New York  - The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Thursday to discuss the crisis in Georgia, the first meeting of the powerful body since Russia recognized the independence of the two breakaway provinces at the heart of the military conflict.

Russia's decision on Tuesday to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, contrary to previsous Security Council resolutions, drew swift condemnation from the United States and European Union.

But it remained unclear what steps the Security Council could take against Moscow. Russia, as one of five permanent members of the council along with Britain, China, France and the United States, holds a veto. (dpa)