Today, the South Ossetian nation celebrates a significant date – the 33rd anniversary of the Day of Proclamation of the Republic.
On September 20, 1990, the Soviet of People's Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast proclaimed the South Ossetian Soviet Democratic Republic within the USSR. The proclamation of the Republic fully complied with all international legal norms and the legislation of the USSR in force at that time. The Declaration of National Sovereignty was adopted, which was based on the desire of the people to realize their inalienable rights - the restoration of historical justice through self-determination, the adoption of measures to protect the nation, dictated, among other things, by the threat of physical extermination.
That event of enormous responsibility took place at the decline of the Soviet state, against the backdrop of increasing centrifugal forces and separatist tendencies, which became especially active in the Georgian SSR and the Baltic republics. The Republic was proclaimed in the most difficult situation of growing political and military pressure on South Ossetia from the radicals of Soviet Georgia, which since the late 80-s was overwhelmed by a wave of rabid chauvinism, where the ideology of national fascism began to manifest itself more and more clearly. There were years of struggle ahead, the barbaric armed aggression of Georgia and the tragedy of genocide, years of blockade and non-recognition, years of severe hardships that seemed insurmountable.
The assessment of the path undertaken to establish the statehood of South Ossetia, which required incredible effort and willpower, dedication and great losses, convinces us of the correctness of the choice made by the South Ossetian people. The choice, which allowed them not only to defend in a difficult struggle their right to exist, but to live with their heads raised, as a free nation in a free country, feeling themselves the rightful master of their destiny and land.
The people of the Republic of South Ossetia are deeply grateful to the Russian Federation for its invaluable assistance in repelling Georgian aggression in August 2008 and eliminating the social and economic consequences of the war, for building friendly, partnership relations with the Republic of South Ossetia after recognizing its independence on August 26, 2008, as well as to all friendly states, who have been following the example of Russia.
On this significant day, we pay tribute to the memory and respect of all those, who fought for the dignity, freedom and independence of South Ossetia, and bow our heads to those who sacrificed themselves in this sacred struggle. Their courage and heroism will always serve as an example of selfless service to the Motherland and loyalty to national affairs.
Tskhinval, September 20, 2023