Moscow Declares Georgia Areas Independent
Posted on: Tuesday, 26 August 2008, 12:00 CDT
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said recognizing the independence of two breakaway regions of Georgia was an act of necessity.
Medvedev Tuesday signed decrees recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent and urged other nations to make similar diplomatic moves.
"This is not an easy decision, but it is the only way to protect
people's lives," Medvedev said in a televised address.
The RIA Novosti news agency said the decrees were approved by parliament on Monday following formal requests from the leaders of the two new republics.
The Washington Post said Tuesday the move is seen by Georgia and its western allies as a de facto annexation of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
President Bush has publicly urged Moscow not to approve recognition and again called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgian territory.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will visit Georgia next week as well two other nervous former Soviet republics, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Cindy McCain, the wife of presumed U.S. Republican presidential nominee John McCain also is headed for Georgia.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- Georgia Not Alone in Row With Russia
- Rice in Georgia on Peace Mission
- Sarkozy Meets With Medvedev About Georgia
- Europe Grapples With Russia-Georgia Woes
- Russia Says Actions in Georgia Almost Over
- Bush Calls Georgia Fighting 'Unacceptable'
- Russia Assures Serbia of Its Support Medvedev Signals Firmness on Kosovo
- Georgia to Pay More Than Double for Gas
- Russia's Gazprom Offers 10-Year Gas Price Deal to Georgia
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds