The seventh session of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on socio-economic cooperation between South Ossetia and Russia will be held in Tskhinval on April 18-19, 2013. This decision was taken following a visit to South Ossetia by a working group of representatives of Russian ministries and agencies, led by Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev.
Results of the two-day work have been discussed today at the joint meeting of the Government of South Ossetia and the Russian delegation, chaired by the President of the Republic Leonid Tibilov.
The head of state has noted that the South Ossetian side is ready for a regular session of the IGC.
"We have been working on a great number of questions that should be included in the agenda of the IGC. Minister of Economy of South Ossetia Zalina Khugati will leave for Moscow on a working visit, where once again will be discussed the questions of the upcoming meeting, "- said Tibilov.
The President has also proposed Rashid Nurgaliyev to take part in a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission.
Tibilov has briefed those present on the results of his visit to Leningor district of South Ossetia, where he and the Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council visited the facilities of social infrastructure, as well as the stationing of the Russian troops and border guards.
In turn, Rashid Nurgaliyev has noted that South Ossetia is a strategic partner of Russia, and further cooperation between the two countries will be strengthened.
"Financing and further effective work are our priorities. Another thing is that every penny must be significant, transparent and must reach its concrete destination. The only requirement is -the presence of the necessary documentation, "- said the Russian official.
He has added that the constant Russian assistance will be more focused in the future.
"We have been taking care of South Ossetia and are trying to work here effectively," - underlined Nurgaliyev.
Then the head of the Russian Agency for Health and Consumer Rights Gennady Onishchenko informed the meeting on the work done in the Republic.
He drew attention to a number of topical issues, including the problem of water supply.
"We have seen a positive trend since 2008 - the water intakes, water disinfecting construction, but, unfortunately, it still does not work. We are ready to assist in this matter, sending experts to complete the installation, "- said Onishchenko.
According to him, it is advisable to use more actively the springs that requires at least the simplest sewage treatment facilities.
"In these issues one should think for a long-term period, creating the legal framework for investment income. The relevant standard acts should be passed in the near future "- underlined Onishchenko.
He also focused on the problem of solid waste utilization, noting that there were not appropriate landfills in the Republic.
In addition, according to the chief sanitary doctor of Russia, biological safety is also one of the most important directions of the relevant services. Onishchenko said that immunoprophylaxis is a key element of biological security.
" We are also concerned about this issue, because in the territory of the neighboring state (Georgia - Ed.) the U.S. Defense Department built up two modern laboratories, employing the military microbiologists. We do not see that they have been working forhealth -care of Georgia, they are engaged in some other things that we do not understand, "- said Onishchenko.
He also pointed to the possibility of entering the South Ossetian goods into the Russian market. According to him, all countries of the world have been fighting for this and South Ossetia should make its contribution
"We are ready to help you and any attempt of South Ossetia to enter the Russian market would be welcomed," - concluded Onishchenko.
On the results of the joint work of customs services of South Ossetia and Russia told the first Deputy Head of the Chief Directorate of Customs Clearance and Customs Control of FCS of Russia Dmitry Zhukov.
According to him, together with the South Ossetian colleagues was discussed the establishment of a specialized customs agency, providing the methodical guidance, improvement of material and technical base of the South Ossetian State Customs Committee, as well as the use of inspection system.
Zhukov added that in the near future between South Ossetia and Russia would be signed a treaty on the order of appealing the decisions and actions (inaction) of customs officials of both countries.
He also said that the FCS had recently issued a registration card for vehicles - a document that simplifies the procedure and reduce the time when crossing the state border repeatedly.
"The people of South Ossetia are not fully aware of this, so we will try to bring this to everyone to enforce this rule here," - said Zhukov.
According to the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of South Ossetia Murat Tskhovrebov, a number of other proposals will be forwarded for consideration by the FCS of Russia.
At the meeting was also discussed the cooperation between representatives of the Justice Ministry of South Ossetia and Russia. Deputy Director of the Department of International Law and Cooperation of the Ministry of Justice of Russia Vladimir Chrysanfov said that in the course of the joint work had been examined three sets of issues, including the coordination of the working groups’ activities to improve the legislation of the RSO.
"We also discussed the improvement of legislation in terms of adopting, registration, publication and enforcing the regulations, the civil law and local self-government and legislation in the sphere of land relations, as well as the creation of an official site where will be published the legislative acts of South Ossetia ", - said Chrysanfov.
Besides, the Russian side will learn a few more questions and suggestions of the South Ossetian side and coordinate a number of interagency and intergovernmental agreements.
At the end of the meeting, Rashid Nurgaliev expressed the hope that at the forthcoming meeting of the IGC would be made the concrete decisions.
"The population of the Republic has also been waiting for this. I hope we will draw a good investment plan following which we will be working and creating on this beautiful land, "- he said.
Leonid Tibilov has also praised the work of the Russian and South Ossetian authorities.
