MOSCOW. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Russia has always been and will continue to be a guarantor of security for people living in the Caucasus region, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

"Russia has been present and has a presence on Georgian territory on fully legal grounds as it fulfills its peacekeeping mission in accordance with international agreements that have been achieved. We have believed and still believe that our main task is to preserve peace. Russia historically has and will remain a guarantor of security for the people of the Caucasus," he said.

Medvedev said last night Georgian soldiers "essentially carried out an act of aggression against Russian peacekeepers and civilians."

"What occurred is a blatant violation of international rights and the mandates that the global community issued to Russia some time ago as a partner in efforts to peacefully resolve [the dispute between Tbilisi and Tskhinvali]," he said, noting that Georgia's actions have led to human casualties.