On July 14, 2012 in the capital of South Ossetia are under way the memorable events dedicated to the Peacekeeper’s Day. 20 years ago sharp on the bases of Agreement of main principles of Georgian-Ossetian conflict settlement signed by Heads of Russia, Georgia, North and South Ossetia on June 24, 1992 in the town of Sochi, in georgian-ossetian conflict zone entered tripotide peacekeeping forces. They become a buffer between conflicting sides.
By that moment thousands of peaceful people became victims of three-year aggression of Georgia against South Ossetia, 117 ossetian villages was destroyed and burnt down, more than 100 thousand ossetians were ousted from their houses. Tskhinval was sieged and defenders of the town every day repulse attacks of Georgian troops. Under such difficult conditions peacekeepers managed to do a lot of work. Thanks to their activity hostilities were at lust stopped.
Peacekeeping operation in South Ossetia was unique by its success and minimum of losses. However, by 2008 Georia became most militarised state in SIS by increasing its military budget in 15 times.
On 8 of August 2008 it was Russian peacekeepers who took first lumps of Georgian troops invaded to South Ossetia in violation of all norms of international law ans responsibilities taken by Georgia including Sochi agreements of 1992. Saving its peacekeepers and population of South Ossetia, Russian Federation was forced to conduct operation on forcing Georgia to peace.
The matter of peacekeepers was continued by Russian militaries and borderguards. In accordance with the Agreement of friendship, cooperation and mutual help of September 17, 2008, in South Ossetia was formed fourth Russian military base and Border administration of RF FSB in RSO.
Today in the Republic will recollect the names of Russian soldiers and officers by wreath-laying to the burnt and ruined building of Russian peacekeepers batallion, peacekeepers that fulfilled their mission up to the end in hard August days of 2008. Besides that will take place a commemorational divine service in the Temple of N.V.M. and opening of RSO artist’s exhibition.
Tskhinval, Jyli 14, 2012