Alan Gagloev, the de facto president of the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region, stated that joining the Russia-Belarus union state is "one of the possible and most promising options" for so-called South Ossetia. He made this remark in an interview with the Russian propaganda outlet Izvestia.
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Gagloev noted that efforts to secure recognition of the so-called Republic of South Ossetia are ongoing, and with Russia's assistance, every possible platform is being used to expand the scope of international cooperation.
"Joining the union state is one of the possible and most promising options for us. Currently, efforts are underway to establish cooperation with Belarus. So far, we are focusing on contacts in the humanitarian field, sports, and other areas. In the future, we expect closer cooperation with the Republic of Belarus," Gagloev said.
The so-called South Ossetia is recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, and Nauru. As Gagloev says, in addition to establishing contacts with Belarus, there are certain prospects for recognition in Latin America, where Venezuela and Nicaragua are prepared to help the de facto republic establish ties with other states in the region.
Gagloev noted that the issue of so-called South Ossetia joining Russia is not on the agenda at this stage.
"If conditions arise that bring the issue of joining the republic with Russia to the forefront, we will hold consultations with our strategic partner. I am confident that any decision will be made in accordance with the interests of the people of Russia and South Ossetia. Being part of Russia is a centuries-old dream of the Ossetian people. As for the specific legal forms of its implementation, this will be a subject of joint discussion…
Georgia, with the help of Western countries, continues its efforts to internationally isolate our republics [so-called South Ossetia and Abkhazia]. The Georgian side's approaches do not contribute to creating a more positive atmosphere in the relations between our countries.
Instead, we hear speculative calls to join the European Union together with Georgia by 2030. South Ossetia has long and irreversibly made its choice of friends and allies. Our path is integration with Russia," the de facto president said.
Alan Gagloev also addressed the "internal political crisis" in Georgia, stating that "the numerous radical groups involved in these processes, who regularly promote aggressive nationalist slogans, cannot help but cause concern for the South Ossetian community."
