S. Ossetia, Abkhazia to seek recognition

TBILISI, Georgia, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Foreign ministers from South Ossetia and Abkhazia will travel to Moscow to discuss recognition of the breakaway regions, the South Ossetian leader said.

South Ossetia's leader Eduard Kokoity said Georgia's actions trying to rein in the province made it possible for South Ossetia and Abkhazia to seek international recognition, reported RIA Novosti, the Russian information agency.

"Despite the severe blow to our nation, South Ossetians' will and striving for independence remains unchanged," Kokoity said during a news conference with Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh in Moscow. "We will seek independence in strict compliance with international law."

Bagapsh said "no force will make us stop" seeking independence, adding the two enclaves with historic ties to Russia "will advance toward this goal together."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow would support any decision made by South Ossetia and Abkhazia concerning their status, Itar-Tass reported.

"The position of the Russian Federation is unchanged. We shall support any decisions the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia will make in conformity with the United Nations Charter, the international convention

of 1966, and the Helsinki act on security and cooperation in Europe," Medvedev said after meeting with the South Ossetia and Georgia leaders.