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 The 8 Democrats who bucked party on shutdown have something in common. Hormone therapy for menopause was unfairly demonized, says the FDA. Porn studio is US' 'most prolific copyright plaintiff.' Supreme Court won't revisit its ruling in favor of gay marriage. Report an error