Parliament of South Ossetia: We are Considering Joining Russia

Russian news agency reported today, Sunday, that the Chairman of the Parliament of South Ossetia, Alan Alborov, stated that "the region, which has separated from Georgia and considers itself an independent state, is discussing with Russian officials the possibility of joining Russia." Russia recognizes South Ossetia and the separatist region of Abkhazia as independent states since 2008, after Russian forces repelled a Georgian attempt to regain South Ossetia in a five-day war in 2008. Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria have also recognized the two regions as independent states. However, the West has accused Russia of annexing Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which account for one-fifth of Georgia’s territory, and Tbilisi wants to restore the regions. Alborov, in response to a question about holding a referendum on the constitution, said: "We are discussing all these issues in close coordination with Russia, taking into account the bilateral relations and existing treaties between us." He added: "Once an agreement is reached with the Russian Federation regarding (joining), it will be implemented." The Russian news agency also mentioned that the Russian-backed leader of South Ossetia, Alan Dzhagov, expressed hope last year for the region's official accession to Russia. South Ossetia separated from Georgian rule following a war that took place between 1991 and 1992, resulting in thousands of deaths, and it maintains close relations with the neighboring Russian region of North Ossetia.