Abkhazia pushes Georgian troops out

Abkhazia has declared August 14 as a day of mourning for the victims of the Georgian invasion of South Ossetia. Meanwhile, Abkhazia has pushed Georgian troops out of the disputed Kodori Gorge and gained full control over its territory.

The breakaway republic claims it completed the operation without Russia’s assistance. But, its president says Russian peacekeepers must stay there to ensure that no more bloodshed will happen between Georgia and Abkhazia. In the meantime, the bloodbath in South Ossetia has stirred a new longing for recognition of independence for Abkhazians. The break away republics officials believe the independence of Kosovo earlier this year set a precedent. Along with the outcome of the conflict in South Ossetia it will be enough to provide a basis for a long awaited resolution of the country's status. Abkhazia proclaimed independence from Tbilisi in the 90s, which led to a year-long war. The ensuing violent conflict claimed thousands of lives and forced people to flee their homes. (Source)