Flash-poll: This week a meeting of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia David Sanakoev has been held in Moscow . How would you comment on the outcome of the meeting and what are your expectations from the forthcoming official visit of President Leonid Tibilov to Moscow.
Yuri Vazagov, an independent expert:
The recent first official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia David Sanakoev to Russia and his meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is very important in further cementing of relations between the two countries, including such important areas as foreign policy.
Moreover, the fact that the meeting of the foreign ministers of South Ossetia and Russia against the background of the victory of the Georgian opposition coalition led by Ivanishvili, is some kind of message to the overly "dreaming" Georgian politicians and to the people who are in sympathy with their ideas. The essence of the explicit message, without much diplomatic equivocation sounded by Sergey Lavrov, is that Russia, under any circumstances, is not going to discuss the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which has been determined by the population of these republics. Accordingly, this matter can in no way be a bargaining chip in the discussion of the prospects of improved relations between Russia and Georgia. Lavrov has dampened down the enthusiasm of the new Georgian government, reckoned on the fact that the defeat of Saakashvili's party in the elections was enough to demand speculatively from Russia the drastic concessions, like in the old "good" times - now that dream has come to an end.
With regard to the forthcoming official visit of the RSO President Leonid Tibilov to Russia,- it will be another step in the intensification of bilateral relations at the highest level. The previous summit in Sochi with Vladimir Putin and with Dmitry Medvedev during his visit to Tskhinval promoted acceleration of the rehabilitation process in South Ossetia and more coordination of the activities of the two governments. One should expect even greater results from the upcoming meetings.
Russia and South Ossetia continue to deepen the partnership under the new leadership of the republic, which will have a positive impact on the further rehabilitation of South Ossetia, on the development of its economy and strengthening the international situation in the light of the continuing aggravation of the Middle East crisis.
Inal Pliev, an independent expert:
I have rated the results of the meeting very high. During the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov clearly stopped all sorts of speculations of the various self-styled political analysts and politicos regarding the supposed possibility of revising Russia`s attitude towards South Ossetia, which had appeared in various media after the victory of the opposition coalition "Georgian Dream." In general, it is surprising, how easily some people expect (and others allow themselves even to dictate!) such fundamental changes in the policy of such a great country as Russia.
Sergey Lavrov's words can be considered as the answer to fans of insinuations, backroom games and conspiracy theories. I also share his hope that "the new government of Georgia, when finally formed, will pursue a policy of normalizing relations with all its neighbors, including Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia." Diplomatic recognition of the state independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Georgia would be of great benefit for Georgia itself, would open the way for economic cooperation, avoid the astronomical costs for confrontation and would significantly improve the living standards of the Georgian people.
I expect from the visit of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Leonid Kharitonovich Tibilov to Moscow and from his meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin , above all, the new arrangements, a new stage of interaction in the range of issues of mutual interest, and, above all, more efficient solution of problems facing our homeland. I am convinced that the upcoming meeting will not only give a new impetus to the impressive regeneration processes, which today we can observe on the streets of Tskhinval, on the roads of the Republic, and in the new micro-districts, but also lay a solid foundation under the development processes for future strong economic and technical component of our country. We have natural and human resources to begin with; we just have to use it wisely. This is the most important and the most difficult thing, especially under the conditions of lack of material resources. But I'm sure that Russia and South Ossetia will cope with this problem.
Gennady Kokoev MP of the RSO, an independent expert:
I have rated the results of the meeting very positively. Sergei Lavrov's statements confirmed once more Russia's commitment to the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This is a very positive meeting. As far as I know, it was held within the framework of preparations for the meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov. I think, there is no reason to worry about changing the position of the Russian authorities in connection with a change of the ruling elite in Tbilisi. Whoever comes to power, Russia's position will remain unchanged. I think that Georgia will not use the old methods, preferring more subtle ones. Our foreign policy must be carefully identified and the time has come to develop a foreign policy concept of our state. The fear and even panic in certain parts of our population after the victory of Ivanishvili have no reason, and the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia and Russia – is another proof.
I expect from the meeting of the Presidents of South Ossetia and Russia Leonid Tibilov and Vladimir Putin further solving of the peace-building issues and co-operation of the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation for the benefit of our peoples.
