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MOSCOW, April 5 To launch the procedure for preparing for a referendum on joining Russia, the authorities of South Ossetia should apply to the Supreme Court, the head of the republic, Anatoly Bibilov, said in an interview with RIA Novosti. He explained that there are «certain legal steps» that need to be taken. After the Supreme Court gives its answer, preparations will begin and the authorities will set a date for the referendum.
"These steps are being worked out and actually worked out, there are requirements of the constitution, there are requirements of laws that cannot be ignored. Therefore, the solution of these legal issues, of course, absolutely must be connected with international law. Of course, we will take these steps in the near future and will already give such a clear understanding of the unambiguousness and seriousness of the intentions of the Republic of South Ossetia to become part of the Russian Federation", Bibilov said.
He stressed that «today there is a window of opportunity», the republic has no right to miss the opportunity to realize the centenary desire of the people of South Ossetia to become part of Russia. >06:34Bibilov called the division of Ossetia a «political misunderstanding» At the same time, Bibilov noted that two referendums could be held in the republic.
"We must understand that direct entry into Russia and direct unification of the Ossetians right away — this will not happen, because the legislation does not allow. When South Ossetia is already part of Russia, then the processes of unification of Ossetia should already be underway and then there should already be two referendums", he explained.
At the end of March, Bibilov announced that South Ossetia would take legal steps in the near future to join Russia. A referendum on this issue may take place after the presidential elections in the republic, which are scheduled for April 10. In the future, he did not rule out the unification of South Ossetia with the Russian region of North Ossetia under the single name Ossetia-Alania. 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 >>