MOSCOW, Apr 5 The entry of South Ossetia into Russia is now real, said in In an interview with RIA Novosti, the head of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov. Earlier, he said that Tskhinvali would soon take legal steps to become part of Russia. According to him, consultations are now underway with Moscow, the referendum may take place after April 10
"Today this window of opportunity exists, today we once again emphasize that the century-old, in fact, the century-old desire of the people of South Ossetia to become part of the Russian Federation is real . We simply have no right to miss this opportunity", Bibilov said.
At the same time, the head of South Ossetia urged not to link the holding of the referendum with the end of the Russian special operation in Ukraine. Earlier, Bibilov told RIA Novosti that two referendums could be held in South Ossetia: the first on joining Russia, after which a referendum on reunification with North Ossetia could take place. On August 26, 2008, Moscow recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russian leaders have repeatedly stated that the recognition of the independence of the two former Georgian autonomies reflects realities and is not subject to revision. Georgia still does not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and considers them to be its regions.Read the full text of the interview >>