Moscow – Only weeks before his farewell to presidency, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian government to improve its relations with both Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the fields of commerce, economy, society and science.
The improvement will begin with Russia’s recognition of the legal institutions that exist in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If the Russian Foreign Ministry deems it necessary, it will set up consulates in both countries.
Both Abkhazia and South Ossetia are ‘de facto’ independent countries. After Kosovo declared its unilateral independence, the two countries sought support from the Russian president for their efforts to get recognized internationally independent.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that said Russia’s approach to Abkhazia and South Ossetia was not to be taken as a movement against Georgia.
Russia was unable to prevent Kosovo’s declaration of independence, whereas it said it would recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia in retaliation for Kosovo. Russia was, however, successful in preventing Georgia from being granted an invitation of membership to NATO’s summit in Bucharest, Ukraine, on April 2-4. Russia is expected to recognize both countries, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, if Georgia is granted an invitation to NATO. (Agency Caucasus)
