Russia parliament to call for Ossetia independence

Moscow, Russia: Russia's lower house of parliament is expected to call for independence for Georgia's breakaway reigons of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the RIA news agency reported, citing a draft resolution.

The Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, has started a debate on the text.

The lower house, or State Duma, was to consider a similar text later on Monday.

A source in the United Russia party, which has a majority in parliament, said deputies would pass the resolution.