Russia sets up diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Russia has officially established diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This fact was announced by Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Russia, at today's press conference in Moscow.

"We have exchanged notes, which have summed up our arrangements on establishment of diplomatic relations of Russia with Abkhazia and of Russia with South Ossetia," said Mr Lavrov on the outcomes of the meeting with his colleagues from Abkhazia and South Ossetia Sergey Shamba and Murat Dzhioev.

"We have ascertained our consent with the prepared drafts, put our visas to the texts of these documents; and they are now ready for signing in the top level, which will take place soon," the "Mayak" Radio quotes Sergey Lavrov as saying.

The Russian Minister has also stated that Russia insisted that Abkhazia and South Ossetia take part in international debates on settlement of the situation in the Caucasus to start on October 15 in Geneva.

"The participants of these debates were not listed in the document, but we have clearly fixed that South Ossetia and Abkhazia shall have their equal seats at the table of such debates," said Mr Lavrov.

The head of the Russian MFA has noted that one of the main topics of the debates will be the issues of ensuring safety and stability in the region, the RIA "Novosti" reports.