Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev signed agreements in the Kremlin with Abkhaz leader Sergei Bagapsh and South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity that give Russia responsibility for defense of the borders between Georgia and the two breakaway republics.

VOA: standard.2009.04.30

But Sergei Bagapsh, the de facto president, has ruled out replacing or even altering the Russian peacekeeping force.

ECONOMIST: Georgia, Abkhazia and Russia

But Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh says his government refuses to even consider Georgia's recent offer of autonomy because Tbilisi has lost any moral authority to rule Abkhazia.

NPR: Conflict Brewing Over Breakaway Georgian Province