Russia-Belarus Union State to Review Breakaway Republics' Independence

The parliamentary session of the Russia-Belarus Union State is likely to review the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia's independence, State Duma Speaker and Co-Chairman of the Union State parliamentary assembly Boris Gryzlov told journalists today. The Russian official made this statement in response to deputy Anatoly Lokot's urge to discuss the matter during the session.

Lokot pointed out that Russia had announced about its interests in the Caucasus region, and had to take further steps in order not to "lose momentum." The deputy also noted that the delegates of the parliamentary assembly discussed the possibility of South Ossetia and Abkhazia joining the Union State during their visit to the republics. However, Lokot added that the republics' independence would have to be legally recognized in order for them to join the Union State.

The next session of the Union State has been preliminary scheduled for November 2008.