Medvedev looks east for support on Georgia

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The SCO is dominated by Russia and China and includes Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It claims the role of a security guarantor in Central Asia.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters in Beijing that South Ossetia would probably be discussed. But with most SCO members facing separatist rebellions of their own, outright support for Moscow's actions is seen as unlikely.

"China, which has own separatists, will be the biggest problem," said Alexei Mukhin, head of the Centre of Political Information think-tank. "The recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is unacceptable for Beijing."

The ex-Soviet Central Asian state have built their foreign policy strategies on trying to maintain a balance between loyalty to Moscow and building ties with the West.

Analysts say the most Medvedev can hope for is that SCO leaders will say they understand Russia's motives, without going any further.

Moscow said it did not fear being isolated over recognising Georgia's rebel provinces, saying drumming up support for its position was not its primary goal.

"We're not going to twist anyone's hands to make them support (recognition)," said Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

WORRIED NEIGHBOURS

Russia's continued military presence in Georgia has angered the West - European leaders are to discuss their response at an emergency summit on Monday.

Moscow says the troops are needed to protect civilians from Georgian aggression and that their presence is provided for under a French-brokered ceasefire, a view disputed by Paris.

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