Doubts over Russian promise

Western powers have toughened their stance on Russia, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy - who brokered the ceasefire agreed by Russia and Georgia - warning of "serious consequences" if Moscow does not finally honour its pledge to withdraw troops from Georgia.

The United States and Germany also urged President Dmitry Medvedev to meet his promise to finally pull out thousands of troops from the Caucasus republic. German chancellor, Angela Merkel, insisted on an "urgent" retreat while US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said that Russia's international reputation was now "in tatters".

However the warnings do not appear to have rattled Russia, whose forces remain deep inside Georgia.

"Russia will pay a price," said Rice. "We will look seriously with our allies and bilaterally at the consequences of this Russian action ... Georgia will rebuild, Russia's reputation may not be rebuilt."

Rice leaves Washington today to join European leaders in Brussels for an emergency Nato summit.