For the fruitful development of South Ossetia, all institutions of power must be involved, said the head of the Russian delegation Konstantin Kosachev at the working meeting of the Russian parliamentary delegation with deputies of the legislative body of South Ossetia.
As noted by Kosachev, Russia is interested in the stable socio-economic development of South Ossetia.
“In this sense, it is very important for us to understand what is happening in the RSO parliament. It is important that you understand the connection between what is happening inside the South Ossetian parliament and what is happening in our bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation, and, accordingly, in all the work that the President, government and departments are doing.
The only interest of Russia is that there is stable socio-economic development in South Ossetia, that the issues that people expect from the government are resolved, and for this all the institutions of this government must be capable of functioning. Interaction between them, discussions within parliament, providing any political platforms, defending their positions through discussions, through clashes of opinions, but within a working parliament - this, from our point of view, is an indispensable prerequisite for the democratic arrangement of society,” he stressed.
Kosachev has noted that they are ready for concrete work, and it is important for them that the plans for the resumption of the work of the inter-parliamentary commission go in sync with the restoration of the normal constitutional activity of the RSO Parliament.
“We do not hide this wish for you. We are ready to discuss specific issues, ready for specific work,” he said.
Kosachev has recalled the last meeting of the inter-parliamentary commission, noting specific and meaningful work at that meeting, aimed at resolving important issues.
“At this meeting, the plan for 2020 was approved, and it is clear that then it was impossible to implement it in full. We face important tasks, one of them is connected with the harmonization of legislation, with the ratification of bilateral agreements, everything that ensures interstate and intergovernmental bilateral cooperation, which is aimed at protecting the interests of people, ”Kosachev said.
He added that 12 years have passed since the recognition of the independence of the RSO by the Russian Federation, and during this time a huge layer of work has been carried out.
“A huge array of work has been done, more than 100 bilateral agreements have already been signed, ratified, entered into force and are in effect. But there is a large block, including agreements of the bilateral level, which are only at the stage of development or ratification. Here, within the framework of the commission's work, we, of course, need to come to an agreement so that we synchronize our work,” he added.
At the meeting, the South Ossetian deputies voiced problematic issues, the solution of which largely depends on the position of the Russian side.
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Alexander Pliev raised the issue of not crediting seniority to Russian citizens permanently residing in the territory of the RSO and working in the RSO. Non-accrual of this experience in Russia, according to him, causes serious problems.
Alan Gabaty, Chairman of the Committee on Legislation, Rule of Law and Local Self-Government, touched upon the topic of temporary import of vehicles into Russia.
“Most of the citizens of South Ossetia are citizens of the Russian Federation, and it is impossible for them to obtain temporary import if their vehicle is registered in the territory of the Republic of South Ossetia. In this case, customs officials demand that double registration be abandoned. Which causes great inconvenience,” he said.
The first Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, Petr Gassiev, spoke on the same issue. He has noted that South Ossetia is not a member of the Eurasian Customs Union and their rules are poorly applicable to South Ossetia.
“Therefore, we have a constant problem with crossing the Russian customs when importing a vehicle. We only have this road, and there is always a problem with the importation,” he said.
