Welcome to the website for the Republic of South Ossetia. We are a small nation located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Our history is marked by our struggle to maintain our distinct identity while being a good neighbor and supporting peace and justice in our region. On this website, you will be introduced to our centuries-old culture and learn more about the progress we have made as an independent nation. If you know someone who might want to learn about South Ossetia, please invite them to visit our site.
South Ossetia Grooms a New Generation of Sports Champions
One of Russia's Olympic gymnasts is building an international-standard Sports Complex in the city of Tskhinval with the hope of encouraging a new generation of sports champions. The facility is being built by a charitable organization headed by Alina Kabaeva, the Russian rhythmic gymnast, Olympic Champion and Deputy Chairman of the Youth Committee of the State Duma.
During her first visit to Tskhinval in August 2008, Kabaeva, a long-time promoter and supporter of sports, brought some gymnastic carpets and other sports equipment. It was during that visit that she was inspired to do more. With the help of the Republic's leadership she was able to get a substantial piece of land next to the city park to build a sports facility... READ MORE
South Ossetia: Life By Tradition
South Ossetians draw strengh from their long history and strong traditions.
Issues Points Interview:
David Sanakoev, Commissioner for Human Rights, Republic of South Ossetia
IP: What is your role in the government of the Republic of South Ossetia?
Sanakoev: I was appointed Commissioner for Human Rights under the President of the RSO in December 2004. During this time, I have been handling cases involving citizens whose rights were violated in some way in the Republic of South Ossetia. Also, among my responsibilities is preparation of general and special reports on the observance of human rights in South Ossetia. These reports go directly to the President of the Republic of South Ossetia for his consideration and action, if necessary.
The main subject I am concerned with is respect for human and civil rights. After the Georgian-Ossetian war in August of 2008, the President also entrusted me with the process of returning prisoners, hostages, missing persons, and the bodies of the dead. With great regret, I must note that this process is still ongoing, since the Georgian side has repeatedly failed to carry out its obligations in a timely manner, and still refuses to implement them today.
The process of returning prisoners, hostages, missing persons, and dead bodies began on 21 August 2008. At the very first meeting, an agreement was reached that included an "all-for-all" reciprocal transfer and a prohibition of new hostage incidents by the parties. Kaha Lomaia, the Secretary of the Georgian National Security Council, headed the Georgian delegation at the meeting and personally proposed the agreement. I want to emphasize that only two days later, Georgia violated the agreement, capturing six people from the Leningor district on the night of 23 August 2008... READ MORE
More Issues Points Interviews:
The West's Moral Failure Over Georgia
The free nations of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are threatened by western complicity in our isolation and intimidation by Georgia
By Sergei Bagapsh and Eduard Kokoity
Op-Ed in The Guardian
August 6, 2009
One year ago, Georgia's leaders ordered a military attack on unarmed civilians in South Ossetia. By any common understanding this action was a war crime and the ensuing conflict led to recognised independence for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, of which we are the elected leaders.
From the moment of the Georgian attack there has been a vast moral abdication in the west, among politicians, intellectuals and media - a failure to honestly confront what Georgia did. This moral failure has profound consequences for us and it is preventing western leadership from dealing realistically with the new boundaries of nationhood here... READ MORE
