London, Aug 21 : A fresh confrontation between Moscow and the West was looming after Russia announced that it was preparing to recognise the independence of the two Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Russia has indicated that it was no longer prepared to honour UN edicts on the breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The State Duma, Russia''s parliament, has been recalled and will meet in emergency session on Monday to debate an Abkhaz appeal for immediate recognition of the region''s sovereignty.
The South Ossetian rebel leader, Eduard Kokoity, said he would follow suit imminently, The Telegraph reported.