August 26, 2008 will forever remain a fateful date in the history of the South Ossetian and Abkhazian peoples, South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev said at the inauguration ceremony of the Abkhazian President Badra Gunba.
Gagloev has emphasized that on this day, the leadership of the Russian Federation made a historic decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
“This step was the act of justice, recognition of our right to freedom and protection from new attempts of aggression,” Gagloev said.
The South Ossetian President has emphasized that Russia’s decision, made despite Western pressure, secured the right of the peoples to determine their own future.
“Time has confirmed the correctness of this decision,” the President has noted. - Despite external opposition, we are confidently moving along the path of development, strengthening our statehood, economy and security system."
Gagloev has emphasized that in view of the difficult geopolitical situation, the republics will have to further strengthen cooperation, jointly promoting their interests in the international arena, resisting any attempts to revise the results of August 2008, and convey to the world community the objective information about the right of peoples to freedom and independence.
"On all these issues, South Ossetia and Abkhazia always feel the support of the Russian Federation - our strategic ally and reliable guarantor of security," the President has noted. - We highly appreciate Russia's efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region, as well as the large-scale assistance provided for socio-economic development of our republics."
