12 November 2008, 09:35
Federation Council ratifies friendship treatments with Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Today, the Federation Council has ratified the treaties on friendship, cooperation and mutual help between the Russian Federation and the Republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which were signed on September 17 in Moscow. The State Duma ratified these documents on October 29.
The treaties form the legal basis for progress in Russia's relations with the breakaway republics. They express "the intention to strengthen political, economic, military-technical and humanitarian cooperation." A special point provides opportunity for citizens of Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia to get dual citizenship. The ITAR-TASS also reports that Russian rouble is recognized to be a lawful payment instrument in their territories.
