Question: Today Tskhinval hosted a working meeting between the South Ossetian delegation and the Co-Chairs of the International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus, representing the EU, the OSCE and the UN. How important is this negotiating format, in which representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia also take part, for South Ossetia?
Answer: As has been repeatedly stated, the International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus are currently the only international format for maintaining direct dialogue between South Ossetia and Abkhazia, on the one hand, and Georgia, on the other. Their key task is to ensure lasting security for South Ossetia and Abkhazia, precluding the possibility of a resumption of hostilities.
For South Ossetia, ensuring its own security is of paramount importance. This task acquires particular urgency in the light of Georgia's position, as it evades the signing of a legally binding document on the non-use of force against South Ossetia within the framework of the Discussions. Such reluctance to enshrine in writing the renunciation of the use of force undermines efforts to stabilise the region and increases the likelihood of new conflicts.
Georgia continues its contacts with NATO, and this, naturally, cannot but give rise to concern. Quite recently, in May, multinational special operations forces exercises involving NATO member states were once again held on Georgian territory. It is obvious that such activities in a region characterised by a high conflict potential, and in particular in the immediate vicinity of our borders, constitute an outright challenge to regional security and stability.
Unfortunately, on the Georgian side we have so far observed only steps that are often of a provocative nature, as was the case with the abduction in Tbilisi of the Ossetian student Goloev, and rhetoric divorced from the current reality. Suffice it to recall the statements of certain politicians, as well as of clergy, which are difficult to reconcile with Christian values.
Nevertheless, we reaffirm our interest in and readiness to participate in the International Discussions, which must take into account the real state of affairs and must not ignore the interests of the peoples living in the region. We advocate the equal and respectful participation of all interested parties in the negotiating process and strive to ensure that the International Discussions produce concrete, effective results. We are convinced that open and constructive dialogue is a key instrument for resolving existing challenges and preventing new threats.
Question: The other day, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas once again stated that, in the event of the start of negotiations with Russia on Ukraine, the bloc would, among other issues, also raise the question of the withdrawal of Russian troops, including from Georgia.
Answer: We consider such statements to be unacceptable interference in internal affairs, which may aggravate existing differences. Matters relating to security and the presence of Russian troops on the territory of South Ossetia are the prerogative of bilateral relations between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation.
The Russian Federation has been and remains an important factor of regional security, and Russian servicemen in South Ossetia are a reliable guarantor of its security. They are deployed on our territory on the basis of bilateral inter-State agreements and play a key role in maintaining peace.