Russia signs pacts with S. Ossetia and Abkhazia

Russia has backed up its moral support for Abkhazia and South Ossetia with treaties confirming military and economic aid to the breakaway Georgian regions. President Dmitry Medvedev signed agreements with the leaders of both territories at a ceremony in the Kremlin.

Only Nicaragua has followed Moscow’s lead in recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. “No one should doubt that we will allow another military adventure,” Medvedev said, referring to Georgia’s attempt to retake South Ossetia. “No one should have any illusions about that,” he added.

The two regions broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s and have had de facto independence since then with Russia’s backing. Russia’s military response to Georgia’s actions in South Ossetia was evidence enough of Moscow’s support. The pacts signed today merely formalise its position. It comes as Georgia seeks to advance its bid to eventually join NATO and the EU.

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