World | Georgia Russian MPs Back Georgian Separatists Medvedev calls possible split with NATO 'no great loss' By Drew Nelles Posted Aug 25, 2008 6:37 PM CDT Copied President Dmitry Medvedev, right, is seen during a medal awarding ceremony for Russian troops involved in the Georgia conflict in the city of Vladikavkaz, Russia, Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. (AP Photo) Russian lawmakers voted unanimously today to recognize the independence of two Georgian breakaway regions, leaving the final decision to President Dmitry Medvedev, the Independent reports. The move threatens to further strain Russian-Western relations as Russian troops remained in Georgia with orders to inspect all shipments arriving at a Black Sea port. Meanwhile France called for a crisis meeting of EU nations in Brussels next week to consider relations with Russia. But Medvedev called it "no great loss" if his nation split with NATO. "We are ready to take any decision" from NATO, he said, "up to halting relations altogether. If this breaks nothing terrible will happen to us." Read These Next A child was reportedly among those shot dead in a Target parking lot. Analysis sees a historic shift underway in US capitalism. Wondering how Cheryl Hines feels about all this? Wonder no more. It's the second-worst wildfire season ever for Canada. Report an error