MOSCOW, June 16 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's president has issued instructions for military cooperation deals to be negotiated with the former Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the Defense Ministry to involve the Foreign Ministry in holding talks with their Abkhazian and South Ossetian counterparts, the Kremlin said on its website, adding that initiative was put forward by the Russian government.
A previously published draft agreement envisages building military bases to enhance security and maintain stability in the former Georgian regions.
The three parties also intend to enhance control of their airspace, reconnaissance and interstate military supplies.
Earlier on Tuesday, Russia used its veto to block an extension of the UN observer mission's mandate in Georgia and Abkhazia, in protest against the resolution's failure to recognize the "new political and legal circumstances."
Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia last August after a five-day war with Georgia over the latter, which was attacked by Tbilisi in an attempt to bring it back under central control. Most residents of both Abkhazia and South Ossetia had held Russian citizenship for several years.
