Alexei Vlasov. Exclusively to VK
The big scandal connected with Russian high officials in the last elections in South Ossetia confirms all disadvantages in the Kremlin’s policy on this small state. After the victory over Georgia in August 2008 and making the decision to recognize South Ossetia, the Russian authorities faced two principal targets. First of all, it is important to urge allies to follow Moscow’s example and establish diplomatic relations with South Ossetia. Secondly, the capital of the small republic should be turned into a “showcase” of social and economic prosperity as counterbalance to a glamorous image of Georgian modernization by Saakashvili.
It seemed that these targets could be achieved easily, considering hard efforts, the systemic work of all departments, and positive attitude to Russians in South Ossetia, while the small territory and population didn’t need giant sums of money for reconstruction and development of infrastructure.
“The series of diplomatic recognition” of South Ossetia has ended right after the beginning. The closest allies of Moscow – Minsk and Astana – escaped it politely; despite the fact Lukashenko promised the Russian leaders to follow their example.
However, this failure pales into insignificance on against complete collapse of the program on reconstruction of South Ossetia. Billions of rubles from the Russian budget were spent on the program. The program of support for 2011-2013 presupposes allocation of 10 billion rubles. In reality only 30% of allocated sums have been absorbed. And now it should be investigated where bribes settled – in Tskhinvali or Moscow.
The answer on the question “Who is guilty” appeared during the presidential elections. The victory of the opposition forces seemed to dot all the “i”s – Kokoity leaves, as well as the general prosecutor Khugayev, and some other top officials.
The new leader of South Ossetia, the former leader of the republican KGB, Leonid Tibilov, ordered to control spending of Russian financial resources allocated to South Ossetia by June 25, 2012. The former head of the government, Vadim Brovtsev, left its position as well. He had a conflict with Kokoity’s environment, but couldn’t become an ally for the opponents of the former president.
The main problem is still unsolved – what is next? South Ossetia has a limited resource of independent development. However, the elite and local population felt “the taste of independence” – peculiarities of the local mentality should be considered too.
One of participants of the presidential campaign in South Ossetia 2011-2012 said: “People wait for money and practical help from Moscow, but any attempt to influence some decisions leads to a conflict.”
The only reasonable decision is to rely on the local human resources and firm control under allocated money from Moscow. Golikova’s appointment at the controlling position under South Ossetia and Abkhazia in the sphere of social programs financing is positive news.
It is also necessary to diversify risks by building work not only with power, but also with the opposition. Appointment of Alla Dzhioyeva to the government is a good sign. Moreover, development of civil initiatives should be supported.
