Disagree on recognition

Moscow recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway region of Abkhazia as independent states on August 26, a move that further angered the West.

Sarkozy, heading a EU delegation, condemned Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed Caucasus regions.

"We did not agree on everything. EU condemns the unilateral recognition by Russia of South Ossetia and Akbhazia," he said. "We are not here negotiating the future, but to make sure the cease-fire was and is fully implemented."

Medvedev, in response, said the recognition was "final and irrevocable" and refused to change Russia's stance though its recognition was not broadly echoed in the international community yet.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) and his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili attend a news conference in Tbilisi September 8, 2008. [Agencies]