The ways of development and strengthening the statehood of South Ossetia have been discussed in Tskhinval during a working meeting of the expert group of the Media Center "Ir." The meeting was held in preparation for the conference "Development of the South Ossetian statehood." The meeting was attended by experts of the Media Center, representatives of social movements, parliamentarians and journalists.
Opening the meeting, the director of Media Center "Ir" Irina Gagloeva has noted that Russia's recognition of South Ossetia has strengthened the statehood of the Republic, but now it's time to start developing the most important areas of social life.
"It`s necessary to defend the national interests to strengthen the statehood of the Republic," - said Gagloeva.
The expert of the Media Center "Ir" Sarmat Gabaraev has noted that for 20 years of the sovereignty of the Republic there has not yet been worked out a well-defined ideology of nation-building.
"There are two positions in our society - one is for joining Russia and the second - for the independence of South Ossetia - he said. - The President of South Ossetia and the leaders of some political parties have repeatedly voiced on behalf of the people only one position - the desire to enter into the Russian Federation. There is no consensus in the South Ossetian society on this issue and, accordingly, if there is no unity in the community, then it is useless to talk about the effectiveness of civic stand. "
According to the head of the NGO "Iry Sombon" Vyacheslav Khoziev, for strengthening the statehood we need reforms that will promote the development of the Republic.
"Supporters of entering South Ossetia into the Russian Federation are guided by two arguments - the state security and the economic component - explained his idea Khoziev. - It is believed that after the recognition of South Ossetia our Republic remains a weak country and we should overcome this difficult situation. "
In turn, the Vice -Speaker of the Parliament Yuri Dzitstsoity has noted that in case of entry into the Russian Federation South Ossetia will lose its statehood.
"Today the whole world is against the sovereignty of our Republic and Russia, having assumed responsibility to include South Ossetia in its structure, becomes the invader in the given territory, - he considers. - It is necessary for us to preserve our independence and to start developing and strengthening the statehood of the Republic. "
According to Dzitstsoity, special emphasis should be laid on developing the economy, first of all, on agriculture.
"Most of the territory of South Ossetia is mountainous, that is favorable for cattle breeding, -said the Deputy Speaker. - Mountain ranching is the most profitable of all branches of agriculture. "
The experts agreed that a broad participation of the public is necessary in addressing these and other pressing issues.
