Georgia recalls troops from Iraq, 1,500 dead in South Ossetia

The departure of Georgia’s 2,000-strong contingent from Iraq will have some impact initially but no significant long-term effect on Iraq’s security, a US military spokesman said today.

Meanwhile, at least 1,500 people have been killed in fighting in South Ossetia, Russia's Foreign Minister said today.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili told CNN the troops would be called home today to join the fighting in the breakaway province of South Ossetia.

Georgia has asked Washington for help getting its troops out of Iraq, and US army spokesman Captain Charles Calio said all transport options were being considered.

Georgia’s troops in Iraq makes the ex-Soviet republic the third-largest contributor to coalition forces after the US and Britain.