German Chancellor Angela Merkel has slammed Russia’s recognition of the two Georgian rebel regions.

Her comments add to international condemnation of Moscow’s decision.

“Not only in my opinion, but I think in all of our opinions, this contradicts the principle of territorial integritiy, which is an international right, and that is why it is absolutely unacceptable,” she said, adding she was convinced “the rest of the European Union would very clearly stand by this principle”.

The Chancellor did say however that dialogue should be maintained with Russia:

“We need to speak with Russia on this basis in the future, and this must be the message of next Monday’s special summit. We cannot simply go on as if nothing has happened.”

Merkel said she was “relatively optimistic’‘ that the emergency EU summit called for on September 1 would find a common voice in reaction to the conflict.

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