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Russia welcomes Nicaragua's recognition of South Ossetia, Abkhazia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-06 19:05

MOSCOW - Moscow welcomes Nigaragua's decision to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

The decision is not only an indication of the leaders' deep understanding of current international realities, but also a contribution to the formation of the international system on the basis of strict adherence to international law, the foreign ministry said.

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The move will further enhance the traditionally friendly bilateral ties, as well as the partnership between Russia and the Latin American region, the ministry said.

The foreign ministry also called on other countries to "recognize reality" and follow the example of Nicaragua, which is the first country after Russia to recognize the two self-proclaimed republics.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced Tuesday that his country "recognizes the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and fully supports the Russian government's position," according to the Nicaraguan press.

Georgia sent in troops to reclaim its breakaway region of South Ossetia on August 8, triggering a military counter-offensive by Russia. The conflict ended with a ceasefire agreement between Tbilisi and Moscow brokered by France.

Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the other breakaway region of Georgia, as independent states last week has further strained its relations with the former Soviet republic.