BBC NEWS | Europe | Russia recognises Georgian rebels: "President Dmitry Medvedev has declared that Russia formally recognises the independence of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
The move follows a vote in both houses of parliament on Monday, which called on Moscow to recognise the regions.
The move, in defiance of a specific plea from the US president, provoked a wave of protest from Western countries.
Russia and Georgia fought a brief war this month over the provinces, which already had de facto independence.
Analysts say the move is likely to further escalate tensions between Russia and the West."
The move follows a vote in both houses of parliament on Monday, which called on Moscow to recognise the regions.
The move, in defiance of a specific plea from the US president, provoked a wave of protest from Western countries.
Russia and Georgia fought a brief war this month over the provinces, which already had de facto independence.
Analysts say the move is likely to further escalate tensions between Russia and the West."
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