Georgian villagers bury the dead

MERETI, Georgia, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- An aid convoy to northern Georgia found many dead and much suffering but some of the worst stories of alleged atrocities appeared to be untrue.

Seven men were missing in the small village of Mereti, the Washington Post reported Wednesday. In nearby Tkviavi, 12 people were killed in fighting.

Both villages are near the disputed territory of South Ossetia. Georgia's attempt to regain control over the breakaway enclave was followed by the Russian invasion.

Zurab Razmadze buried a friend in the floor of a garden shed in Tkviavi.

"I put him here because I was afraid to dig outside," he said, showing the grave of Koba Jashashvili, 37.

In Mereti, remaining villagers said that the missing men were kidnapped by South Ossetian militia members. But they also told reporters that stories that the militia raped and killed three women were untrue.

Villagers said that the Russian troops generally behaved well.

"I am most worried when I don't see Russians around," said Tina Grimradze.

The 68-year-old woman's house in Arbo was looted Sunday.