Georgia formally breaks ties with Russia

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-03-2008 08:51

Georgia has formally cut diplomatic ties with Russia to protest against Moscow's recognition of the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions. The country also welcomed decisions from an emergency EU summit on its conflict with Russia.

Georgia's Foreign Ministry says it handed Russia's envoy in Georgia, Andrei Smaga a note informing Moscow of Tbilisi's decision to terminate diplomatic relations.

Smaga says Tbilisi's decision to sever ties with Moscow is a mistake.

The break in ties comes on the heels of a one-day emergency EU summit.

On Monday, the 27-nation bloc decided to freeze talks on a new partnership pact with Moscow pending its full withdrawal of troops from Georgia, but shied away from sanctions.