Russian Parliament backs Georgian regions

? The Russian parliament unanimously urged President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday to recognize the independence of two breakaway regions of Georgia, a move that would escalate what has become one of the most serious conflicts between Russia and the United States since the end of the Cold War.

Neither Medvedev nor Prime Minister Vladimir Putin indicated whether the government would follow through and formally recognize the secession of South Ossetia and Abkhazia over the objections of the United States and Georgia’s other Western allies. But in separate remarks, the two Russian leaders declared the government was ready to suffer a breakdown in relations with NATO and setbacks in its efforts to join the World Trade Organization.

The defiant statements and the resolution adopted by both houses of parliament, which is under the Kremlin’s firm control, appeared coordinated to signal that Russia will not give in to demands that it withdraw all of its troops from Georgian territory and is prepared to deepen the international crisis if the United States and Europe attempt to retaliate.

In a statement issued at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, President Bush said that he was “deeply concerned” by the move and that recognition would violate both a cease-fire agreement and United Nations resolutions. “I call on Russia’s leadership to meet its commitments and not recognize these separatist regions,” Bush said. “Georgia’s territorial integrity and borders must command the same respect as every other nation’s, including Russia’s.” Bush said the United States “will continue to stand with the people of Georgia and their democracy and to support its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Earlier Monday, the White House said Vice President Cheney would travel to Georgia next week as part of a trip that will also include stops in two other former Soviet republics, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

The European Union also said the two breakaway regions should remain part of Georgia, and a senior Georgian official warned that a Russian move to recognize the provinces could lead again to war.