Deployment of peacekeeping forces in the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict has become possible thanks to energetic actions of the Russian Federation to reduce tensions in the region, stated the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov, speaking at the ceremonial meeting at the 4th Russian military base in Tskhinval, dedicated to the 22-th anniversary of entry of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces into the Republic.
By tradition, on this day the grateful residents pay tribute to servicemen with blue stripes on the sleeves, all those who protect peace and tranquility in South Ossetia.
"As a result of these efforts, the conflicting parties were dissolved and large-scale bloodshed - stopped. For 16 years the tripartite Joint Peacekeeping Forces successfully coped with their immediate task - control of compliance with the ceasefire agreements. Simultaneously peacekeepers were actively involved in addressing issues such as assisting in the political processes, maintaining economic reforms, promotion of humanitarian assistance programs, resettlement of refugees and displaced persons,"- said Tibilov.
The maintenance of peace and stability in the conflict zone, according to the President, demanded from the participants of peacekeeping operations not only high professional training, but also great personal courage, patience and self-control. "The demand for these qualities was particularly evident after the change of power in Georgia in the fall of 2003. Taking a course on resolving the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, Tbilisi began to conduct a deliberate policy to discredit the peacekeeping mission. Constant provocations against Russian troops and Ossetian battalions escalated into open treacherous attack during the Georgian aggression against South Ossetia in August 2008, "- said the head of state.
He has stressed that the peacekeepers honourably discharged their duty, displaying the best martial and human qualities, getting praised by the international community and respect of the people of South Ossetia.
"The contribution of the peacekeeping forces to the life of the people of South Ossetia is invaluable. With the introduction of peacekeepers in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict was stopped active phase of hostilities, and the young Republic had the opportunity to address the issues of state-building, mobilizing forces to achieve future victories. That is why for the current generation of our citizens July 14, 1992 - the day of entering the Mixed forces in the conflict zone -is not only a memorable date in the modern history of South Ossetia, but one of the brightest national holidays," - said Leonid Tibilov.
He congratulated the peacekeepers and ex-servicemen of the joint peacekeeping forces, who had made a contribution to the establishment and maintenance of peace on the land of South Ossetia.
