Russia signs cooperation treaties with Abkhazia, South Ossetia

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-18-2008 14:43

Russia has signed new treaties of friendship and cooperation with the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev chaired the signing ceremony at the Kremlin on Wednesday, and said Russia will protect the two regions.

The treaties are the latest effort by Moscow to deepen economic, military and political ties with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, following Russia's brief war with Georgia last month.

A separate treaty on military cooperation, authorizing Russian bases to be built in the regions will be signed later.

Medvedev said it is Russia's key task to guarantee the security of the two regions. Georgia's Deputy Foreign Minister has dismissed the treaties as carrying no legal force.