Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia (August 26, 2008) to ensure the safety and survival of the peoples of both republics. This was declared by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his interview to TV channel RTVI, informs the official website of the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
South Ossetian athlete Soslan Gassiev will perform in the arm wrestling Junior European Championship to be held in Latvia in early May, 2013.
The bout of the Ossetian MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Alan Gigolaev scheduled for April 12, 2013, was canceled due to refusal of his opponent to fight. According to the athlete, the fight was to be held in Atlanta (Georgia, USA) according to NFC (National Fighting Championship).
A round table discussion on the topic "Prospects for the revival of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in South Ossetia as a condition for democratic development of the Republic" was held in Tskhinval; it was attended by representatives of the South Ossetian NGOs.