Tskhinvali, 23 March: At the time being, there is no threat that combat operations may start between (Georgia's breakaway) South Ossetia and Georgia, South Ossetian (separatist) president Eduard Kokoyty has said at his meeting with representatives of the republic's ministries and departments.

"Very many rumours have been discussed of late that war is to start and the leadership of the republic is not evacuating people. There is no threat of war and there is no need in evacuating people," Kokoyty stressed.

He also said that "this (rumours - IF) is being done deliberately to hinder the restoration process under way in the republic, blow up the situation from inside, and keep the South Ossetian population in permanent tension". "The Georgian side's demonstrative actions are also linked to this. They are digging trenches and building new fortifications," Kokoyty added.

He instructed the foreign ministry to make a statement on the EU and those (EU) monitors, who are stationed in Georgian zones adjacent to South Ossetia, and condemn their actions.

"The Georgian side is building up its military presence and erecting fortifications in the zone of their responsibility. This problem should be raised, but, at the same time, it is not necessary to intimidate the South Ossetian population," Kokoyty noted.

"We should be building, creating, learning, and working. It is not necessary to occupy ourselves with other insignificant problems," he stressed.