De facto President Bibilov: We’re working on recognition of many states
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, August 9
De facto President of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region Anatoly Bibilov says that “his country” is working on achieving official recognition by many countries in spite of Georgia’s attempts to block this process, TASS cited Bibilov.
“Georgia is tirelessly hampering the recognition of South Ossetia by other countries. If we point out a state that we are working with to achieve the recognition, Georgia is sure to send its representatives there, issue notes of protest and block this process in every way possible. However, South Ossetia’s recognition is an irreversible process, while we are in talks with countries all over the world,” he told the agency.
Bibilov stated that “Russian colleagues are also encouraging further acknowledgment of the republic.”
“We are closely cooperating with them and will soon see countries that recognize the Republic of South Ossetia,” he said.
The Russian agency writes in the background that on the night of August 8, 2008, Georgia launched a military attack on South Ossetia.
“Russia moved to defend civilians and Russian peacekeepers that had been deployed in the region since 1992. As a result of the five-day war, more than 1,000 people died, including 72 Russian servicemen,” TASS says.
On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized South Ossetia’s independence. Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Nauru followed suit. In May 2018, Syria joined these countries.
The rest of the international community is unanimous that the two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, are occupied by Russia.
412 were killed and 1,747 wounded on the Georgian side. Three journalists were killed and six injured.
130, 000 became Internally Displaced Persons – out of which 26,000 are still denied to return to their homes.
35,000 houses were burnt and destroyed.
125 more villages have been occupied since the August 2008 war.
