Russian border guards began joint border guarding on April 30, 2009, when an agreement was signed between Russia and South Ossetia on joint efforts to guard the state border. Since then, Russian border guards have been guarding the borders of South Ossetia together with their South Ossetian counterparts, together protecting peace and security in the Republic.
President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov on Friday took part in the event dedicated to the 12th anniversary of the formation of the Border Guard Service of the FSB of Russia in South Ossetia, the press service of the head of state reported.
The head of the Border Guard Service, Vladimir Shchemelinin, speaking at the solemn ceremony, recalled that on April 30, 2009, Russian border guards, in accordance with the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia on joint efforts to protect the state border, took under protection the border of the RSO with Georgia, with a length of 391 km.
“During this period, the border guards have erected over 70 km of engineering and technical structures, more than 10 km are equipped with modern technical means, and about 15 km of roads have been built. Border control officers detained over 4 thousand violators of the state border, revealed over 200 caches of weapons and ammunition. From the first days, the employees show restraint and decisiveness in fulfilling the assigned tasks, the success and order of border protection within the framework of measures to ensure the safety of the people of South Ossetia depend on their coordinated actions,” Vladimir Schemelinin said.
He has stressed that the success of the Border Administration staff largely depends on interaction with the structures of the Republic of South Ossetia.
For his part, Anatoly Bibilov thanked the border guards on behalf of himself and the people of South Ossetia for their service on the state border of the Republic of South Ossetia.
“I remember very well in what difficult conditions you had to work in the first years. Here, on this territory and at the outposts, the employees were living and working in tents. Today the conditions are good for you, but nevertheless, your service is fraught with risks.
We know what provocations are being carried out against you. And only your professionalism, endurance and patience will help ensure that these provocations do not have serious consequences. You are carrying out a high mission with dignity, which is connected with ensuring the security of the Republic of South Ossetia, the people of South Ossetia,” he stressed.
The President also addressed the families of the Border Administration employees attending the event, noting that they "should be proud of their husbands and fathers for their heroic work."
Anatoly Bibilov presented the distinguished border guards with state awards of the Republic of South Ossetia.
Oleg Shiran, Chairman of the RSO State Security Committee, also addressed his congratulations to the Russian border guards, noting the high level of interaction between the RSO KGB Border Service and the Russian FSB Border Directorate in South Ossetia.
The event continued with demonstration performances.
