Nicaragua recognises independence of Georgia provinces

Nicaragua today became the first country other than Russia to recognise the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The announcement is a victory for Russia, which is looking for allies in its war in Georgia.

The intervention in Georgia has plunged Russia’s relations with the West to their post-Cold War low.

The Nicaraguan decree recognising the independence of the two breakaway Georgian provinces was read during a press conference today at Nicaragua’s Foreign Ministry.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez recently expressed support for recognising the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, but he has not taken formal action.