MOSCOW, August 09, SPA -- About 1,500 people have been killed infighting in Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia,Russia's foreign minister said Saturday. Fighting was raging for a second day in the separatistregion, the Associated Press reported. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters in aconference call Saturday that 1,500 people had died so farin the fighting, and the death toll was continuing to rise. Georgia launched a massive offensive Friday to regaincontrol over South Ossetia, saying it was forced to launchthe assault because of rebel attacks. The separatistsalleged Georgia violated its own cease fire. Russia, whichhas close ties with the region, responded by sending inarmed convoys.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/580563