The reaction of the foreign policy establishment of Georgia, the European Union, a number of European countries, as well as Azerbaijan and Japan, concerning the recent presidential elections in the Republic of South Ossetia, has regrettably long since become a matter of routine. We regard such statements as a manifestation of political bias and a reluctance to reckon with the reality that exists in the South Caucasus.
We would like to recall that the presidential elections in South Ossetia are an exclusively internal affair of our state. They were held in full conformity with the Constitution and the national legislation of the Republic, amid high civic engagement and with the participation of international observers, who confirmed their legitimacy and transparency.
Attempts by external players to call into question the will of the people of South Ossetia appear not only as interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, but also as an attempt to ignore the fundamental right of a people to self-determination.
The position of those countries which, while declaring their commitment to democratic values, in practice refuse to recognise the democratic processes taking place in South Ossetia, merely because they do not fit their geopolitical templates, is incomprehensible.
As for the statements by the Georgian side, they merely confirm Tbilisi's unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Such rhetoric does not bring peace any closer; it only perpetuates tension in the region.
South Ossetia has established itself as an independent state, and no statements from outside are capable of changing this fact. Whether other countries recognise us or not is a question of time and political circumstance. What matters most for our state is the trust of the people, which was confirmed in the course of the recent vote.
Particularly perplexing are the theses about "attempts by Russia to strengthen control" over South Ossetia through integration processes. Such rhetoric is an attempt to distort the essence of allied relations with the Russian Federation, which are dictated by the aspiration for security, stability and economic development. This partnership, based on mutual respect and common interests, has a solid legal foundation.
We call on the international community to move away from the policy of double standards and to respect the choice of the people of South Ossetia. The path that South Ossetia has chosen is irreversible. We will continue to strengthen our statehood and develop our strategic partnership with the Russian Federation, notwithstanding any attempts at external pressure.
September 25, 2026