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Sat 08 Aug 2008Georgia calls for ceasefire as death toll mounts

Georgia called for a ceasefire today after Russian bombers widened an offensive to force back Georgian troops seeking control over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Russia said it had seized the rebel capital, Tskhinvali, but Georgia denied the claim on the second day of fighting that threatens oil and gas pipelines seen as crucial in the West.