Fed: Russian recognition of breakaway states not helpful

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2008
Fed: Russian recognition of breakaway states not helpful

Foreign Minister STEPHEN SMITH says he'll be telling the Russian ambassador .. Russia's
recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states is provocative and unhelpful.

Mr SMITH says Australia's already made its disapproval clear through officials in Moscow
and Canberra.

But he says he'll convey that disapproval to ambassador ALEXANDER BLOKHIN personally
in the next couple of days.

Mr SMITH says the declaration won't help circumstances in Georgia or relationships
generally between Russia and the rest of the world.

AAP RTV mb/rl/tm/crh

KEYWORD: GEORGIA AUST (CANBERRA)

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