Will South Ossetia join Russia?

Speaking at Seliger-2011 Vladimir Putin stated that South Ossetia, whose independence was recognized by Moscow after the 2008 war against Georgia, could merge with Russia in the future. However, the authorities of South Ossetia suggested their own plan of integration. “South Ossetia can join the Common State of Russia and Belarus after Belarus recognizes our independence,” said the president of the republic, Eduard Kokoity.

The statement by Kokoity is another view on the proposal by Putin. In fact, the integration of the two Ossetias – North and South – is more realistic. These republics are made up of a common people, and they are only separated by mountains and a border.

But the merging of South Ossetia with Russia will not happen soon. Putin’s statement is a prospect for the future. South Ossetia is not recognized by most countries in the world.

As for South Ossetia’s elite, they still have no clear view on the situation. The population of South Ossetia is in doubts either. Most of all they want to settle their life, develop the economy and reconstruct the republic after the war. The way these problems can be solved pales into insignificance. South Ossetia will integrate with anyone to avoid the influence of Georgia.

Nevskoe Vremya