the Russian republics of Ingushetia and Dagestan as well.

Mr Geoana is due to travel to Azerbaijan later today Thursday.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service