TODAY: Medvedev recognizes independence of Georgian breakaway states, says Russia does not fear a new Cold War – full text of statement. Western world responds with outrage; Russia thought to be seeking Asian support; EU urges Russia to join WTO; tensions over Russia’s Nato agreements for Afghanistan. In a widely condemned move, President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia’s two breakaway republics. “Now Russia appears to be willing to trash its strategic relationships.” Medvedev also said that Russia is “not afraid of anything, including the prospect of a Cold War.” Russia’s western relations have now reached “their most critical point in a generation”. Read a translation of Medvedev’s statement on the breakaway regions. The BBC has a video of Medvedev defending his decision on the grounds that South Ossetians need “protection”.