Residents of Russia and South Ossetia will support the decision of the people of the Republic on its entry into the Russian Federation, said Artem Turov, Deputy Head of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots.
"This decision gives the right to self-determination, the ability to determine both our future and the vector of development. And for us this is a very important moment, because in 2008 Russia ... began to openly resist the pressure of the united West. Of course, this is a historic event. I think, both the people of Russia and the people of South Ossetia will support this decision," Turov was quoted as saying on the Telegram channel of the United Russia party.
South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov said that Tskhinval would soon take legal steps to become part of Russia, since this is a long-standing strategic goal of the Republic. Bibilov has noted that the people of South Ossetia had the opportunity to realize this goal back in 2014, when Crimea was reunited with the Russian Federation following the referendum.
Moscow recognized the Republic's independence on August 26, 2008. Russia stood up to defend South Ossetia from Georgian aggression. Since then, the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that the recognition of both republics reflects the prevailing realities and is not subject to revision.
