Georgian parliament approves martial law

Georgia’s parliament today endorsed a presidential decree introducing martial law for 15 days.

President Mikhail Saakashvili said the decree would allow for the mobilisation of reservists and for government agencies to work around the clock.

He says it does not impose any restrictions on the media or on the freedom of travel.

The president signed the decree introducing martial law for 15 days earlier today.

It came as a Georgian official said Georgian troops would withdraw from the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali.