US condemns Russia deal with South Ossetia on joint military force

WASHINGTON – The United States condemned Russia's agreement with leaders of Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region regarding a joint military force on Friday, saying the agreement is not a valid treaty.

"The United States' position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia is unwavering: The United States fully supports Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.