Georgia, South Ossetia. The separatist region’s authorities announce a referendum on Russia’s accession

“In accordance with Article 50 (16) of the Constitution of South Ossetia, I have decided to declare a referendum in South Ossetia on union with the Russian Federation,” Bibilov wrote in a statement on the Telegram channel. On Friday, he signed a decree in this regard.

In another intervention, the leader of the separatists in Tskhinvali, apparently anticipating the outcome of the referendum, reported: “Today, the Central Election Commission unanimously supported the initiative to annex South Ossetia to Russia. The documents have been sent to the court. We are waiting for the court’s decision and our big dream will come true soon!”

“Russia and South Ossetia are bound by a common history. It is not just a partnership or friendship. It is a relationship based on trust between two brothers, where the older brother always understands and supports him with words and deeds, and the younger one will respect the elder and help him “- he added.

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As reported by Reuters, Moscow recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia, as independent states after the 2008 war with Georgia. It provided them with extensive financial support, offered Russian citizenship to the local population, and deployed four thousand soldiers there.

Only Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru followed Russia. The rest of the world recognizes both breakaway republics as part of Georgia.

Georgia itself asserts that South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which stood against it in the 1990s, were territories occupied by Russia.

On May 8, the second round of presidential elections took place in South Ossetia. Bibilov lost to the opposition candidate Alan Gaglov, who declared his readiness for closer cooperation with Russia.

Gagogyo will be “installed” after May 21. “As soon as the time comes, South Ossetia will be ready to hold a referendum on joining the Russian Federation,” he said earlier.