MOSCOW, August 23 (Itar-Tass) - South Ossetia and Russia maintain close relations, which will develop in all fields, South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov said.
Speaking at a news conference at the Itar-Tass news agency on Friday, Tibilov said: “We’re proud of such relations, which develop in all fields.”
Both countries signed about 70 agreements and “we’ll mark the 5th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance”, Tibilov said.
“The policy, which was worked out by South Ossetia and Russia, will be pursued. Russia recognised South Ossetia forever,” he said.
The president said South Ossetia would never be part of Georgia. “I’ve no illusions about Tbilisi’s policy,” he said, adding that whoever had come to power in Georgia the policy would remain unchanged.
Tibilov said no relations could be maintained between South Ossetia and Georgia if Georgia does not recognised the genocide of the South Ossetian people. “Georgia should recognise the genocide. Without its recognition no relations can be between the two states.”
Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia on August 26, 2008 after Russia’s operation to coerce Georgia to peace.
“Practically all genetic resources were exterminated,” Tibilov said, adding that in the last 20 years Georgia had unleashed war against South Ossetia three times.
Commenting on the return of refugees, the South Ossetian president said conditions should be created for this purpose. “Today none in Georgia waits for those who has left the native land will return,” he added.