Today on May 20, 2011 in the Republic of South Ossetia are taking place memorial events dedicated to 19th anniversary of Zar tragic event.
19 years ago, on May 20, 1992 at the height of Georgian aggression against South Ossetia, at the Zar bypass road, the only way from beleaguered Tskhinval to safe Vladikavkaz, Georgian gunmen fusilladed point-blank transport column with peaceful Ossetian citizens. 34 people including women, elderly persons and children died, 16 people were wounded. The eldest victim was 73, the youngest – 12 years old.
That beastly crime monstrous by its cruelty, go unpunished till today. Notwithstanding the fact that the then leader of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze officially admitted that Zar tragedy is on the conscience of Georgia, no attempts to find masterminds and executors of that terrible crime were undertook by Georgian law enforcement organs. And some western states were inclined to perceive those who committed that crime against humanity as some “fighters for territorial integrity”.
Today the people of South Ossetia are recalling not only those who died at the Zar road, but all, who were killed by Georgian fascists.
Attempts of Georgian leadership to break the fortitude and resoluteness of the people of South Ossetia in struggle for independence proved fruitless owing to the heroism of our steady and courageous people. After overcoming of years of privation and incredible ordeals South Ossetia has achieved its goal – recognition of state independence, in the name of what sacrificed their lives thousands of its sons and daughters.
Tskhinval, May 20, 2011