The South Ossetian Foreign Ministry has commented on the statements made by the foreign policy agencies of Georgia and the European Union, as well as a number of other countries, regarding the presidential election held in the Republic.
The Foreign Ministry has noted that such reactions from Tbilisi and Western partners have long since become routine.
"The reaction from the foreign policy agencies of Georgia, the European Union, and several European countries—as well as Azerbaijan and Japan—regarding the presidential election held in the Republic of South Ossetia has, unfortunately, long since become routine. We view such statements as a manifestation of political bias and a refusal to acknowledge the reality that exists in the South Caucasus."
The Ministry has reiterated that the electoral process is an exclusively internal matter for South Ossetia, and that attempts to call into question the results of the citizens' expression of will are regarded as direct interference.
"We would like to reiterate that the election of President of South Ossetia is an exclusively internal affair of our state. It was conducted in full compliance with the Republic's Constitution and national legislation, amidst high civic engagement and with the participation of international observers who confirmed the election's legitimacy and transparency.
Attempts by external actors to question the will of the people of South Ossetia are not only as interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state but also as an attempt to disregard the people's fundamental right to self-determination." "The position of those countries that—while proclaiming a commitment to democratic values—refuse in practice to recognize the democratic processes taking place in South Ossetia simply because they do not fit their geopolitical templates, is baffling.
As for the statements made by the Georgian side, they merely confirm Tbilisi’s lack of readiness for constructive dialogue. Such rhetoric does not bring peace any closer; instead, it only perpetuates tension in the region."
The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of South Ossetia reiterated the established status of the Republic's independence, noting that the trust of the people serves as the key factor in the legitimacy of its government.
"South Ossetia has established itself as the independent state, and no external statements can alter this fact. Whether or not other countries recognize us is a matter of time and political circumstances. What matters most to our state is the trust of the people, which was reaffirmed during the recent vote."
In concluding its statement, the Ministry rejected assertions made by the third countries regarding the nature of integration processes with the Russian Federation, emphasizing the irreversibility of the course chosen by the Republic.
"Claims regarding 'Russian attempts to strengthen control' over South Ossetia through integration processes are particularly baffling. Such rhetoric attempts to distort the essence of our allied relations with the Russian Federation—relations driven by a shared commitment to security, stability, and economic development.
