Abkhaz parliament asks Russia to recognize its independence

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) - The parliament in one of Georgia's breakaway regions, Abkhazia, has asked Russia to recognize its independence, according to a report by the Russian news agency Interfax.
Lawmakers approved a request for independence from Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh, Interfax reported.

The president also called for a friendship and mutual assistance treaty, which would call for maintaining Russian peacekeepers in the region - located in western Georgia.

"I propose that the Russian Federation recognize the Republic of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state and establish diplomatic relations between Abkhazia and Russia," Bagapsh said in his appeal.