Today in the capital of South Ossetia has been held the grand meeting of the public, dedicated to the fifth anniversary of Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia. The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Republic, led by President Leonid Tibilov, official delegations from Russia, Ukraine, Abkhazia, Ingushetia, Chechnya, Nagorno-Karabakh, Kabardino-Balkaria and other republics.
In the festivities are also taking part President of Transnistria Yevgeny Shevchuk, the head of North Ossetia Taimuraz Mamsurov, former presidents of South Ossetia Ludwig Chibirov and Eduard Kokoity.
Leonid Tibilov congratulated those present on the anniversary date. The Head of State has noted that the five-year recognition of independence of South Ossetia is a good reason to recall the milestones in the history of its statehood.
"We know that in their yearning for freedom our people have overcome a long and thorny way, full of dramatic and bloody struggle for the restoration of the once lost statehood, for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination", - said the president.
He has noted that the course of history confirmed the right choice of the ancestors of the Ossetians that Russia is a strategic partner of South Ossetia and will remain it forever.
" I`d like to express the general opinion of my fellow citizens, that the Ossetians, including the southern, do not imagine their future apart from Russia. The once proclaimed slogan "Russia and Ossetia - forever together!" has always been urgent," - said Tibilov.
He has also expressed confidence that the international recognition to the Republic of South Ossetia will certainly take place, "the day will come when on the lawn in front of the United Nations will fly the national flag of the Republic of South Ossetia!"
"We fully understand the significance of August 26, 2008 for South Ossetia. It will pass years, decades and centuries. But this date will always be marked as the most important holiday in the calendar of the Ossetian people ", - emphasized Tibilov.
President of the Republic of Transnistria Yevgeny Shevchuk has also congratulated the people of South Ossetia.
"Russia's recognition of South Ossetia is a key factor in strengthening the sovereignty of the Republic, justice and peace. I am sure that being united, along with Russia, people of South Ossetia will overcome all the difficulties, "- he said.
Shevchuk has assured that the people of Transdniestria will always be together with South Ossetia and will develop good neighborly relations with it.
On behalf of the leadership and the people of North Ossetia, South Ossetian people were congratulated by the head of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania Taymuraz Mamsurov, who wished the Republic success on the difficult path of strengthening its statehood.
"South Ossetia has been recognized by five states - members of the United Nations and it is five votes in our favor," - he said.
The participants of the grand meeting were also addressed by the heads of delegations arrived in the Republic, were also read out the congratulatory letters of the heads of states.
