DECREE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION on recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia

1. Taking into account the expression of will of the Abkhazian people, to recognize the Republic of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian federation shall hold talks with the Abkhazian side on establishment of diplomatic relations and the achieved agreement shall be formalized by means of respective documents.

3. To assign to the Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Russian Federation to hold talks, with participation of the respective federal bodies, with the Abkhazian side on preparation of the draft of agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance and to submit in accordance with the set procedures, proposal on its signing.

4. In regard with the appeal of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to provide for, till the conclusion of the document, mentioned in paragraph 3 of the given Order, implementation of the peacekeeping functions by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia.

5. The Order is enforced from the date of its signature.

President of the Russian Federation D. Medvedev

Moscow, Kremlin, August 26, 2008.

(www.kremlin.ru)