Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says it is up to Georgia'sbreakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia to decide how manyRussian troops can stay in their territories.
Russian newsagencies Saturday quote the prime minister as saying the decision willbe made based on international law and agreements between Russia andthe regions, which Mr. Putin defined as "countries."
Despitestrong protests from the West, Russia has formally recognized bothbreakaway territories as independent states, and has establisheddiplomatic ties with them.
Russia faced internationalcondemnation for sending troops and tanks into Georgia last month,after Georgia tried to retake control of the separatist region of SouthOssetia.
Western countries have called on Russia to withdrawnearly all its forces from Georgia under a French-brokered cease-fireagreement.
Russia has withdrawn troops from some regions aroundSouth Ossetia and Abkhazia, but Moscow has said it will indefinitelystation 7,600 troops inside those territories.