Britain has joined the world's most powerful nations in condemning Russia's invasion of Georgia.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband signed a joint statement from the G7 nations criticising Moscow for recognising the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The statement, also signed by foreign ministers of the US, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada, said: "We condemn the action of our fellow G8 member.

"Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and is contrary to UN Security Council resolutions supported by Russia.

"Russia's decision has called into question its commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus.

"We deplore Russia's excessive use of military force in Georgia and its continued occupation of parts of Georgia."

The statement, described as an "unprecedented step" by the Foreign Office, followed conversations throughout the day between G7 foreign ministers.

It came as Mr Miliband arrived back in the UK following a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

There he accused Russian president Dmitry Medvedev of trying to "redraw the map" of the Caucasus and warned him he had "big responsibility" not to provoke a new Cold War.

The G8 comprises the group of seven of the world's leading industrialised nations and Russia, which joined in 1998.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "This is an unprecedented step. This is believed to be the first time fellow members have all come out so strongly against the actions of another member."

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