Russia says the number of additional peacekeepers to be sent to Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia complies with international agreements. Meanwhile, Moscow’s envoy to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, has given assurances that Russia will do everything to avoi

The Foreign Ministry says Georgia is reinforcing its troops along the disputed Georgian-Abkhazian border in preparation for military action – a charge Tbilisi has strenuously denied.

President Mikhail Saakashvili has promised a peaceful settlement to the situation. He called on Abkhazia and South Ossetia to develop as parts of Georgia.

But leaders of the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have dismissed the idea of being incorporated back into the country.

Tension escalated after President Putin called for closer diplomatic ties with the unrecognised republics.

At Wednesday's session of the Russia-NATO Council in Brussels, Moscow’s envoy said Georgia and Russia should not go to war.

“It is obvious that I am, as a politician and a diplomat, strongly against war and showing off weapons. This is a radical way. I am sure there is still a chance to stop it. There is always a way out. If we cannot reach an agreement now let's leave it there. Let our children have this possibility. The main thing is that we should not go to war, we should avoid shooting,” said Rogozin.