U.S. calls for ceasefire in Georgia

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Friday called for a ceasefire in breakaway province of South Ossetia, Georgia and territorial integrity of the country.

"We support Georgia's territorial integrity and call for an immediate ceasefire. We urge all parties, including Georgians, South Ossetians and Russians to de-escalate and avoid conflict," State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos told reporters.

Washington is sending an envoy to the region "to engage with the parties in the conflict," according to the spokesman.