President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov took part in the international conference dedicated to the memory of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia Vitaly Churkin. The conference, which took place at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the RSO to the Russian Federation Znaur Gassiev, the Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Leonid Slutsky, Acting Rector DA MFA of Russia, Mikhail Troyansky.
Sergey Lavrov, in his welcoming speech, called Vitaly Churkin an outstanding diplomat, a professional of the highest class, having reminded that he had passed away two years ago while “on a fighting post”.
“His professional qualities allowed to energetically advance Russia's priorities, while simultaneously contributing to building up a broad international partnership. Possessing an impeccable reputation, Vitaly Ivanovich earned the respect of his foreign colleagues, regardless of their political views, he was called the “maestro of diplomacy,” said Sergey Lavrov.
In his speech, Anatoly Bibilov has noted the role of Vitaly Churkin in the crucial historical moments for South Ossetia.
“Vitaly Ivanovich’s reaction to the attacks of the UN Security Council opponents in August 2008 was deeply reasoned, his opponents could not but feel the rightness of the Russian position relying on a solid legal basis. The words of truth of the Russian diplomat and the firm position of Russia declared by him gave hope that the actions of the presumptuous aggressor would receive a tough international assessment and the bloody massacre will be ended,” said Anatoly Bibilov.
The President told the conference participants that “in the fighting Tskhinval in the rare breaks between the bombing and shelling, people tried to find out what was happening outside South Ossetia, about the reaction of Moscow, as well as the whole world, to the Georgian aggression.”
“The UN Security Council`s reports also reached South Ossetia. Our people had a feeling that Churkin was speaking on their behalf. The importance attached in South Ossetia to the diplomatic victory won by Ambassador Churkin is evidenced by the fact that he is a knight of the highest military award of the Republic - the order of Uatsamongæ. This award is presented for outstanding feats, heroism and courage shown in battles,” said Anatoly Bibilov.
President of South Ossetia thanked the conference organizers for the excellent initiative and wished its participants successful work.
