The Russian Federation has constantly been providing comprehensive assistance to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of South Ossetia, said the head of EMERCOM of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov at a press conference in Tskhinval.
"Our cadets are studying at the EMERCOM institutes of higher education of Russia; our staff periodically undergoes refresher courses. Currently on the lake Baikal are our divers,"- said the minister, adding that all activities are funded by Russia.
He has also noted that Russia also provides the necessary technology and equipment.
The Minister has reported on the last Monday conference with Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov, who assured the South Ossetian colleagues that the assistance would be continued and expanded.
During the press conference, Anatoly Bibilov spoke about his agency's interaction with the International Civil Defence and the prospects of accession of South Ossetia to the organization.
"For us, membership in the International Civil Defence is of great political importance, and this question is raised constantly. But the Georgian lobby is trying every possible way to prevent this. At the meetings of the General Assembly our southern neighbors have given a hostile reception to our possible membership in this organization,"- said the Minister.
Responding to the question of the representatives of Georgia, whether they assisted South Ossetia as the independent state, or as part of Georgia, the UN Secretary General said that the aid was provided to the needy country.
"Unfortunately, it`s too early to hope that in the near future we can become members of the International Civil Defence. We`ll continue working in this direction, "- said Bibilov.
As for the situation in the Far East of Russia, affected by the flood, Bibilov said that his agency had offered assistance to the Russian colleagues.
"Our proposal to send rescuers with appropriate equipment to the affected regions of Russia was met with gratitude, but our participation is not required. In the Far East is deployed a powerful team of EMERCOM of Russia, which copes with its tasks,"- said the Minister.
He reminded that the staff of the EMERCOM of South Ossetia, on their own initiative had donated the three-day salary to the fund of the flood victims.
