Venezuela has become the third country in the world to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two Russian-backed republics which have announced their independence from Georgia. Previously the two regions were only recognised by Russia and Nicaragua.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who is visiting friendly nations around the world, made the announcement while in Moscow. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev praised the Venezuelan president's decision. After the talks President Medvedev announced that he was willing to sell "tanks and other weapons to Venezuela". The Venezuelan leader wants to upgrade his army in response to a recent decision by Colombia to allow the United States to station 800 soldiers on seven of its bases.

President Chávez in on a tour of friendly countries, including Libya, Iran and Belarus.

Chavez and Medvedev at a previous meeting
Photo by EPA