“South Ossetia” intends to integrate with Russia

Due to the crisis in Abkhazia, integrating with Russia has become an important topic for the de-facto independent state. Simultaneously, the same types of sentiments have emerged in another self-proclaimed state of South Ossetia. The so-called president of the region, Leonid Tibilov, stated several days ago that South Ossetia is preparing for integration with the Russian Federation. Both of these events “surprisingly” coincide with Georgia’s signing of the association agreement document with the EU, as well as active discussions for the upcoming NATO summit.

Both of the breakaway regions have together started speculations over integration. If Russia wishes, practical steps will presumably be taken. Tibilov explains the fact of integration as the unification of two Ossetias - South and North, under Russia’s umbrella. Therefore, slowly the territory is preparing its ideology and background for further steps to integrate with its northern neighbor.

As it is known, the so-called Parliamentary elections are scheduled on June 8 in South Ossetia. Presumably, the winner will ask the Federation to annex the territory.

Most Georgian analysts believe that Russia will not positively respond to the request.

Recently, Moscow does not wish for additional problems from the international arena. Nevertheless, the fact that the occupied regions are requesting integration from their side will be fixed for more “accurate times” by Russia. It will be as a kind of lever from the Russian side to use when benefits the Federation’s plans. “What can Georgia do in this situation?” is a crucial question. Of course, Georgia is unable to handle the problem alone.

Georgia has no resources to militarily resist Russia. Peaceful negotiations have not yielded any visible outcomes. The only hope is Western protection. However, it seems to be an illusion as well. The current government of Georgia keeps repeating that it wants both: normal relations with Russia and Western connections.

How will this work is difficult to answer.