The former de facto leader of the Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region Eduard Kokoity has once again responded to the statement made by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, regarding an apology. Kokoity reiterated that an apology alone is insufficient and that the so-called Republic of South Ossetia has territorial claims.
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"Yes, we have grievances. An apology alone is not enough. We have complaints, and we will take the issue of the Truso and Gudo valleys seriously, as these are our territories. These are precisely the lands that were transferred to the Georgian side. Can you imagine what is happening there? For us Ossetians, as mountaineers, as Caucasians, the altar and the cemetery are sacred. In the Caucasus, it is unacceptable to fight in front og the altar and the cemetery. Georgians are destroying these sanctuaries, digging up cemeteries, taking Ossetian skulls, and leaving them there as if they are building some sort of resort facilities. Do they think we condone this? The Ossetians were expelled from there and are no longer allowed to visit the graves of their ancestors. They were driven out to North Ossetia and are no longer permitted to enter Georgian territory. This is a violation of human rights," said Kokoiti.
According to him, Georgia is an enemy to Tskhinvali today because it refuses to sign the so-called non-use of force agreement.
"We are ready for peace, but before we sit at the negotiating table, let's sign a non-use of force document. Since 2008, Georgia has refused to sign this document.
Yes, I was pleased with Ivanishvili's statement. I thought there were progressive forces ready to take steps toward Russia. But just a few days later, the general secretary of his party made another statement. Lavrov made it absolutely clear that Russia would help the parties sit at the negotiating table and reach a peaceful resolution. This was a clear diplomatic statement from Sergey Lavrov.
However, the General Secretary of Georgian Dream interpreted it differently, stating that Russia should withdraw its military bases from South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It is up to us, Ossetians and Abkhazians, to decide who will be on our territories. Statements like these and the hysteria that followed have dashed all hopes for the emergence of forces in Georgia with whom dialogue is possible," said Eduard Kokoity.
Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, speaking at a pre-election meeting with voters in Gori on September 14, said that “As soon as the October 26 elections are over, when the instigators of the war are put on trial and when all criminals receive the strictest legal verdict for the destruction of the Georgian-Ossetian brotherhood and coexistence, we will surely find the strength within ourselves to apologize for the fact that the treacherous National Movement, under the mandate, burned our Ossetian brothers and sisters in 2008.”
Soon after, Kokoity responded with an extensive statement, saying that Georgia should recognize the independence of South Ossetia, sign all necessary agreements, and raise 'the issue of the return of Truso, Gudo, and other Ossetian valleys occupied by Georgia."
