12:22, 27 August 2008

Medvedev: Russia tries to help ordinary people in Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Actions of Russia to recognize independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are aimed towards one target - to help the people who live there, President of the Russian Federation Dmitri Medvedev said in Sochi in his interview to the Al-Jazeera TV Channel.

"There're no other motives in our actions," he added in answer to the question about any Russia's intention to destabilize Mikhail Saakashvili's government, to force him resign or change the ruling regime, the RIA "Novosti" reports.

"As to Saakashvili, we really don't like his ruling," Mr Medvedev has acknowledged.

"It's absolutely clear that he's made not a mistake but a crime, and he should respond for the crime before the people of Georgia and before the world community, this is my answer," said Russian President.