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Russia recognises South Ossetia and Abkhazia
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-27 12:14

Sergei Bagapsh (R), leader of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, and Eduard Kokoity, leader of South Ossetia, sit during the Duma lower house of the parliament session in Moscow August 25, 2008. Russia Tuesday formally recognized the South Ossetia and Abkhazia as two independent states, which is set to challenge the United States and its NATO allies who have been the staunch supporter of Georgia. [Agencies]