Today, a significant date is marked in South Ossetia – the 36th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic.
The foundation of our sovereign statehood was laid on 20 September 1990, when the Council of People's Deputies adopted the Declaration on State Sovereignty of the South Ossetian Soviet Democratic Republic. At that difficult historical moment, this decision was the only way to protect our people and guarantee them a safe future. This step was fully based on the legal norms of that time and the basic principles of international law.
The formation of the Republic took place under conditions of harsh political and military pressure from Georgia, where radical nationalist forces became more active in the late 1980s. Our people had to pass through years of severe trials and open confrontation.
The attainment of freedom and independence required colossal courage, resilience and self-sacrifice. The right to live on our native land was paid for with the lives and health of thousands of our compatriots, who displayed true heroism and selfless devotion to the Motherland.
At the most critical moments of history, the South Ossetian people demonstrated genuine wisdom, cohesion and high responsibility before their descendants. It was precisely popular unity that helped to withstand the years of war and to overcome the difficulties of peaceful construction.
Our own statehood opened broad horizons for the Republic of South Ossetia for comprehensive socio-political and economic progress, and also created reliable conditions for the preservation of national identity, the native language and rich culture.
On this festive day, we express boundless gratitude and respect to those great sons and daughters of Ossetia who stood at the origins of the creation of our Republic, formed its first state institutions and faithfully served the cause of strengthening the country.
September 20, 2026