The signed treaty between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation which allegedly “does violence to sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and is not legally binding” was condemned by the Council of Europe Deputy Ministers Committee within discussion of the agenda “The Council of Europe and the Georgian conflict” on May 12, 2015. Besides, “serious alarm caused by the fact that the Russian Federation proceeds setting thorny entanglements and other lateral barriers between South Ossetia and Georgia, that infringe on the rights and freedoms (including freedom of movement and the right to be educated in native language) of those who live there” was expressed in the document.
As an independent and recognized state the Republic of South Ossetia, being guided by the interests of its citizens, defines independently the domestic and foreign policy and acts in legislative framework. Issues of arrangement and control of the Republic frontier refer to public authorities. Alongside with this it was noted that due to the measures taken by South Ossetian party in arranging frontiers, the number of incidents connected with unintentional violation of the border by locals significantly decreased, that eased constant tensions about it.
Statements about violation of the right to be educated in native language also are absolutely unreasonable. According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Ossetia, Georgian language is an official language in places of the Ossetian citizens of Georgian nationality residence. An incontrovertible evidence to this is the fact that there are five schools on territory the Republic where pupils are taught in Georgian.
As for the appeals made by Russian Federation concerning “assistance and providing the Council of Europe an unlimited access to the territory of South Ossetia”, it should be noted that the Deputy Ministers have to know, access to the territory of any country of the world is regulated by its domestic legislation, and South Ossetia isn't an exception. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia bindingly confirms the Republic is ready for interaction with all international organizations and the states that show respect to South Ossetia people and legislation.
Like for any other state reliable security is necessary for development of the Republic of South Ossetia. For these purposes the treaty between South Ossetia and Russia was signed, as it only is broad cooperation and coordinated policy with the Russian Federation the possibility for the Republic of South Ossetia to increase defensive security at times of increasing threats coming from Georgia.
And if the western partners of Georgia really want to promote peace-making in the region, it’s time for them to give up supporting Georgian claiming for others territories and to stop repeating false mantras about violation of Georgian territorial integrity. Instead of this they should show Tbilisi the only right way - to recognize the existing realities, to sign the legally binding document on non-use of force and conduct a direct, constructive dialogue with the authorities of South Ossetia.
May 18, 2015, Tskhinval