DW-World.de
Deutsche Welle

The German government has again joined other Western nations in condemning Russia's decision to recognise the independence of the rebel Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, Ulrich Wilhelm, said in a statement that Merkel had told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev by telephone that the decision did not comply with international law.  French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that Russia may destabilise other countries, such as Moldova and Ukraine. Georgia has said it will reduce its diplomatic relations with Russia to a minimum following the decision and cut staff at its Moscow embassy. Meanwhile, Russia says its navy is monitoring the build-up of NATO troops in the Black Sea.