Cooperation between Russia and South Ossetia in the defense, scientific, economic, cultural and educational spheres, as well as the deployment of units of the Russian Armed Forces on the territory of the Republic is a guarantor of lasting peace and stability for the country. This opinion was expressed in the interview with TASS by Ambassador of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation Znaur Gassiev.
"The situation changed radically after August 26, 2008, when Russia declared its recognition of the independence and state sovereignty of the Republic of South Ossetia. For the people of the Republic, this was a major event that finally determined the course for building a full-scale economic, cultural and strategic partnership between South Ossetia and Russia. The deployment of units of the Russian Armed Forces on the territory of the Republic, the signing of a number of important documents on cooperation in such areas as defense and security, education and culture, science and economy - all this brought us lasting peace and stability," he said.
Gassiev has emphasized that Russia provided assistance to South Ossetia throughout the history of the post-Soviet period. "I think it is very important that after the years that separate us from that terrible tragedy [Georgia's armed attack on South Ossetia], the citizens of South Ossetia have changed their perception of life, and the people's consciousness is gradually shifting from a military to a peaceful way of life. Russia's peacekeeping efforts in June 1992, the provision of constant humanitarian aid, the key role in post-war reconstruction and, finally, forcing Georgia to peace in August 2008 will forever remain in the memory of generations of the Ossetian people," the Ambassador has added.
Gassiev has also reminded that the Geneva discussions, which were first held 17 years ago, remain one of the mechanisms for ensuring security in Transcaucasia. According to the Ambassador, they make it possible to carry on a direct dialogue between South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Georgia. "Within the framework of the Geneva discussions, among other issues, the South Ossetian party is seeking to develop and sign bilateral legally binding agreements with Georgia on the non-use of force. We are striving to implement our peace initiatives and maintain direct dialogue between Tskhinval and Tbilisi," Gassiev has stressed.
