The replacement of passports of citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia will be completed by June 2011, said the president of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity while speaking at a meeting of representatives of the government, public and political organizations of South Ossetia.
The President instructed to toughen the requirements for those obtaining the South Ossetian citizenship, as it often happens that the will to obtain a passport is motivated with the possibility to participate in "customs clearance of vehicles in South Ossetia."
He instructed the relevant actors to consider granting the citizenship of South Ossetia and revise the terms to toughen the conditions.
"All citizens, who will receive a new passport must be scrutinized for their involvement in criminal activity on the territory of South Ossetia and Russia. This is necessary to ensure that persons involved in illicit actions are prevented from becoming citizens of South Ossetia ", said the president.
According to him, the process of replacing of passports should be completed by June 2011.
"All old passports after that date will be considered invalid", said the president.
He instructed the relevant government and law enforcement agencies to work out set of measures and a program on the replacement of passports, and to start the activities.
"To get a passport of the Republic of South Ossetia is a great honor," said the president.
