Medvedev: Sarkozy key in ending conflict

MOSCOW, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The role played by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in ending last year's conflict between Russia and Georgia was crucial, his Russian counterpart says.

Marking the anniversary of the start of hostilities between Georgia and Russia in the former Georgian republic of South Ossetia Saturday, President Dmitry Medvedev said Sarkozy, who brokered an Aug. 12, 2008, cease-fire agreement, was instrumental in bringing peace to the region, RIA Novosti reported.

"France's participation as EU president in our efforts to stop (Georgian President Mikheil) Saakashvili's uncontrolled aggression was effective and achieved results," Medvedev said in a statement, adding that Sarkozy's efforts remain the only "code of conduct" in force in the Caucasus region.

The news agency said 162 civilians and 67 Russian service personnel, including peacekeepers, were killed in the war, which Moscow says began when Georgia invaded South Ossetia and was repulsed by a Russian counteroffensive that drove Georgian forces deep within their own territory.