Ankara officials meet to discuss Russia'a recognition of breakaway Georgian provinces

Russia's recognition yesterday of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two breakaway Georgian provinces, has shocked Ankara. Following the Russian move, top Turkish diplomats met at the Foreign Ministry to discuss the situation. In addition, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ertugrul Apakan briefed President Abdullah Gul about recent developments. Moscow's move was also notable for coming just as Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Unal Cevikoz was discussing a proposed Caucasus platform with his Russian counterparts.