S. Ossetian leader backtracks on Russian unity claim

The leader in South Ossetia says he will not seek to become part of Russia, despite earlier reports. Earlier Thursday, Russian news agencies quoted Eduard Kokoity as saying South Ossetia is not seeking independence but plans to join the North Ossetian region of Russia. However, he later told journalists he was misquoted. S. Ossetian leader backtracks on Russian unity claim Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said South Ossetia is not seeking to become a part of Russia. Moscow has defied a host of Western governments by recognizing South Ossetia and a second breakaway region, Abkhazia, as independent states. Moscow moved earlier this week to establish diplomatic ties with both territories. Abkhazian leader Sergei Bagapsh said his region hopes to join the Russian-Belarus Union State. Russian forces pushed into Georgia last month after the Georgian military tried to retake control of South Ossetia. Russia said it had to protect its citizens in the pro-Russian region.

S. Ossetian leader backtracks on Russian unity claim

Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said South Ossetia is not seeking to become a part of Russia.

Moscow has defied a host of Western governments by recognizing South Ossetia and a second breakaway region, Abkhazia, as independent states. Moscow moved earlier this week to establish diplomatic ties with both territories.

Abkhazian leader Sergei Bagapsh said his region hopes to join the Russian-Belarus Union State.

Russian forces pushed into Georgia last month after the Georgian military tried to retake control of South Ossetia. Russia said it had to protect its citizens in the pro-Russian region.