On the key tasks of South Ossetia's foreign policy
Expanding the circle of countries that recognise the independence of South Ossetia is one of the key tasks of the Republic's foreign policy strategy.
The foreign ministry of South Ossetia will also continue its work to activate full-format cooperation with the countries with which diplomatic relations have already been established, and it sets itself the goals of expanding the circle of recognition of the Republic's independence and developing mutually beneficial contacts on friendly international platforms.
The main vector of our Republic's foreign policy course will remain unchanged. This concerns the strengthening of our Republic's statehood, as well as the improvement of strategic partnership and the deepening of integration processes with the Russian Federation, which is the only reliable guarantor of the security and stability of our Republic and of the region as a whole.
Within the framework of foreign policy discourse, the Republic's key priorities remain the tasks connected with contributing to the formation and provision of the external conditions for South Ossetia's development, its security and the upholding of national interests on the international stage.
The promotion of peaceful dialogue within the existing international formats, the conduct of systematic work to convey objective information about the Republic to the world community — including the promotion of international recognition of the genocide of the Ossetian people — and the search for new opportunities for the Republic's integration into contemporary international processes undoubtedly remain important aspects of our work.
On international observers at the elections
More than 60 international observers from 15 countries were present at the presidential elections in South Ossetia. The very fact of their arrival shows that South Ossetia is of interest to them, and this was noted during the conversations. We are ready to cooperate with all those who share the right of peoples to decide their own destiny and respect the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28196331
On the prospects for bilateral negotiations with Georgia
As for the prospect of launching equal bilateral negotiations between South Ossetia and Georgia in the near future, at present we see no preconditions for this on the Georgian side. On the contrary, we regularly hear from Tbilisi rhetoric consonant with the slogans of the Gamsakhurdia–Saakashvili era. Georgia, regrettably, is not yet ready to talk to us as equals.
For as long as regular meetings continue, optimism remains regarding the achievement of a compromise, which requires firm political will and readiness for constructive dialogue from all participants.
https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28192193
On what is hindering the resolution of the conflict in Transcaucasia
The main obstacle on the path to a settlement remains Georgia's non-recognition of the established geopolitical realities and Tbilisi's unwillingness to put in writing its renunciation of the use of military force against South Ossetia.
The signing of a legally binding document on the non-use of force by Georgia against South Ossetia and Abkhazia remains the chief priority for the republics.
https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28196275
On the International Discussions on Security in Transcaucasia
The International Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia remain today the only platform that provides direct dialogue between the representatives of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Georgia.
In the conditions of a complex geopolitical situation, this format retains its relevance, fulfilling an important role in maintaining stability in the region. Its practical effectiveness is confirmed by the regular work of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, which makes it possible to promptly address acute humanitarian issues and ensure security in the border area.
https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/28196379
On interaction between the Republic of South Ossetia, Russia and the Republic of Abkhazia
On 1 October, talks were held in Moscow with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Oleg Bartsits. The meetings discussed key issues on the bilateral and trilateral agenda aimed at strengthening alliance, regional stability and security.
During the talks, a common position was confirmed on the need for a legal document on the non-use of force by Georgia, as well as the importance of launching the process of the international legal formalisation of state borders. Along with geopolitical challenges, we examined in detail trade, economic and investment cooperation, noting the steady growth of mutual trade turnover and the successful progress of major infrastructure projects.
At the meetings, held both in bilateral formats and within the framework of the "troika," priority attention was given to the practical implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders of the countries during contacts at the highest level. A key element of the discussion on regional security was the coordination of approaches within the International Discussions on Security and Stability in Transcaucasia.
The main areas of further diplomatic cooperation will be close foreign policy coordination to strengthen the positions of our republics on the international stage, the synchronisation of efforts to ensure stability in the region, the systematic expansion of the inter-State treaty and legal framework, and the active development of humanitarian ties through direct contacts in the spheres of culture, science and sport.