The statement by the South Ossetian President's Commissioner for Human Rights David Sanakoyev at European Russian Forum in Brussels.
Today, the Russian Federation and the EU are entering a new stage of their relations, when they reach a new level of constructive dialogue, including that on security. This is particularly felt when it comes to direct threats. Despite the fact that security parameters are spelled out in international instruments, the practice shows that some countries can easily violate their obligations. If the approaches to the responsibilities of the parties are not reviewed, security threats will remain.
For example, the speech by the President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili in European Parliament was welcomed in Europe. In particular, many Europeans saw in the new policy of Tbilisi the intention to refrain from military solution to the South Ossetian issue and the intention to continue efforts aimed at democratization of Georgia.
Nonetheless, residents of South Ossetia, remember how on the night of 8th August 2008, Saakashvili had promised not to attack the Republic, and then a night under the hits of multiple rocket launchers "Grad" followed.
Moreover, today the Georgian army is being actively re-equipped. To date, Georgia has completely restored its military capacities to the level prior to the attack at South Ossetia and continues to increase rapidly. New military bases are under construction on the territory of the Republic, roads intended for heavy equipment are being built and other measures to prepare Georgian troops for action are conducted.
Another evidence of the militarization of the country was the adopted in 2010 "Law on reserve military service." The new version of the law significantly increases the mobilization resources of the Georgian army. If previously the reservist service provided for compulsory 18 day- training course once a year for men aged 27 to 40 years, now total annual period of engagement of reservists increased to 45 days.
In addition, the reservist age was increased. People aged up to 40 are entitled to obligatory recruitment into the military reserve forces.
Under the law, the maximum reservist age of private soldiers is 50. It is up to 55 for the ranked servicemen. For vious categories of of the official staff, the reservist term is up to the age of 65.
It might not be a direct threat to the Republic of South Ossetia, but due to the fact that Georgia refuses to provide guarantees of non-use of force against Abkhazia and South Ossetia, we perceive this as a threat to our security.
Of course, each state must protect its citizens, care about their welfare, but it should not come at the expense of others. In practice, the decisions taken unilaterally do not solve the problem in general, and in some cases make it more complicated.
In this context, there is a need to develop a mechanism to guarantee compliance with the commitments to make them legally binding and foresee the responsibility for failed implementation.
In addition, there are more threats to global security in the economic, social, political, environmental spheres, and this is easy to see if you follow the media around the world and hear about breakdowns in these areas.
To achieve a balanced outcome, it is necessary to search ofr for solutions together. And at the same time, to use the tools provided by international law, although the mechanisms provided for in international instruments are not launched when needed. This can be seen in the case of NATO attacks on Yugoslavia, the war in Iraq, the recognition of Kosovo, a Georgian attack against South Ossetia, the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
For the citizens of South Ossetia, the issue of the visa regime between Russia and the EU is also important because most citizens of South Ossetia are the same and the citizens of the Russian Federation.
South Ossetia is often visited by representatives of international institutions, they meet with government officials, nongovernmental organizations, communicate with citizens. Despite this, when it comes to reports, news articles in the media, the vision is often distorted. Therefore, for the citizens of South Ossetia in addition to all other reasons, it is important to have the opportunity to visit EU countries to bring the positions of South Ossetia on this or that issue to the international community. It is very difficult and sometimes impossible to get visas for South Ossetian citizens, who are also citizens of Russia, and then a question arises whether or not movement is blocked to impose economic and political pressure. However, this kind of approahc has a negative impact on vulnerable citizens most.
For example, the children who lost their in the attack by Georgia against South Ossetia in August 2008 could not benefit the invitation to visit Belgium, since the consulate told them that they should have contacted the Embassy of Belgium in Georgia, although they were citizens of the Russian Federation. They were told by the Consular Section of the Embassy of Belgium in Moscow that they were born in South Ossetia and should contact the Consulate of Belgium in Georgia. This approach is disappointing.
