Normalization of relations between South Ossetia and Georgia is only possible as between the independent neighbouring states on an equitable basis, stated the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov, commenting on the words of President Vladimir Putin, during the today`s annual press conference, that Tbilisi must make direct contact and political dialogue with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
"The Georgian-Ossetian conflict, which lasted since the late 80-ies of the last century, was completed in August 2008, when Georgia unleashed the war against South Ossetia. The Russian Federation helped the people of South Ossetia to repel the aggressor, and then recognized the independence of South Ossetia. Since then the normalization of relations is only possible as between the neighboring countries on an equitable basis," said Leonid Tibilov.
He has noted that Vladimir Putin has rightly pointed to the need for direct dialogue.
"Russia for many years has been doing everything to maintain peace in the South Caucasus and to prevent the recurrence of the genocide of Ossetians, committed by Georgia in 1920. Georgia has chosen a different path. A direct consequence of this choice is the change of realities, and Georgia should consider these realities. South Ossetia is the independent state, and Georgia must realize this fact," said the head of state.
According to Leonid Tibilov, first of all Georgia must once and for all refuse even thinking about a new aggression against South Ossetia, admitting guilt for the genocide against Ossetians and signing a legally binding document on the non-use of force.
"The second step should be the recognition of the statehood of South Ossetia. These simple steps will open the way to the dialogue. However, Georgia in every way evades the question of security guarantees and actually sabotages the Geneva international discussions. Between common sense and ideals of Gamsakhurdia and Saakashvili Georgia makes choices not in favor of common sense," concluded the President.
