Russian forces begin Georgia pull-out

Russia has begun pulling its forces out of the former Soviet republic of Georgia in line with international agreements on security in Europe.

A consignment of tanks and armoured vehicles has been taken by train to the Black Sea port of Batumi for shipment to Russia.

An estimated five thousand troops, stationed at four bases, will follow over the next twelve months.

The withdrawal is being funded largely by the United States and Britain under the terms of the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty which was re-ratified last year.

Russia has maintained a military presence in Georgia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It also has peacekeeping forces there who will remain.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service