The South Ossetian Foreign Ministry issued a statement marking the 18th anniversary of Georgia's armed aggression, commemorative events for which will be held on August 7-8.
The Ministry has reiterated that, despite the findings of the EU International Commission, Georgia still refuses to admit its guilt and refuses to sign the document on the non-use of force.
The Foreign Ministry statement reminded that eighteen years ago, on the night of August 7-8, Georgia, taking advantage of the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games, "grossly violated the fundamental principles of international law" by attacking peacekeeping forces and civilian targets in South Ossetia, including Tskhinval.
"As a result of large-scale armed aggression, carried out within the framework of the pre-planned criminal 'Open Field' plan, the goal of which was the complete destruction of South Ossetia, the suppression of the will of the Ossetian people, and the total expulsion of the remaining civilians," the statement reads.
It notes that hundreds of innocent people, including Russian peacekeepers, were killed or wounded, thousands were left homeless, and the Georgian army deliberately targeted residential areas, schools, hospitals, and vehicles carrying refugees.
The South Ossetian Foreign Ministry criticized the international community's "silent observation" of the events, drawing parallels with historical attempts to resolve the Ossetian issue based on the anti-human ideology of superiority.
The statement emphasizes that South Ossetia survived and was saved from destruction thanks to the steadfastness of the defenders of Tskhinval, Ossetian and Russian peacekeepers and military personnel, as well as the decisive and timely intervention of the Russian Federation.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was Russia that not only came to the aid of and saved the people of South Ossetia from annihilation, but also recognized the Republic's state independence, restoring historical justice and ensuring security and peace in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow for all those fallen, paying tribute to the resilience and heroism of the people, and eternal memory to the Russian soldiers and officers.
Commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the August War will also be held in Moscow, Sukhum, Tiraspol, and other countries.
