Flash-poll: How do you assess the results of the meeting (24 October) of the South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov with the Russian President Vladimir Putin?
Mira Tskhovrebova, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of South Ossetia:
It was a long-awaited summit. The high-level reception of our president given by the Russian government indicates friendly and fraternal relations of Russia to the Ossetian people. The reception level, though it was strictly ceremonial, showed the position of Russia to South Ossetia, and we appreciate it very much. And there is another important point. Having received Leonid Tibilov at top level, Russia has demonstrated respect for its own decisions, in particular, for the recognition of South Ossetia, though this decision hardly needs some more confirmation.
Alan Parastaev, an expert:
After reading the materials on this meeting, I have understood that what is widely believed in the South Ossetian society, that Putin and Russia's top leadership are not well informed about the actual situation in South Ossetia and about the most pressing problems- is true.
The transport agreement is, certainly,an important event. But if there is nothing to export by the transport from South Ossetia, if the development of farming and agriculture is close to zero, and the tourist infrastructure consists of one or two boarding houses-pensioner-oriented-, and there is no a normal hotel in Tskhinval so far, then begs the question-for what has been reached such a pompous agreement? And then begs an answer - for the WTO. Nothing wrong with that, but that's not what today is expected in South Ossetia.
Perhaps, the development of these areas of economy is included into the programme of investment cooperation, but we know virtually nothing about it.
Slightlymore concrete were the words on the social sector, health care and education. It was,at least, said that in addition to financial investment we should "work together". And the finances were more than enough to resolve social problems from South Ossetia to North Africa.
Not a word was said about the past financial affairs. We can only guess whether the investigation process is going ahead and the information is hidden in the interests of the investigation, or this page of the Russian-Ossetian relations has been closed and the thieves and the "bribe-takers" were forgiven. If the last argument is true, it will adversely affect the situation in South Ossetia and the image of both the South Ossetian and the Russian authorities.
And of course, the opposition`s victory in Georgia – such a long-awaited for Russia. Putin called it a change of the situation in the region and about South Ossetia he said: "You will be able to build good relations with all your neighbors." For what such covertness - is unclear. I hope that Putin has not meant by neighbor Russia. And we do not have another neighbor except Georgia. If it is so, the political leadership of Russia should help South Ossetia in building such relationship and find the platform, at least for the direct and equal dialogue between Georgia and South Ossetia. It’s high time to understand that the unequal and asymmetrical format of the Geneva discussions with a whole cohort of intermediaries is not suitable for this.
Alexander Kelekhsaev, a journalist
In May of this year the presidents of Russia and South Ossetia have already met in Sochi, where they have also discussed the development and strengthening of the Russian-South Ossetian relations. Two meetings of the leaders of Russia and South Ossetia for a short time indicate the allied nature of relations between the Russian Federation and our Republic, as well as the immutability of following the pro-Russian course by South Ossetia.
The meeting of Vladimir Putin and Leonid Tibilov should be the additional powerful impetus to bilateral cooperation and more active participation of Russia in the affairs of South Ossetia. By that I mean tight control over spending of funds and strict implementation of the plan for rehabilitation of the Republic, together with the implementation of the investment program, as well as legal aid in the building of nationhood.
Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia would continue to provide assistance to South Ossetia not only in the economic and social sphere, but also in terms of statehood. Thus, Putin reiterated that in the issue of recognition of South Ossetia Russia had put an end August 26, 2008 and the revision of the decision was not negotiable. This unequivocal message must finallybe accepted by the political forces of Georgia and by the international community hostile to Russia and South Ossetia.
