Georgia, Russia Jockey over Separatist Territories

Russia has moved another step closer toward recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Russian parliament, or State Duma, adopted two non-binding resolutions on December 6 concerning the separatist territories. In one concerning South Ossetia, the Duma urged the Kremlin to "build a policy" around Tskhinvali's "expression of free will" -- a reference to an early November referendum in which a majority of Ossetians expressed a desire for independence.

While South Ossetian leaders in Tskhinvali have lauded the statement as an "important step" toward the recognition of independence from Georgia, political analysts believe the Duma may have undermined Russia's diplomatic position in the dispute.

Georgian lawmakers were quick to condemn the Duma's dual statements of support for Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In a response on December 7, the Georgian parliament accused Russia of being an "aggressive supporter" of the separatist governments and claimed the Russian Duma is seeking to stir tension in the conflict zones. Meanwhile, a statement posted on the Georgian Foreign Ministry website asserted that the Duma action should disqualify Russia from acting as a mediator in conflict-resolution efforts. "Through such biased approach the Russian State Duma not only puts under serious doubt the role of Russia as an impartial mediator and facilitator, but also undermines the moral and legal basis for the presence of Russian peacekeepers in the conflict zones," the Georgian statement stated.

Zurab Bendianishvili, an expert serving on the Georgian parliament's temporary commission on territorial integrity issues, noted that the Duma's resolutions would have little practical impact on the existing situation because the parliament doesn't wield influence over Russian foreign policy. However, the resolution is indicative of a double game being played by Moscow, he asserted. "Russia is trying to play with two hands," he said. "It wants to be recognized on the level of the international community