ИА Рес

The next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on socio-economic cooperation between South Ossetia and the Russian Federation will be held today in Vladikavkaz.

The South-Ossetian delegation is headed by the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov, the Russian – by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Khloponin.
In the course of the meeting it will be discussed financial assistance of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Ossetia in 2016-2017.

The South \-Ossetian delegation has also included the Chairman of the Government of South Ossetia Domenty Kulumbegov and other officials..

Republic of South Ossetia recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics in June 2014. After signing the decree on recognition of the republics South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov instructed the Foreign Ministry to establish diplomatic relations with them.
On the positive results of the Ministry's work in this direction told the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia Murat Dzhioev.
"In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Ossetia its foreign policy is determined by the President of the Republic of South Ossetia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Executive body, implementing a coordinated foreign policy of the state, - said Dzhioev.
On June 18 and 27, 2014 by the decrees of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov were recognized the Luhansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic respectively.
"Dzhioev has noted that to execute the presidential decrees "On the recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic" and "On the recognition of the Lugansk People`s Republic", the Foreign Ministry is maintaining contacts with the foreign ministries of both republics.
"On April 16, 2015 took place the opening of the mission of the Republic of South Ossetia in the Luhansk People's Republic and in the Donetsk People's Republic, - said the Minister. - April 28, 2015 in the Republic of South Ossetia took place the solemn ceremony of opening the missions of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic. The work of the missions contributes to the strengthening of friendly relations between our countries.
We are ready for fruitful cooperation, effectively using the existing potential. Currently we are working on memorandums of mutual understanding in various areas of cooperation. In particular, we are expecting the signing of a Memorandum on cooperation in the field of communications. We are also maintaining contacts in the field of culture, education and in the sphere of political relations. In these republics there are a large number of industrial enterprises, the products of which can find consumption in our contrary and vice versa; South Ossetia is rich in natural resources, such as mineral water springs, which may be of interest to our friends. In addition, we intend to set up joint ventures."
Dzhioev has added that in October in the LPR and the DPR were held preliminary elections to local authorities, which were attended by observers from South Ossetia.
"Our representatives have given high praise to the level of organization of voting, as well as the organization of life activity in these republics, despite the fact that they are subjected to daily aggression from the Ukrainian side, - said Dzhioev. - South Ossetia is keeping close watching on the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics, deeply empathizing with their residents. We wish a speedy establishment of peace on this long-suffering land."

Security and counter-terrorism were discussed today in Tskhinval at the joint meeting of the Councils of South Ossetia and Russian Security, held under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic Leonid Tibilov.

Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Rashid Nurgaliev has noted that the working meeting on regional security issues was held the day before after his visit to the western borders of the Republic.

"We touched upon not only this region, but in general, the problems existing in the Central Asia, Syria, discussed the threat posed by the ISIL," Dzhabhat en-Nusra ", assessed the situation and prospects of collaboration on the prevention of terrorist acts on the territory of the Republic and in the whole region ", - he said, appreciating the level of training of Russian border guards and South Ossetian law enforcement agencies.

Nurgaliyev has added that the Security Councils of Russia and South Ossetia worked out plans for further joint work in several areas, and soon they will be submitted for approval.

According to the President of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov, the recent joint work was carried out in all directions.

"We can say that the agreements reached between Russia and South Ossetia, are being implemented and filled with new content, I welcome this work, - he said. - The relations have reached the highest level and we value it. "

October 2016, 4-5 in Geneva was held another round of discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia, attended by delegations of the Republic of South Ossetia, the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, the Russian Federation, the United States, as well as the EU, UN and OSCE representatives.

South Ossetian delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia Murat Dzhioev.

Discussions were held in two working groups: on security and humanitarian issues.

The work of the first working group focused on the draft document on the non-use of force by Georgia against South Ossetia and Abkhazia as well as to ensure security and stability in the region. It was continued the work of the expert group, formed of representatives of all parties on a statement affirming the commitment of all participants in the talks to the principle of non-use of force as one of the basic provisions of international law.

Due to the lack of visible progress on this issue for quite a long time, the South Ossetian delegation made new proposals on the draft document, supported by the majority of discussion participants, and their discussion is expected at the next round.

Discussing the issues of security and stability in the areas adjacent to the South Ossetian-Georgian state border areas, participants in the discussion noted the success of the joint mechanisms to prevent and respond to incidents (IPRM), as well as the IPRM "hot line".

At the same time, serious concern was expressed in connection with the recent violations of the state border by representatives of the Georgian law enforcement agencies, as well as the attempts of the land development by Georgian citizens on the territory of the Republic of South Ossetia.

The delegation of South Ossetia reiterated an offer to the Georgian side to begin working together on the delimitation of the state border between South Ossetia and Georgia, which would solve many problems related to the lack of border agreements.

As an important component of the overall situation on the security and humanitarian situation there was a discussion of the issues related to the search for the abducted and missing citizens of South Ossetia on the territory of Georgia. The international mediators have assured to continue the work of a specially invited independent international OSCE expert on the missing persons from October 2016.

South Ossetian delegation expressed concern about the expansion of NATO's presence in Georgia, in particular, regarding the military exercises involving the development of joint offensive operations with the assistance of American heavy military equipment.

South Ossetian participants have noted the absolute inadmissibility of Georgia to discuss humanitarian issues in the absence of representatives of South Ossetia, including the problem of refugees and internally displaced persons on various international platforms, including the General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council. Such attempts have led previously to negative consequences, in particular, to the blocking of the discussion of these issues in the framework of the Geneva discussions. The refugee issue was not discussed at the last round, as the resumption of discussions on this subject can be possible only after the termination of its artificial politicization by Georgia.

When discussing cultural heritage was raised again the question of the necessity of returning to the territory of South Ossetia of the old icon-triptych, stolen from the South Ossetian Museum and now located in Georgia. Once again, attention was drawn to threat to the safety of the Ossetian historical - cultural monuments in the Eastern Ossetia (Truso Gorge), being under the control in Georgia, where is not allowed the previously repressed Ossetian population.

South Ossetian representatives particularly focused on the unacceptability of the Georgian regular attempts to create obstacles for international contacts of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, including in the fields of culture and sports.

The next round of Geneva talks scheduled is for December 13-14, 2016.

September 30, 2016 the Republic of South Ossetia and Vladimir region have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the framework of the XV International Investment Forum "Sochi-2016."

The Intergovernmental agreement was signed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation Znaur Gassiev and the Governor of the Vladimir region Svetlana Orlova.

The agreement implies a co-operation in areas such as industrial production, attraction of investments, trade, entrepreneurship, science, culture, sport, tourism and youth policy.

One of the next projects to be implemented is the production of mineral water in a glass container "Springs of Ossetia." The cost of the project at the first stage is 30 million rubles.

The Fifteenth International Investment Forum "Sochi-2016" started on September 29 and will last until October 2. It is attended by over 700 heads of Russian and foreign companies.

Representatives of youth of South Ossetia Mikhail Kochiev, Alexander Kulumbegov and Alan Tibilov in the direction of the Rossotrudnichestvo became participants of the educational forum "Eurasia", held from 7 to 11 September in Orenburg.
"The forum brought together around 800 young scientists and specialists, undergraduates and graduate students from 90 countries of the Eurasian continent, which activity is connected with development of international youth cooperation, cooperation with compatriots abroad, studying Russian language, culture and history of Russia. During these days the participants had a rich educational program, opened by panel discussion with the participation of the head of Federal Agency on Affairs of Commonwealth of Independent States Lyubov Glebova and head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs Sergey Pospelov, that launched the international cooperation among the participants of the forum".
The forum participants were given the opportunity to participate in the work with case studies.
"The thematic case studies included the following topics: XIX world festival of youth and students; the volunteer movement – the international language of communication of young people; the program "Ambassadors of the Russian language in the world of "crowd-funding – the collective sponsorship projects; youth involvement in social practice, protection of youth projects. The main theme of the meeting is preparations for the world festival of youth and students, which will be held in the fall of 2017 in Sochi."
The political scientist, the General Director of the Russian center of studying of public opinion Valery Fedorov discussed with the participants of the forum the theme of Russian identity.
"Publicist Anatoly Wasserman told the forum about the role of youth in modern politics. - There were also many panel discussions aimed at developing youth cooperation among participants.
On 10 September at the cultural complex "national village" in Orenburg hosted the official closing of the International youth educational forum "Eurasia". At the ceremony were the Governor-Chairman of the government Yury Berg and Director of the Forum Alexey Rubtsov".
All the participants were awarded certificates of the International Youth Educational Forum "Eurasia".

President Leonid Tibilov has received Deputy Commander of the southern military district of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant-General Andrey Gurulev and Commander of the 4th Russian military base, stationed in the Republic of South Ossetia, Guards Colonel Alexander Kravtsov.

"I could not pass by today, without saying words of gratitude before leaving for a new post. I have no words to express my gratitude to you personally, Leonid Kharitonovich, and all the people of South Ossetia for the understanding of our collaborative relationship. With all my heart and soul I am always with you and ready to help at any moment ", - said Andrei Gurulev.

Leonid Tibilov, for his part, has expressed his gratitude to Lieutenant General Andrew Gurulev for the warm words, noting that the existing mutual cooperation, which will only deepen with the implementation of the Treaty of Alliance between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation, may serve as an example for many people.
"The fact that today in South Ossetia there is stationed the 4th Russian military base is a factor of stability in our Republic. Thanks to Russian servicemen, we feel calm and it's great, "- said the President.
The President has also welcomed the Commander of the 4th Russian military base, Guards Colonel Alexander Kravtsov, who has replaced Guards Colonel Mikhail Polishchuk.
"I look forward to further cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of South Ossetia and the servicemen of the 4th Russian military base in the framework of established traditions, in the name of protecting the interests of our peoples", - the President said.
Earlier, Andrey Gurulev served as Commander of the 58th Army.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary of Security Council of South Ossetia Anatoly Pliev and the Minister of Defense of South Ossetia Ibrahim Gasseev.

August 29, 2016 in Moscow President of the Republic of South Ossetia Leonid Tibilov met with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in the framework of the World Forum "In unity with Russia". According to the press Secretary of the Head of State Ghana Yanovskaya, during the meeting Leonid Tibilov said: "Dear Dmitry Anatolyevich, South Ossetia always welcomes you. August 26 we celebrated the 8th anniversary of Russia's recognition of our statehood- the Day of signing of the relevant Decree by you. The event was held under the idea of rapprochement of our countries. Today we have the opportunity to work on the implementation of the set of government programs, promoting the Republic`s development. "

Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, thanked Leonid Tibilov for participation in the Forum, noting his contribution to the rapprochement of the two states.

"It is encouraging that South Ossetia is developing, that the ideas that we have defended in 2008, are not lost and there is a further rapprochement between our countries and peoples. I sincerely wish you and the people of South Ossetia every success", - said Russian Prime Minister, accepting the invitation of Leonid Tibilov to visit the Republic.

Russian compatriots in South Ossetia have repeatedly participated in the elections of the President of the Russian Federation, in the elections of deputies to the State Duma of Russia of several convocations, has noted the President of South Ossetia in his speech at the World Forum "In unity with Russia", being held in Moscow.

Member of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs – co-chair of the Commission on cooperation between the Federation Council and the Parliament of the Republic of South Ossetia Alexander Totoonov took part in commemorative events dedicated to the 8th anniversary of the beginning of armed aggression of Georgia against South Ossetia.

As reported to IA "RES" the Aide to Senator Katherine Tolasova, every year on August 8 at the Embassy of South Ossetia in the Russian Federation, as in all parts of the Republic of South Ossetia, the national flag is at half-mast.
Members of the Moscow Ossetian community, the participants of the peacekeeping battalion, who had repelled the first treacherous attack of aggressors in 2008, the embassy staff and permanent representation of North Ossetia-Alania, as well as the residents of the capital laid flowers and lit candles in memory of the victims. On the same day, at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was held a prayer service for the victims in 2008, civilians of South Ossetia, the defenders of Tskhinval, South Ossetian and Russian peacekeepers, soldiers and officers of the Russian army, who at the cost of their lives saved the people of South Ossetia from physical destruction.

"War is a tragedy of the people involved in it. Those who unleash war, forever become responsible for innocent victims, as well as live forever in the memory those who defended the independence and freedom of their land. Today, lighting candles of memory, we reaffirm that a grateful memory will always keep the names and deeds of all those who were bringing closer the desired day of the declaration of independence of long-suffering South Ossetia. Our memory will keep long years of struggle and hardships, thousands of lives being lost during this time.
We will always remember crippled lives, tens of thousands forced to leave their homes and being left without shelter and livelihood. But, most importantly, the people of South Ossetia will always remember and appreciate the assistance of the brotherly Russian people.
Russia, confirming the status of a great power, the guarantor of the state and the peacemaker, protected not only its citizens, but saved from complete destruction South Ossetia and its people from genocide ", - said Alexander Totoonov.

The senator has noted that this day filled with mourning and sadness, is also reminiscent of other feelings that Ossetians experienced on August 26 when recognizing the independence of South Ossetia: "This is a milestone, a major event not only for South Ossetia, but also for the entire Ossetian nation."