Russia recognises Georgian breakaway regions

Updated 22.21 Tue Aug 26 2008

Keywords: Abkhazia, Dmitry Medvedev, Georgia, South Ossetia, Russia

The Russian president has said he has signed a decree recognising the two rebel regions of Georgia as independent states - a move that has been rejected by the British government.

Dmitry Medvedev made the announcement in a televised address and said Russia will help Abkhazia and South Ossetia if they are attacked.

"This is contrary to obligations that Russia has repeatedly taken on" - Britain's Foreign Office

"I have signed decrees on the recognition by the Russian Federation of the independence of South Ossetia and the independence of Abkhazia," Mr Medvedev said.

The decision follows a vote in both houses of the Russian parliament calling on him to recognise the regions' status.

The decision sets Russia on a collision course with the West, which has strongly urged Moscow not to recognise the two regions.

A spokeswoman for Britain's Foreign Office said: "We reject this categorically and reaffirm Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"This is contrary to obligations that Russia has repeatedly taken on in (United Nations) Security Council resolutions. It does nothing to improve the prospects for peace in the Caucasus."

Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt also condemned the move.

"That the Russian government leadership now has chosen this route means they have chosen a policy of confrontation, not only with the rest of Europe, but also with the international community in general.

"The decision represents a Russian choice of path that will have sweeping consequences for a long time to come."

"The decision represents a breach of international law and basic principles of stability in Europe, which is as obvious as it is intentional."

France, Italy and Slovakia have also voiced their concerns over Russia's action.