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Georgia regions mark 'independence'

Celebrations in South Ossetia and Abkhazia are expected to be kept low-key [AFP]

Russia has called for international recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, one year after formally acknowledging the two Georgian breakaway regions as independent states.

"The recognition ... by members of the international community ... will undoubtedly assist the long-term strengthening of peace and security in the region," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Anniversary celebrations were kept low-key in both regions, which are beset by economic problems stemming from their international isolation.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president, said Moscow's decision to recognise the two regions' independence was "irreversible".

"I do not regret the decision," he said on Wednesday. "For our country, this decision is irreversible."

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Abkhazia one year on from 'independence'

Medvedev announced Russia's recognition of the two territories as independent on August 26 last year, in the wake of his country's war with Georgia over the regions. 

Only the left-wing government of Nicaragua has joined Russia in recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia's independence since then.