New York  - The United Nations was on Tuesday seeking 58.6 million dollars from the international community to help an estimated 130,000 Georgians affected by the conflict that erupted between Russia and Georgia on August 7.

The amount sought would cover six months of humanitarian programmes to be carried out by UN relief agencies and non- governmental organizations.

"I hope the international community will show itself fully ready, capable and willing to help provide critically-needed assistance to the people of Georgia," said Catherine Bragg, a UN relief official said.

"While the most acute phase of the violence appears to have passed, until there a firm peace in the country we must be prepared to respond to a critical and fluctuating humanitarian situation," Bragg said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said donors had already provided 23 million dollars towards the appeal. (dpa)