REACTIONS -- Russia recognizes South Ossetia, Abkhazia

ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
"The recognition of independence for South Ossetia and Abkhazia violates fundamental OSCE principles.

"Russia should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. Russia should immediately withdraw all troops from Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement… The international community could not accept unilaterally established buffer zones.”

"Russia should follow OSCE principles by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. Russia should immediately withdraw all troops from Georgia and implement the ceasefire agreement," the Finnish foreign minister said.

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTRY
"Russia's recognition of the separatist Georgian is a regrettable decision.

"We consider that this is a regrettable decision and we reiterate our commitment to the territorial integrality of Georgia."

ANGELA MERKEL - GERMAN CHANCELLOR
"The Russian decision to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia was absolutely unacceptable.

"This contradicts principles of territorial integrity as a fundamental right... Dialogue should be maintained with Russia, in a form to be decided at a European Union summit to be held on Monday."

DAVID MILIBAND - BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY
"Today's announcement by President (Dmitry) Medvedev that Russia will recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia is unjustifiable and unacceptable.

"I am holding talks today with international partners and will be visiting Ukraine tomorrow to ensure the widest possible coalition against Russian aggression in Georgia.

"Today's announcement further inflames an already tense situation in the region. We fully support Georgia's independence and territorial integrity, which cannot be changed by decree from Moscow."

BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S FOREIGN OFFICE
"We reject this categorically and reaffirm Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"This is contrary to obligations that Russia has repeatedly taken on in (United Nations) Security Council resolutions. It does nothing to improve the prospects for peace in the Caucasus."

FRANCO FRATTINI - ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
"The move does not apply in an international legal framework... An ethnic-based balkanization of the Caucasus is a serious danger for all."

MATTI VANHANEN - FINNISH PRIME MINISTER
"Russia is a member of the OSCE and in it has committed to honor the territorial integrity of the member states... This action is in contradiction, total contradiction, with OSCE's principles."

CARL BILDT - SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER
"Russia’s decision to recognize the rebel Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states was a "deliberate violation of international law.

"Medvedev now dramatically escalated the crisis between Russia and the rest of the world. The decision is also a deliberate violation of international law and basic principles for stability in Europe."

FOREIGN MINISTRY OF CZECH REPUBLIC
"We recognize all of Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia are part of it... Russia is not an impartial player in this conflict."