Russia is a strategic partner of South Ossetia forever. This was stated by South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov in his first Message to the Parliament and people of the Republic.
The Head of State, on behalf of the people of South Ossetia, has addressed the profound gratitude to all Russian citizens who participated in the movement of solidarity with the people of South Ossetia.
"We must once again express special gratitude to the top political leadership of the Russian Federation that has saved us, making a courageous, responsible decision, providing us the military and humanitarian aid. I`d like to focus on the military-political and socio-economic importance of the recognition of the state sovereignty of the Republic of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation. On the basis of this political act of the Russian leadership have been concluded dozens of international and intergovernmental agreements between the two countries, which have served as the legal basis for the development of friendly Russian-South Ossetian relations. Suffice to say that over the past year more than 40 experts’ teams, representing all sectors of economy and social sphere, came to us from Russia. They helped their South Ossetian colleagues to create a modern regulatory framework for more effective recovery and long-term development of our country,"- is said in the Message.
According to Leonid Tibilov, the upcoming fifth anniversary of the signing of the famous Decree of the President of the Russian Federation adds special meaning to the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia.
"The events of the current history of South Ossetia have convinced us once more of the right choice of our remote ancestors, that Russia is our strategic partner and will remain it forever," - he emphasized.
According to the president, to attain freedom and national independence is a hard thing.
"They are usually won in the fight, sometimes bloody and prolonged, as it happened with the South Ossetians who underwent ordeals. The highly dramatic was the national liberation struggle of the people of South Ossetia at the turn of the century, when in the crucible of war South Ossetians have sacrificed the lives of thousands of their sons and daughters to implement their age-old dream. We do not forget that in this struggle were killed our brothers from the republics of the North Caucasus - the people of different nationalities. Russian peacekeepers and soldiers of the 58th Army fell on the field of battle for us. The grateful memory of our people will always retain the names of the fallen heroes, "- said the president.
