MOSCOW, August 04, SPA -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says Russian troops in South Ossetia have been put on increased combatreadiness amid rising tensions on the border with Georgia. Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said Tuesday themilitary made the move in response to Georgian«provocations.» He said in a statement quoted by The Associated Press that the measure would help prevent an escalation of violence.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/690066