ROME, April 1. /TASS/. South Ossetia plans to open its mission in the Italian capital city of Rome on Saturday and the Italian foreign ministry said on Friday Italy does not recognize South Ossetia’s independence and sovereignty.

Mauro Murgia, South Ossetia’s official representative in Italy and San Marino, told TASS on Friday, the republic’s mission will be housed in a private apartment allocated by its owner as an act of good will.

"It is planned to organize a video link with South Ossetia’s foreign ministry during the opening ceremony. Among the guests there will be diplomats from Russia, Venezuela and Nicaragua, i.e. the countries which have recognized South Ossetia’s independence," he said.

According to Murgia, South Ossetia wants to use the experience of the Palestinian Autonomy which has its mission in different countries. The mission in Italy will "conduct political work and promote cultural contacts," he said.

"Italy’s official authorities have learnt about the plans to open a South Ossetian mission. In this connection, the Italian foreign ministry once again reiterates that Italy, like the rest of the European Union and the majority of the United Nations member countries, does not recognize South Ossetia’s independence and sovereignty. Italy reiterates its support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and negotiating efforts within the Geneva Discussions geared at consolidation of Georgia’s dialogue with the separatist regions," the Italian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry noted that neither the mission nor its head will enjoy diplomatic status.