NATO rejects recognition of breakaway regions

NATO has rejected Russia's decision to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia as a violation of U.N. resolutions and questioned Moscow's commitment to peace in the region. Alliance Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said the move was a "direct violation" of numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions that have been endorsed by Russia. He stressed NATO's firm support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Russia's actions in recent weeks call into question Russia's commitment to peace and stability in the Caucasus," de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement Tuesday.