Eduard Kokoity: Won’t go to the people for third time

This year the term of office of Eduard Kokoity as the president of South Ossetia expires. He gave an interview to VK.

-          Mr Kokoity, what has the republic gained after the five-day war?

-          Many people from South Ossetia and Russia were killed during the war. On the other hand, due to Russian support our peoples secured a long hope victory. The main result of my work is that today South Ossetia has new peaceful life. Our aim is prosperity of our country. Despite all difficulties we were managed to maintain high spirit and strong will. The population of our country is consolidated and supports the authorities. It is a huge responsibility for us. We will do our best the situation in North Caucasus to be peaceful and calm. We should unite our forces to make the Caucasus prospect. It depends on both the Caucasian peoples and Russia.

-          How does the process of reconstruction of the republic go after the war?

-          Reconstruction of the republic continues. Unfortunately, there were some difficulties. Some dishonest businessmen tried to get benefits from the process of reconstruction. But now we control the situation and these people were hurry to leave the country. Today the main problem is underground communication systems. Water supply system hasn’t been repaired since 1957.  We began to replace all communication systems in Tskhinval. The other problem is roads. Soon new economic relations will be implemented. They will be transparent and more effective.

-          What does the republic do to encourage young people not to leave South Ossetia?

-          First of all we should establish good social conditions. We do our best to improve the lives of all our citizens, including young people. We’ve developed the special state youth policy and now implement it.  In our country there is a regular youth government. It deals with the housing problem. To make our young educated people stay in Ossetia we should establish new working places. 2011 is a year of economic development in the republic. We count for innovative production.

-          This year the term of your office expires. Will you continue your political carrier?

-          South Ossetia has the Constitution. I’m not going to introduce any amendments to the constitution or try to persuade the parliament to do so, not only because it is the fundamental law, but it was also gained by the blood of the Ossetian people. However, I will stay in policy. Today the aims of our work are different: construction and reconstruction of the republic.

The people of South Ossetia decided on the direction of our development. Nobody can change it. I’m proud that I’ve done everything I promised my people. If a new head of the state remembers the history of South Ossetia and all people who died for the country, our future will be bright and happy.

Interview by Tengiz Doguzov, Tskhinvali. Exclusively for VK.