Alexei Vlasov, exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
One of the main events of the Journalism School in South Ossetia was a press conference of leaders of five political parties which will compete for parliamentary seats in early June 2014. Zurab Kokoyev, David Sanakoyev, Anatoly Bibilov, Vyacheslav Gobozov, Vladimir Kelekhsayev are well-known experienced and respected persons. It was interesting for young journalists to watch their reaction to sudden and sharp questions – the press conference required no prearranged scenarios.
It was notable that reconstruction of the RSO, which was so acute some time ago, paled into insignificance in comparison with a “hot” topic – influence of the situation over Crimea on relations between Russia and South Ossetia. More than a half of questions touched on geopolitical consequences of Crimea’s merger into Russia. Leaders of parties didn’t ignore the talk.
Anatoly Bibilov stated prospects of further rapprochement between Russia and the RSO in the clearest way. He thinks the main mission of the current bilateral relations is to eliminate obstacles between North and South Ossetia, and then – to move toward a union of the Ossetian people. According to Bibilov, the Crimean precedent gives new opportunities for republics which strive for joining Russia: “We fought for a union with North Ossetia, and this is a will of our people. The question should be solved by people of our country.” However, his opponents David Sanakoyev and Zurab Kokoyev emphasized that their view on the strategic prospect coincided with the vision of the United Ossetia’s leader – the difference is in terms and forms of implementation of the process.
David Sanakoyev stressed that South Ossetia should use internal resources intensively, build and form new points of a growth, and “eliminate” a welfare mentality.
Obviously development of relations between Russia and South Ossetia will be a key problem of all election campaigns of 15 officially registered parties of the RSO. Shadows in program goals will play a significant role in voters’ perception.
Young journalists tried to understand whether 15 parties are a lot for such a small republic. Vladimir Kelekhsayev takes the most radical position. He said that “people are tired” of elections and it would be right to found one party instead of many small parties.
Positions of other participants of the press conference were less radical. The most thoughtful were views by Zurab Kokoyev and Anatoly Bibilov who stressed that processes over establishing of a new political culture should go on in a natural way, and it is impossible to leap to the “adult” stage. At the same time, the leader of the Unity Party noted that in the near future the electoral system might be transformed into a combined model.
Were young journalists satisfied with answers of participants of the press conference? We will find out from their articles. The most important thing is that clear images of the political leaders were recognized: an “executive manager” – Kelekhsayev; firm and assertive Anatoly Bibilov; a true diplomat – David Sanakoyev; experienced Zurab Kokoyev. Are they rivals? No, they are not, and it was confirmed by their communication at the press conference. This is the main result of the meeting – the leaders are ready to compete, but the competition is friendly, as they are united by a desire to build a stable and successful state where common people will live in comfort.
