U.S. President George W. Bush reiterated his call on Saturday for Russia to withdraw from Georgia and warily welcomed Russia's signing of a cease-fire deal with Georgia.

"There's no room for debate on this matter. These regions are a part of Georgia, and the international community has repeatedly made clear that they will remain so," Bush said.

Bush welcomed the signing of a cease-fire deal by Russia with Georgia, but stressed Russia must honor the deal.

"Now Russia needs to honor the agreement and withdraw its forces, and of course end military operations," Bush said after hearing a briefing from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who just returned from Georgia.

Bush has repeatedly called on Russia to withdraw its forces and respect the territorial integrity of Georgia, a strong U.S. ally.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2008)