Today South Ossetia marks the 35th anniversary of the beginning of South Ossetia's struggle for freedom and independence.
On 23 November 1989, under the pretext of a peaceful demonstration, Georgian nationalists led by Zviad Gamsakhurdia organized a thousand-strong march on Tskhinval. A group of young unarmed men who had shown the greatest fortitude and courage blocked the road at the entrance to Tskhinval with a human shield.
Not only did this day enter the calendar of significant dates, but it became a hallmark of patriotism, the powerful spirit, the invincible willpower of the people, selfless love and devotion to the Fatherland, national unity and courage, cohesion and unbending determination to defend the right to life in the heart of every citizen of the state. There came the realization of common national destiny and understanding that the people of South Ossetia will be able to defend their dignity and freedom only together. The events of that memorable day showed that unity is the main shield of our people and state.
The demonstrated unprecedented unity was the beginning of the thorny path that the country has passed through with all the achievements, challenging and turning points, which helped the Ossetian people to withstand the hardest struggle against the external enemy and laid the foundation for the political victory resulting in the recognition of the independence of the Republic in August 2008.
Today more than ever, national harmony and the unity of society, based on moral values, are the necessary condition for the preservation of our country, its stable and dynamic development and the calm and peaceful life of our citizens.
On 23 November, a ceremony of laying flowers at the memorial complex “Defenders of South Ossetia” and a demonstration dedicated to this significant date was held at the entrance to the city of Tskhinval.
Tskhinval, 23 November 2024