Celebrations in so-called South Ossetia
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, May 30
The Tskhinvali region occupied by Russia marked the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Act proclaiming the Independence of the Republic of South Ossetia. The local de-facto government declared May 29 as an official holiday. Other public holidays introduced by de-facto government include the Republic Day, which is celebrated on September 20, and the Day of recognition of the 'independence' of South Ossetia, which falls on August 26.
According to agency 'Res,' 'Adopting the Act of Independence' is celebrated in separatist regime by opening the bust of the first head of the Republic - Torez Kulumbegov, with a solemn gathering, concert and exhibition: 'Happy Faces of Tskhinvali' and 'Made in Ossetia” that is to demonstrate the achievements of the national economy. The rally was opened by the deputy of several convocations of Parliament Tarzan Kokoiti.
“Cycling is not a race”- the first mass walk, inspired by the leader of the Alpine Ski Federation started in so-called South Ossetia. The gambling youth forgot about the warning: vain attempts to arrange a chase in a packed crowd led to disappointment and falls. President Anatoly Bibilov headed the column of cyclists.
In January 1992, a referendum was held in Tskhinvali region on the issue of independence and the accession of the republic to Russia. Two questions were put to the vote: "Do you agree for the Republic of South Ossetia to become independent?" and "Do you agree with the decision of the Supreme Council of the Republic of South Ossetia of September 1, 1991, on reunification with Russia?" As a result, the independence of the republic with the prospect of unification with the Russian Federation was supported.
Supreme Council of South Ossetia adopted the Independence Act on May 29, 1992. After the Russian-Georgian war of August 2008 apart from Russia, the independence of Georgia's region was recognized by Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Nauru. Vanuatu and Tuvalu later abolished their decision. In the wake of the 2008 war, Georgia and the international community consider the Tskhinvali region to be occupied by the Russian military.
In late October 2008, acting President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili signed into law legislation on the occupied territories passed by the Georgian Parliament. According to the document, the Russian Federation – the state which has carried out military occupation – is fully responsible for the violation of human rights in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russian Federation, as it is stated in the law, is also responsible for a compensation of material and moral damage inflicted on Georgian citizens, stateless persons and foreign citizens, who are in Georgia and enter the occupied territories with appropriate permits. The law also says that Georgia regards de facto state agencies and officials operating in the occupied territories as illegal. The law will remain in force until "the full restoration of Georgian jurisdiction" over the breakaway regions is realized.
