Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has promised to spend some 350 million euros to reinforce his country's military bases in the breakaway republic of Abkhazia, which declared independence from Georgia in 1991. Georgia invaded Abkhazia in 1992, but was forced to withdraw a year later when Abkhazian separatists and Russian paramilitaries gained the upper hand.

South Ossetia also declared independence in 1991, but was only recognised by the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and Trans-Dniester. After Russia defeated Georgia in the South Ossetian war in August 2008 the region was officially recognised by Russia and Nicaragua. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently visited South Ossetia, which Georgia condemned as a provocation.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (ANP)

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