Georgia's rebel regions toughened their push for independence yesterday, ruling out talks with Tbilisi following the week-long conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Eduard Kokoity and Sergei Bagapsh, self-styled presidents of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, flew to Moscow to thank the Kremlin for its support during the conflict and seek Moscow's guarantees in their drive for independence.
"Before Georgia's aggression, talks with Georgia were possible . . . but now there will be no talks with Georgia," Mr Bagapsh said after talks with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
"It is not for Uncle Sam to decide on this, not for Europe, but for the people themselves." Mr Kokoity added: "Despite the attack on the people of South Ossetia, our will and desire to achieve independence did not change."
Earlier at the Kremlin, Mr Medvedev said Russia supported the two regions' positions in talks on their future status, but did not explicitly say Russia would recognise their independence. "You defended your land and justice was on your side. That is why you won, with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers, a reinforced peacekeeping contingent," Mr Medvedev said. "Please be aware that Russia's position is unchanged. We will support any decisions taken by . . . South Ossetia and Abkhazia . . . and not only do we support but we will guarantee them both in the Caucasus and throughout the world."
Addressing reporters after signing a six-point plan brokered this week by France, the rebel leaders steered clear of giving a direct answer on the Russian guarantees. "We mainly discussed the sixth point which talks about Russian guarantees," said Mr Bagapsh but gave no further hints.
"You know when we talk about the sixth point - the point about the status - I want you to know and to tell the peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia that Russia's position is unchanged," Mr Medvedev said.
Mr Kokoity also said he would not allow any Georgian and western forces in his homeland. - ( Reuters)