MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Western nations and organizations Tuesday condemned Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two breakaway regions in Georgia. A Tskhinvali resident celebrates Russia's recognition of South Ossetia's independence. "This is not an easy choice to make, but it represents the only possibility to save human lives," Medvedev said Tuesday in a televised address. He called on other countries to follow Russia's lead, which comes in the wake of the Russian-Georgian conflict which erupted earlier this month. U.S. President George W. Bush led the condemnation with a strongly worded statement said: "The United States condemns the decision by the Russian president to recognize as independent states the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. ".
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Russian president signs order recognizing independence of Georgian territories
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U.S., UK, NATO and EU condemn Russian move over independence
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Russia says recognition of independence is in line with international law
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South Ossetia, Abkhazia center of Georgia conflict with Russia
Bush added: "The territorial integrity and borders of @placeholder must be respected, just as those of Russia or any other country.
The Bush administration has insisted that both Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain part of Georgia, a U.S. ally that is seeking @placeholder membership, and says resolving the disputes between the Georgian government and the regions "should be a matter of peaceful negotiations and discussions among the parties."