Moscow declares Georgia areas independent

MOSCOW, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said recognizing the independence of two breakaway regions of Georgia was an act of necessity.

Medvedev Tuesday signed decrees recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent and urged other nations to make similar diplomatic moves.

"This is not an easy decision, but it is the only way to protect people's lives," Medvedev said in a televised address.

The RIA Novosti news agency said the decrees were approved by parliament on Monday following formal requests from the leaders of the two new republics.

The Washington Post said Tuesday the move is seen by Georgia and its western allies as a de facto annexation of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

President Bush has publicly urged Moscow not to approve recognition and again called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgian territory.

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will visit Georgia next week as well two other nervous former Soviet republics, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Cindy McCain, the wife of presumed U.S. Republican presidential nominee John McCain also is headed for Georgia.