All sides in the conflict raging in Georgia should cease firing and open peace talks before it is too late, the head of the Council of Europe urged Friday, reported dpa.
"The human toll of the escalation of the conflict in Georgia continues to rise and the country is now on the edge of a full-scale war which would have devastating consequences for the people in the region," council Secretary General Terry Davis said in a statement.
"The first priority is an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This should be followed by direct talks in order to find a peaceful and permanent solution," he said.
Fierce fighting broke out in the Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia on Saturday, with Georgia and Russia accusing each other of starting the conflict.
The council, based in Strasbourg in France, was created in 1949 to promote democracy and peace in the continent.
It has 47 members, including both Georgia and Russia.