Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Washington Post
April 17, 2008
Pg. 18
Russia announced Wednesday that it would establish legal links with neighboring Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a move Georgia condemned as a breach of international law.
NATO's chief urged Russia to reverse the decision, which a senior U.S. official described as "political mischief." Western states closely allied to Georgia suspect Russia of trying to punish the small Caucasus state for its bid to join NATO.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to recognize some documents issued by the separatist authorities and cooperate with them on trade and other issues.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Bakradze said Russia's move amounted to a "legalization of the de facto annexation process."
April 17, 2008
Pg. 18
Russia announced Wednesday that it would establish legal links with neighboring Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a move Georgia condemned as a breach of international law.
NATO's chief urged Russia to reverse the decision, which a senior U.S. official described as "political mischief." Western states closely allied to Georgia suspect Russia of trying to punish the small Caucasus state for its bid to join NATO.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to recognize some documents issued by the separatist authorities and cooperate with them on trade and other issues.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Bakradze said Russia's move amounted to a "legalization of the de facto annexation process."