S Ossetia votes for independence (from Georgia) (BBC)

[Eugene]

Last Updated: Monday, 13 November 2006, 09:38 GMT

S Ossetia votes for independence

Officials in the tiny former Soviet region of South Ossetia say more than
90% of voters have declared they want independence from Georgia.

The authorities see Sunday's referendum as a first step towards eventual
union with Russia, but the result is unlikely to be recognised by any
government.

South Ossetia has sought secession since the early 1990s but has failed
to win international recognition.

Georgia terms the vote illegitimate and has vowed to win South Ossetia back.

The BBC's Matthew Collin in the region's capital, Tskhinvali, says the vote
has further strained relations between Georgia and Russia.

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Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6140448.stm

Related: U.S. rejects referendum for rebel Georgia region - Reuters