More than 140 people are considered missing in South Ossetia. The work to clarify their fate is and will continue at platforms accessible to the Republic, - noted President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov at the opening of the monument in Tskhinval.
A memorial with a drinking fountain was opened on Sunday in Tskhinval on the International Day of the Missing. Representatives of the Republic's leadership and families of the missing took part in the commemorative event organized by the representative office of the Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in South Ossetia in the park in front of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“It is very hard to lose loved ones, and even more so when you cannot say goodbye to them, and you don’t know where your loved one is. Today in South Ossetia more than 140 people are listed missing, about whom nothing is known - whether they are alive or dead. In this direction, the work is underway with the Red Cross representation, as well as within the framework of the IPRM and the Geneva Discussions. But, unfortunately, there are no results yet. The memorial that we opened today is a symbol of hope and unforgettable experience for us, " the head of state said.
Anatoly Bibilov noted that "the memorial installed in front of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary will remind that the missingы are not forgotten."
The head of the public organization of families of missing persons, Lidia Kudzieva, has noted that commemorative events are held annually on the International Day of the Missing Persons in the Republic.
“Today we have gathered to remember the names of the missing. It's hard for me to say, because for many years our citizens have also been listed missing. The memorial that we have erected today is a symbol of memory and hope for us. Thanks to the Red Cross office for their assistance.
Presidential Plenipotentiary for Post-Conflict Settlement Murat Dzhioev has stressed that every year on August 30, relatives of the missing gather in South Ossetia, they say that they are still hoping and waiting for them.
“God grant that soon your hopes will come true and you will be able to find your loved ones. I feel responsible for the fact that for so many years we have not achieved the desired result. At the international venues, I always voice your questions, always appeal to humanity and sympathy, but so far we have nothing to be proud of,” he said.
According to the head of the ICRC protection department, Roman Vulfovich, every family that has lost their relatives has the right to know about the fate of their loved ones.
“It is very important that everyone who can contribute to this issue, make their efforts to it. The role of the International Committee of the Red Cross is to identify the fate of the missing persons, facilitate confidential exchange between participants in this process, support and accompany families, as well as provide financial assistance ... We, in turn, continue to support the initiatives of the families of the missing”, - he said.
In South Ossetia, the International Day of the Missing Persons is marked annually on August 30. Since the early 1990s, 130 people are listed missing in South Ossetia, after the August 2008 war - seven.
