The Georgian plans for a blitzkrieg in August 2008 were shattered by the fortitude and courage of the defense forces of South Ossetia and Russian peacekeepers. The decisive and timely actions of the Russian Federation to force the aggressor to peace played a key role in saving the people of South Ossetia from complete destruction, the statement of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia on the occasion of the 08.08.08 war anniversary.
On August 7-8, South Ossetia will host memorial events dedicated to the seventeenth anniversary of the Georgia's military aggression against the Republic.
The Foreign Ministry has reminded that in August 2008, while the entire world was watching the opening of the XXIX Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Georgia, in violation of fundamental norms of international law and agreements, treacherously attacked South Ossetia.
"The Georgian armed forces, trained according to NATO standards, subjected residential areas of the Republic's capital and other populated areas to massive shelling, which led to numerous civilian casualties," the Ministry has noted.
Russian peacekeepers, which were carrying out a peacekeeping mission under the international mandate, were also attacked, the Foreign Ministry has also reminded.
The civilian infrastructure, social facilities, and medical institutions were destroyed.
"Despite the results of the report of the independent commission of the European Union headed by Heidi Tagliavini, which confirmed the fact of the Georgian aggression in August 2008, official Tbilisi not only did not admit its responsibility, but for the past seventeen years has been blocking the signing of the agreement on the non-use of force against South Ossetia and has not abandoned attempts to revise the political results of August 2008," the statement reads.
The cessation of bloodshed was followed by the historic decision of the leadership of the Russian Federation on August 26, 2008 to recognize the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia.
"Our pain does not subside. Today we are bowing our heads in memory of the fallen heroes who did not spare their lives for the sake of the worthy future for their people. Eternal memory to the Russian soldiers and officers who died for the freedom of South Ossetia. Their feat will always be a source of pride and admiration," the Foreign Ministry noted.
Commemorative events dedicated to the seventeenth anniversary of the start of Georgia's war against South Ossetia will also be held at the diplomatic missions of the Republic of South Ossetia in Moscow, Sukhum, and Tiraspol.
