On August 26, 2008, people of South Ossetia achieved what they had been striving for, for many years, their dream came true, - said Marat Kulakhmetov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic in the Republic, during the video bridge "Tskhinval - Sukhum - Simferopol" at the Sputnik-South Ossetia site.
The teleconference was dedicated to the Day of Recognition of the Independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Russian Federation. It was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Akhsar Dzhioev, Head of the Strategic Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Jamal Bganba, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Abkhazia Mikhail Shurgalin, member of the Committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation on Foreign Affairs Sergei Tsekov.
According to Kulakhmetov, the day of recognition by Russia for the Republic is a special day that will forever be remembered.
“After 14 years, South Ossetia has established itself as the independent state, all state attributes have been created, it is developing, people’s thinking is completely different, it is deep, broad, and most importantly, it has a long-term perspective,” Kulakhmetov said. “This suggests that people are looking to the future, there is a prospect in the Republic, and there is room for growth.”
Kulakhmetov has noted that the most important thing today is to make sure that the Republic provides for itself and develops economically.
"And Russia will always support South Ossetia, both in financial, economic and security issues, " he said.
Akhsar Dzhioev has noted that August 26 is a significant day that the peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have been waiting for, for many years.
“We have been seeking this recognition for many years,” Dzhioev has emphasized. - August 26, 2008 is a special day in a series of memorable dates. Recognizing the will of the people of South Ossetia, and, accordingly, of Abkhazia, President of Russia, showing noble determination, issued a decree recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It was an extraordinary, inexplicable feeling of joy and pride.”
Dzhioev has noted that the recognition by Russia, followed by the recognition of a number of other countries.
“We intend to make the most of our opportunities for further recognition,” said Dzhioev. “The process is underway and it will continue.”
Touching upon interstate relations with Abkhazia, Dzhioev has noted that the two republics have the same fate, the same problems and the same adversary.
“We have very close contacts with Abkhazia. We intend to further develop our relations in a positive direction,” said Dzhioev.
He also expressed gratitude to the Russian side for understanding, support, constructive approach in resolving all issues, in particular, in terms of the legal development of bilateral cooperation.
Sergei Tsekov, in turn, has noted that the Day of Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia is a very important holiday for these countries.
“In 2008, we were worried about South Ossetia and Abkhazia, we wanted victory, we believed that Russia would definitely support Ossetia and Abkhazia,” Tsekov has stressed.
He has added that, observing the electoral process in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, one can say with confidence that democracy in terms of suffrage in the republics is at the highest level.
“Those countries that criticize these states should come to the elections in these states and see how democratic elections are actually held,” Tsekov said. – Today, Ossetia is developing dynamically, and this is largely due to the support that Russia provides to South Ossetia. The same processes are taking place in Abkhazia.”
Tsekov has also invited the South Ossetian side next year to take part in the Great Russian Word festival, one of the organizers of which is he.
Mikhail Shurgalin has stressed that the decision, which was taken on August 26, 2008, fully complied with the principles laid down in the UN Charter.
“First of all, I would like to mention the right of peoples to self-determination,” he said. “This is the principle that now applies to the DPR, the LPR, and the regions of Ukraine, where a special military operation is currently taking place.”
According to Shurgalin, over the years that have passed since the recognition of the two countries, great success has been achieved.
“Over the past years, large-scale programs have been implemented in both republics, within the framework of which a significant number of infrastructure facilities have been built,” Shurgalin continued. “More than 120 treaties and agreements have been signed with Abkhazia, almost the same number with South Ossetia, they form a solid contractual and legal basis for our relations.”
At the end of the video bridge, the participants congratulated the peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on the upcoming Day of Recognition of the independence of the two countries by the Russian Federation.
