Georgia to cut diplomatic ties with Russia

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 08-31-2008 10:50

Georgia says it's recalling its embassy staff in Russia and cutting off diplomatic ties in response to Moscow's recognition of two breakaway Georgian regions. Meanwhile, Venezuela and Belarus have expressed support for Moscow. Yang Yan has the latest.

These residents are protesting Russia's presence in West Georgia as their government announced it's severing ties with Russia.

Georgia says it's recalling its embassy staff in Russia and  cutting off diplomatic ties in response to Moscow's recognition  of two breakaway Georgian regions.

Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia on Tuesday after rolling tanks and troops over its southern border to repel a Georgian offensive to retake South Ossetia.

Andrei Nesterenko,Spokesman Russian Foreign Ministry,said,"We are convinced that in the current situation it is increasingly important to sustain working contacts in the diplomatic field to solve, among other things, urgent humanitarian and consulate issues, the issues that concern regular citizens.

In response to media reports that EU leaders, who will meet to discuss the Georgia crisis on Monday, were considering ways to punish Russia, Moscow asked the European Union to refrain from sanctions against the country.

Andrei nesterenko,Spokesman Russian Foreign Ministry,said,"We hope that reason will prevail over emotions, that the leaders of EU countries will find strength to give up the one-sided assessment of the conflict and give an independent and objective interpretation of the situation and the reasons for it."

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili visited the Black Sea port city of Poti on Friday to inspect the damage caused during the country's recent conflict with Russia over the two separatist regions.

At a meeting with local officials, he warned Russia about the consequences of their actions in Georgia, saying Russia is now isolated as never before.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez backed Russia's recognition of the two breakaway Georgian regions on Friday. During a televised speech, Chavez said Russia is right and is defending its interests.

Russia's neighbor Belarus has expressed similar support.