Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia
August 8, 2012 in Tskhinval on the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia was held a round table "Iron Nykhas" within the frames of the commemorative events timed to the fourth anniversary of the August 2008 armed aggression by Georgia against South Ossetia, which caused the deaths of hundreds of people, including the Russian peacekeepers, stationed in South Ossetia in accordance with the international mandate. The round table was attended by representatives of the Ossetian diaspora from the far and the near abroad.
The round table participants strongly condemned the actions of the Georgian leadership, which led to numerous casualties, destruction and catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region. On the day of the fourth anniversary of the tragic events of August 2008, they called on all states in the world and international organizations also to condemn the armed aggression of Georgia against South Ossetian people and help to bring the perpetrators to trial. The struggle against any kind of violence should be global, comprehensive and consistent, but not selective and discriminatory. It should avoid applying double standards.
Recent development in the international relations suggests that multilateral approaches, which have the widest international support - is the most effective way of finding answers to the challenges of the modern world.
The round table participants expressed grave concern over the events in Syria, and, above all, over the plight of the Ossetians living in Syria who had found themselves the hostages of the tragic events; they have called for political bloodless resolution of the conflict.
The participants expressed their profound gratitude to the Russian Federation and to other countries for recognition of the independence of South Ossetia. The Russian Federation, having carried out an operation to force Georgia to peace, has saved the people of South Ossetia from total annihilation, and August 26, 2008 it recognized the independence of South Ossetia.
The meeting participants have acknowledged that the people of South Ossetia achieved their century-long dream - the recognition of the state independence - at the cost of two decades of hard struggle, great losses and incredible ordeals. And now they have a chance to build a full-fledged, independent state, have the credibility of the Russian Federation and the countries which recognized the independence of South Ossetia. Republic of South Ossetia is determined to follow the path of building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous state.
The meeting participants confirmed that the state policy should be based on respect for the independence and sovereignty and the principles of noninterference in the internal affairs of another state, promoting and protecting human rights as a necessary condition for socio - economic development of nations.
Tskhinval, August 8, 2012
