Russia guarantees independence of South Ossetia: Matviyenko

Russia guarantees security and independence of South Ossetia, as these are the key preconditions to the republic’s development as a democratic and successful state, Chairperson of the Council of Federation Valentina Matviyenko said during her meeting with Speaker of South Ossetia Parliament Anatoly Bibilov, on December 22.

“Russia understands its responsibility and guarantees the security and independence of South Ossetia,” Matviyenko said.

“We know how important Russia’s support is to the republic. We are determined to further exert financial, social-economic and other efforts to achieve what is the most important – real improvement of the living standards of the population,” Matviyenko said.

In her words, Russia’s cooperation with South Ossetia is dynamically developing and attaining a new quality with every year.

On December 25, the Council of Federation will be discussing a treaty of mutual legal support in criminal cases with South Ossetia. Matviyenko said the document will be ratified without doubt.

She said Russia and South Ossetia understand and support each other in both “strategic and tactical issues.”

Anatoly Bibilov, in turn, said the sides have done much since March 18 when the two presidents signed the Treaty of Alliance and Integration between South Ossetia and Russia. He said Russia is the only security guarantor for the Republic of South Ossetia.