Russia confirms recognition of Georgian rebels
Dmitry Medvedev backs independence for Georgian rebels
Tuesday, 26, Aug 2008 07:46
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has formally recognised two Georgian breakaway regions' bid for independence.
Mr Medvedev said South Ossetia and Abkhazia had the right to determine their own futures and were now recognised as independent states by Moscow.
Georgian shelling of South Ossetia on August 8th sparked a ten-day conflict between Tbilisi and Moscow that saw both sides accuse each other of genocide.
It led to Nato saying normal relations with Russia had been made impossible.
"It stands quite clear now: a peaceful resolution of the conflict was not part of Tbilisi's plan," Mr Medvedev said in an address carried by Russian state television.
"The Georgian leadership was methodically preparing for war, while the political and material support provided by their foreign guardians only served to reinforce the perception of their own impunity
The Russian president claimed his Georgian counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili had "dashed all the hopes" of a unified Georgia.
"The peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have several times spoken out at referendums in favour of independence for their republics. It is our understanding that after what has happened in [regional capital] Tskhinval and what has been planned for Abkhazia they have the right to decide their destiny by themselves."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) told inthenews.co.uk the UK government 'categorically rejected' the Russian move.
A spokesperson said the FCO wanted to reaffirm Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"This is contrary to obligations Russia has repeatedly taken on in UN security council resolutions.
"It does nothing to improve the prospect of peace in the Caucasus."
Georgia's foreign ministry said Russian recognition, which follows a recommendation from the Duma on Monday, amounted to "unconcealed annexation".
US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice added her voice to the opposition to Russia's move, which she dubbed "regrettable".
"[The breakaway regions] are clearly within the internationally-recognised borders of Georgia," she said.
In the two breakaway provinces meanwhile, thousands of residents took to the streets to celebrate Russian acknowledgment of their independence.