On August 26, South Ossetia marks the thirteenth anniversary of the recognition of the state independence of the Republic of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation.
Russia was the first country in the world to take a decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia, guided by the provisions of the UN Charter, the 1970 Declaration on the principles of international law concerning friendly relations between states, the 1975 CSCE Helsinki Final Act and other fundamental documents, taking into account the free expression of the will of the Ossetian people.
This decision was an absolutely natural reaction to the aggression unleashed by Georgia against South Ossetia, when on the night of August 8, 2008, the Georgian authorities, with the criminal aim of turning South Ossetia into “Clean field”, launched a large-scale army operation using heavy artillery and aviation.
At that time it was a necessary step, first of all, to ensure the security of the civilian population, as well as to maintain stability in the Caucasus region.
This long-awaited event, suffered and paid for in blood, at the cost of colossal sacrifices, was greeted in South Ossetia with nationwide jubilation. Having overcome the long-term policy of genocide, several armed aggressions and a total blockade, the Ossetian people have earned this right to live freely and safely in the land of their ancestors with confidence in the future.
The recognition of the sate independence of the Republic of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation became the most important act for South Ossetia and its people, opened a new stage in the development of the young state, creating security guarantees against new attempts of armed aggression on the part of Georgia.
For thirteen years now, South Ossetia has been living in peace and security, without fear of constant shelling, and building its future, relying on the help of fraternal Russia. And this undoubtedly the most important result of the recognition of South Ossetia by Russia, which cannot be questioned.
Tskhinval, 26 August of 2021