Russia 'to absorb S Ossetia'
The breakaway province of South Ossetia has said it will eventually become Russian territory.
Parliamentary speaker Znaur Gassiyev said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and the region's leader Eduard Koikoty had discussed its future this week.
Mr Gassiyev said Russia will absorb South Ossetia "in several years" or earlier. He said that position was "firmly stated by both leaders".