TSKHINVAL, June 18. /ITAR-TASS/. South Ossetia has recognized the independence of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic, Eastern Ukraine, South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov, who had signed a relevant decree, told ITAR-TASS on Wednesday.

“I believe that it is a good and right decision, which was passed after numerous consultations. We considered each appeal from Luhansk very carefully. They keep coming from ordinary people who are asking us to recognize the Luhansk People’s Republic,” Tibilov stressed.

“We are supporting the people of the Luhansk People’s Republic and are going to help them as much as we can,” the South Ossetian president said, adding the republic would take all the necessary steps following the official recognition.

South Ossetia and the Luhansk People’s Republic are starting negotiations on establishment of diplomatic relations.