In contrast to Kosovo, Abkhazia and South Ossetia have legal and historical grounds for proclaiming their independence, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin told a Tuesday press conference at the UN head office.

“The Georgian attack on South Ossetia created a new reality,” he said. “We had warned many times that the recognition of independent Kosovo would trigger a corresponding reaction.” Churkin noted that Russia would not recognize the independence of Kosovo.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia may ask the United Nations for membership, he said. “I think they may do that,” he said.

Churkin refused to answer what other states might follow the Russian suit and recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “I’d rather not make any suggestions,” he said.

In his words, Russia will soon establish diplomatic relations and sign cooperation agreements with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “The possible annexation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is absolutely not on the agenda,” he emphasized.