Rallying for recognition of their self-declared independent state, thousands of people have gathered in Georgia’s rebel enclave of Abkhazia.

Like South Ossetia, Abkhazia is a strongly pro-Russian region that fought a war to break away from Tbilisi’s rule. But both territories are regarded internationally as still part of Georgia.

Now Abkhazia’s separatist administration is making fresh appeals for recognition, not least from Moscow.

On Monday, Russia’s upper house of parliament will discuss the issue. President Dmitry Medvedev has already said he will guarantee any decisions the enclaves take about their future.

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