Brussels, 06/08/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a press release published on Wednesday 5 August, the French presidency of the Council of the EU, “expresses its grave concern at the upsurge in tension in South Ossetia (Georgia)” last weekend. Clashes took place during Friday night (1st August) and Saturday (2nd August) in circumstances that are still unclear. An exchange of shell fire between Georgian forces and rebel forces led to the death of six people and left around twenty people wounded. The press release stated, “We deplore the loss of lives and numerous injuries caused by recent incidents, in circumstances that the local OSCE mission is seeking to clarify”. The statement urged the different parties to, “cooperate in full with the OSCE” and also explains that the EU, “is willing, more than ever, to fully engage in the pursuit of a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in Georgia”. The Georgian authorities have also indicated that direct bilateral talks with representatives from South Ossetia (the first in 10 years) are due to take place on Thursday 7 August in Tskhinvali, the capital of Ossetia. (A.B./trans/rh)