TODAY: Russian lawmakers recognize independence of Georgian rebel regions; Ukraine wants to join Nato for protection against Russia; troops still not fully withdrawn despite calls from the West. Medvedev to foster relationship with Jordan, Israeli prime minister to visit Russia over Syrian arms; Human Rights Watch on South Ossetia. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili says he will continue to try and unite the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, despite reports that Russian lawmakers made a “historic decision” to approve a resolution recognizing the independence of the two regions. Russia is reportedly stirring pro-Kremlin feeling in the Ukrainian port town of Sevastopol. President Dmitry Medvedev says that Kiev and Moscow should work to resolve the issue of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, currently stationed in Sevastopol. President Viktor Yuskchenko is using fear regarding Russia’s intentions to push for Nato membership.