Russia "cannot resist" South Ossetia referendum, says Putin

Russia “cannot resist” South Ossetia holding an accession referendum later this year, but no plans are being made from the Russian side, President Vladimir said Putin on Thursday.

"We do not consider our relations with South Ossetia in such context," he told journalists in Moscow.

Earlier this week, South Ossetian president Leonid Tibilov told TASS news agency that the breakaway republic was planning a referendum “before August”.

Russia recognised South Ossetia, along with Abkhazia, following a war with Georgia over the territories in August 2008.

Tiboliv has repeatedly stated his desire for South Ossetia's full integration with Russia.The referendum would ask whether Ossetians would like to amend Article 10 of the constitution, which would let it appeal to the Russian leadership for accession.

“I am absolutely sure that the people will say ‘yes’,” Tibilov said on Sunday.

“Nothing, but the interests of the South Ossetian people, restrains us,” Putin said. “But we do not yet know what will serve as a basis for this referendum, what the final formulation of question will be. Depending on these [factors] we will further think and then decide.”

SOURCE: commonspace.eu and agencies

 

PHOTO: Vladimir Putin

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”