Commemoration events, dedicated to the Day of Peacekeepers are taking place in the capital of South Ossetia on July 14. 25 years have passed since the significant event in the recent history of South Ossetian people – bringing peacekeeping forces to the area of Georgian-Ossetian conflict. It had been done in accordance with General provisions of the Agreement on Principles of Settlement of the Georgian - Ossetian Conflict, signed by Heads of Russia, Georgia, North Ossetia and South Ossetia on June 14, 1992 in Sochi. The dividing line which became a buffer zone between the warring parties has been established.
The issue of survival of South Ossetian people was being solved those days. By that time thousands of civilians became victims of Georgian aggression against South Ossetia. In those difficult conditions the peacekeepers managed to do a great job. Finally, thanks to their activity, the fighting was stopped, and peace, security and trust in tomorrow were brought to the land of South Ossetia.
For 16 years the peacekeeping forces were the only guarantor of peace in the region. Moreover, the peacemaking experience in South Ossetia was being recognized as exemplary and unique because of its successfulness and minimum losses, until August, 2008 when Georgian “colleagues” began shooting in the backs of Russian peacekeepers.
The Russian peacekeepers were among those, who faced the first attack of Georgian troops, which contrary to all norms of international law and against the commitments undertaken by Georgia, including by the Sochi agreements dated 1992, perfidiously invaded South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. While saving its peacekeepers and the population of South Ossetia the Russian Federation was forced to perform the peace enforcement operation over Georgia. The feat of heroes will remain in memory and hearts of the people of South Ossetia forever.
The mission of peacekeepers was continued by Russian soldiers and border guards. In accordance with the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, dated September 17, 2008, the 4th Military base of Russia and the Frontier office of the Russian Federal Security Service in RSO were established in South Ossetia.
Foreign Minister Medoev and officers of the Ministry participated in wreath-laying ceremonies at the Memorial Cross, put up at walls of former barracks of Russian peacekeeping forces, which burned down in 2008, and at the Peacekeepers Stele.
Tskhinval, July 14, 2017