Russia, S.Ossetia, Abkhazia sign treaty

MOSCOW, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Russia signed friendship and cooperation pacts Wednesday with the breakaway Georgian republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the documents with with South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity and Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh, formalizing Russia's recognition of the regions as independent countries. Nicaragua is the only other country that has bestowed such recognition on the republics, Deutsche Welle reported.

In a speech after the Kremlin ceremony, Medvedev declared Russia was committed to defending Abkhazia and South Ossetia against any attempts by Georgia to reclaim them.

"No one should be in any doubt -- we will not permit new reckless military acts," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

As well as addressing defense, the treaties also established economic ties between Russia and the republics, allowing dual citizenship for Russian, Abkhazian and South Ossetian citizens and merging their transportation and energy infrastructures, the news agency said.