CRI听力:Russia Inks Integration Deal with South Ossetia

The Russian government has signed a new treaty with Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia, formally incorporating its economy and military into the Russian Federation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin:

"I'm sure the implementation of the Treaty on Union and Integration, signed today, will open a new page in our relations and will undoubtedly raise our contacts to a qualitatively new and higher level."

The government of Georgia is condemning the move.

David Kereselidze is with the Baltic State's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Russia's policy vis-a-vis Georgia. coupled with the alarming development in the region, illustrates that Moscow does not accept the independent choices of sovereign states and strives for the restoration of zones of influence in the region including through the use of force, occupation, annexation and aggressive acts."

The United States and the European Union are also denouncing the move by Moscow.

Russia formally recognizes both South Ossetia and neighboring Abkhazia as independent states.

Moscow made the pronouncement following a 5-day battle with Georgia in 2008.