Defiant Abkhazia reminds Georgia of Russian support

SUKHUMI, Georgia-Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, celebrating its first national day since Russia recognized it as an independent state, sent a defiant message to Tbilisi on Tuesday that Moscow would defend it.Russian and Abkhazian flags fluttered in the capital Sukhumi for the celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the Black Sea region's victory over Georgian forces in a separatist war.A month ago,Russia recognized Abkhazia's independence despite objections from Europe and the United States.Russia's recognition came after its forces crushed a Georgian attempt to regain control of a second breakaway region, South Ossetia. The conflict aroused Western concern over broader stability of the Caucasus region and the transit of energy supplies from the Caspian Sea to western Europe.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged Moscow's support for Abkhazia in a telegram, but he and his ministers snubbed the celebrations."Russia will in future offer friendly Abkhazia the maximum amount of effort in maintaining its security, its economic development and the creation of conditions for the population to live well," said the message.
TEARS AND JOY
Abkhazia's separatist leader Sergei Bagapsh oversaw a parade on the capital's Victory Square, standing on the steps of the old parliament, gutted and empty since heavy fighting ruined the town in 1993...
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE48T6B420080930
As in the days of Noah...