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No work currently going on in Russia regarding admission of South Ossetia — Kremlin

Earlier, it was reported that the referendum in South Ossetia is scheduled for July 17

MOSCOW, May 17. /TASS/. South Ossetia’s referendum on joining Russia reflects the sentiments in the republic, but Moscow does not carry out any work on this issue right now, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

Commenting on South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov’s decision to hold a referendum on accession to Russia on July 17, Peskov said:

"As far as we understand, this indeed is a reflection of the common sentiment in the republic, a reflection of attitude of the people of the republic and the former head of the republic."

"But, at this point, no work is going on in Russia in this regard at this moment," the spokesman said.

When asked if the Kremlin considers such referendum appropriate in such situation, Peskov noted that "this is a question, first and foremost, for the people of the republic, for the current leadership of the republic, and one should rather orient oneself on their point of view."

About the referendum

On May 13, the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia appointed approved and handed over to President Bibilov a package of documents regarding the referendum on accession to Russia. Bibilov ordered to schedule the referendum for July 17.

On March 30, Bibilov announced that South Ossetia will take legal steps to join the Russian Federation. Speaking in an interview for TASS, President-Elect Alan Gagloyev said that such referendum must take place when Moscow will make it clear that the time is right.

According to Gagloyev, "the reconciliation of South Ossetia with Russia is a century-long dream of the Ossetian people." He admitted that he fully supports the idea of reconciliation of the divided Ossetian people within Russia. At the same time, he assured that his "actions related to the referendum will aim to comply with international legal norms, at holding consultations and fulfillment of agreements with the Russian Federation."

Gagloyev also said that Bibilov did not negotiate the referendum date with him as President-Elect, while knowing that he, Gagloyev, will have to carry out the entire complex of referendum measures, while also having to deal with staff changes.

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