Russia backs rebel regions on status

Russia supports the position of Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions in talks on their future status, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday.

Eduard Kokoity and Sergei Bagapsh, self-styled presidents of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, flew to Moscow yesterday on an unannounced visit to seek Kremlin support as diplomatic efforts proceeded to end the week-old conflict.

Medvedev, speaking after the two leaders signed a six-point plan brokered this week by France to end hostilities, said Moscow fully supported their position.