The move came after Russia's foreign ministry said: "The Russian government is instructed [by Vladimir Putin, the country's president], to co-operate with the de facto authorities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, including the organisation of trade and economic, social and scientific co-operation."

Saakashvili has vowed to restore central control over the two regions and Georgia has accused Moscow of creeping annexation of the breakaway territories which threw off Tbilisi's control in fighting in the 1990s.
Putin also instructed his government to accept identification documents issued by the separatists, recognise businesses and organisations registered under Abkhaz and South Ossetian law, and look at providing consular services to residents in the two regions.

The statement made no mention of Russia recognising the two regions' claims for independence from Georgia.

Independence

Sergei Shamba, Abkhazia's separatist foreign minister, said Putin's order was a step towards independence for the region.

"In effect, Abkhazia is in the final straight before the finishing line, beyond which lies the recognition of our independence," Interfax, the Russian news agency, quoted him as saying.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement on its internet site the decision to set up legal links with the separatists was motivated by a desire to protect residents there, many of whom are Russian passport holders.

The statement said: "Our actions with regard to Abkhazia and South Ossetia do not mean that Russia is making a choice in favour of confrontation with Georgia.

"Implementation of these measures will facilitate the strengthening of security and stability in the Caucasus region."

Fierce opposition

Moscow had previously warned that it would respond to mostly Western states' recognition of Kosovo, which declared independence from Russia's ally Serbia in February, by stepping up its relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Some Russian officials have also linked the issue to an application by Georgia's leadership to join Nato.

The military alliance agreed at its summit this month, in the face of fierce Russian opposition, that Georgia would eventually be allowed to join.

Although separatists in Abkhazia and South Ossetia threw off Georgian control during fighting in the 1990s, Georgia has vowed to restore its rule and on paper they are still officially part of the state.

The Russian government has never recognised the two republics, but has granted citizenship to hundreds of thousands residents of the regions.






Source: Agencies