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Moscow: Russia has recognised Georgia’s rebel regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced on Tuesday.
"I have signed decrees on the recognition by the Russian Federation of the independence of South Ossetia and the independence of Abkhazia," Medvedev said in a televised announcement.
The Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister condemned the announcement as “unconcealed annexation” of Georgian territory.
The decision defies Western pressure on Russia to not recognise the independence.
France, which helped broker a ceasefire deal between the two countries, regretted Kremlin’s move.
“We consider this a regrettable decision and I recall our attachment to the territorial integrity of Georgia," a French Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
Britain echoed the disappointment.
"We reject this categorically and reaffirm Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a spokeswoman for the Britain's Foreign Office said.
"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," she added.
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