Czech EU presidency concerned by Russian plans for Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The Czech presidency of the EU said on Thursday it was "seriously concerned" by Russian plans to boost its military presence in the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In a statement carried by the CTK news agency the Czech EU presidency said that any military build-up in Abkhazia and South Ossetia would be in contradiction with the spirit of the August and September 2008 ceasefire agreements and jeopardize stability and security in the region. Last year Russia sparked international concern by recognizing the independence of both regions in the wake of the war in August. Russia has announced it plans to deploy some 3,800 soldiers in each of the two rebel regions and to set up military bases there.