Statement by the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity
In his recent speech in the European Parliament, the Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said that he refused to use force to "restore the territorial integrity" of his country, and would not attack either the Russian "occupant" or their "puppets". If this statement is translated into common language, it would mean that Saakashvili promises not to use force against South Ossetia.
This kind of statements can hardly be taken seriously. Especially because it is high time for the world to understand that oral statements made by Saakashvili worth nothing. As a rule, they are followed with armed attack against our country. This is how it was in 2004, this is how it happened in August 2008. At that time, our self-control in response to permanent armed provocations and our attempts to find a compromise solution through negotiations did not prevent the barbaric attack of Georgia.
It is noteworthy that the Georgian troops began shelling of Tskhinval and their massive attack just four hours after the solemn cease-fire declaration of Saakashvili. The repeated attacks of Georgia against our country - in 1920, 1989-1992, 2004, resulted an enormous number of caulaties. Only the timely evacuation of the civilian population and Russia’s interference prevented an even greater tragedy in 2008.
Throughout the time that has passed after the rebuffed attack of Georgian forces against South Ossetia in 2008, Georgia has managed to not only restore, but also further enhance the combat capacities of its army. Being unpunished for its aggression and crimes against humanity, Saakashvili continues to pursue military revanchist plans. To date, Russian troops stationed on the territory of our country on the basis of a bilateral intergovernmental agreement are the main guarantee of security of the Republic of South Ossetia.
Therefore, we continue to insist on a written, legally binding non-use of force commitments preferably with international guarantees focused on for more than two years at the Geneva discussions. Only in this case, it is likely that Georgia follows the common practice of civilized relations. South Ossetia, on its part, is ready to undertake such obligations.
At the same time in response to the Georgian statement, as head of South Ossetia, I officially declare: our state will not use force against Georgia, its people, territory and the armed forces. No one should doubt the peaceful nature of our aspirations. We want to build a free and independent South Ossetia, which would live in peace with its neighbors, and where Ossetians, Georgian, Russian and other nationalities peacefully coexist.
I would like to believe that one day, our state will be able to equally rely on the assurances of our southern neighbors. We reserve the right to necessary self-defense under the UN Charter, and if our worst fears come true, the aggressor will get an equal response.
Tskhinval, December 6, 2010
