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Putin hopes situation in South Ossetia stabilizes

Putin said he did not rule out that financial aid to South Ossetia would be increased

SOCHI, May 12 (Itar-Tass) — Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that the situation in South Ossetia will stabilize.

The Russian president pledges support for the republic.

In his meeting with South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov on Saturday, Putin said, “We know what your election preceded. I hope very much that the situation will improve. The republic faces many economic and social problems. Russia will back South Ossetia amidst its accelerated restoration.”

“We have an opportunity to discuss all issues today,” Putin added.

For his part, Tibilov said over 90 percent of Russian citizens living in South Ossetia had voted for Putin. “This proves that the South Ossetian people respect you and links the future promotion and development of the republic with your name,” the South Ossetian president stressed.

Tibilov also thanked the Russian president for the May 7 decree, which says, “The Republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia should develop as other recognized states and ensure their security”. “We are grateful to you for such attitude. We know your efforts aimed at recognizing South Ossetia and developing our statehood,” Tibilov noted.

“We will be committed to the principle that our people chose – forever with Russia,” the South Ossetian president pointed out.

Putin said he did not rule out that financial aid to South Ossetia would be increased. “In the past 2.5 years Russia has provided nine billion roubles to the restoration of South Ossetia. Another 8.5 billion roubles are expected to be allocated in 2011-2013. But there are more problems than we stated earlier,” Putin said.

The Russian president said the leaders had agreed “to analyse the situation deeply. This is related to different fields – security, strengthening of law enforcement components of South Ossetia, developing the social and economic sectors, agriculture, processing, education, healthcare, stepping up wages and pension insurance”.

According to Putin, the sides also intend “to perform mechanisms to make decision-making more effective”. “The key goal is to improve living standards of people in South Ossetia, return and settle refugees, who have been living in South Ossetia for more 10 years in unaccommodated houses,” Putin said, adding, “This is a very pressing problem, which should be solved gradually as far as necessary funding is provided. We agreed to create a mechanism of mutual consultations.”

Tibilov said, “South Ossetia’s restoration should go more actively to allow the people to feel Russia’s support.” “We are grateful to Great Russia for huge assistance. Our deeds will prove that the South Ossetian people can value friendship and pursue the policy like as our ancestors – forever with Russia,” the South Ossetian president stressed.