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South Ossetia’s president reveals what name republic would take if integrated into Russia

Anatoly Bibilov said the republic would unite with North Ossetia

TASS, March 31. A single subject, if South Ossetia joined Russia and united with North Ossetia, it might be called Ossetia-Alania, South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov said on Thursday on Soloviev Live YouTube channel.

On Wednesday, the president said that the republic would take legal steps to become part of the Russian Federation in the near future.

"We already have Alania: there is North Ossetia - Alania, and there is South Ossetia - Alania State. There is already one Alania. Once we become part of the Russian Federation, there are also procedures that are related to the unification of the subjects. At present, South Ossetia can become a part of Russia as a Russian subject. I think that the unification of Ossetia is necessary," said Bibilov.

He reported that according to the results of the last census there are more than 54,000 people in the republic. He also was confident that once contemporary South Ossetia integrates into Russia, the population will increase.

The president also noted that becoming a part of Russia will greatly increase the republic’s security. "The new Constitution of the Russian Federation stipulates that the Russian Federation will not give its territories to anyone whatsoever. This amply strengthens the security of the population of the Republic of South Ossetia," Bibilov noted.

On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized the sovereignty of South Ossetia and Abkhazia after Georgia’s armed aggression against Tskhinval. Russian leaders stated repeatedly that the recognition of the two former Georgian autonomous regions reflects the current reality and is not subject to revision. However, Tbilisi refused to recognize the independence of the republics.

On March 15, the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia completed the registration of presidential candidates. On April 10, Bibilov will vie for the republic’s highest office against Deputy Chairman of Parliament Alexander Pliyev, Nykhaz political party leader Alan Gagloyev, lawmaker Garry Muldarov and former lawmaker Dmitry Tasoyev. Bibilov was elected president in April 2017. He served as Parliament Speaker from 2014 -2017.

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