Kosovo precedent: Russia recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Russia has formally recognized on Tuesday the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia, citing the Kosovo precedent
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, August 27, 2008
"This is not an easy choice but this is the only chance to save people's lives," Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said in a televised address a day after the Russian parliament voted unanimously to support the diplomatic recognition.
Medvedev said Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had resorted to "genocide" in order to regain control of South Ossetia earlier this month.
"Georgia chose the least human way to achieve its goal - to absorb South Ossetia by eliminating a whole nation," Medvedev said.
Hundreds of jubilant Ossetians and Abkhazians spilled onto the streets in their regional capitals after his announcement, waving national flags, firing shots in the air, cheering and dancing traditional Caucasian dances.
"This is the happiest day of my life," said Julia Babyeva, 19, as she celebrated the news in the devastated South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali.
The move was slammed by Western states which only six months ago masterminded and recognized the independence of Kosovo.
"Abkhazia and South Ossetia are a part of the internationally recognized borders of Georgia and it's going to remain so," US State Secretary Condoleeza Rice said.
Berlin, Paris and London were also critical, appealing for the territorial integrity of Georgia.
