Russian President Dmitry Medvedev confirmed the inalterability of policy on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, opening negotiations with the head of South Ossetia, Edward Kokoity, RIA Novosti reports.
Medvedev said that the decisions made two years ago to protect the citizens of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia, as well as recognition of the two republics, were necessary.
The president noted that August is a special month for the ties between Russian and South Ossetia. He reminded his listeners that they were marking the start of military operations in the republic. Medvedev said that they have agreements of friendship and cooperation and the presence of a Russian military base. He said that they will talk about the process of restoring the republic at the negotiations.
Edward Kokoity thanked the Russian president for his support. He noted the work of Russian border guards in providing stability. He also expressed his commiseration for the fires in Russia.
The two presidents continued the talks in expanded format. The head of the administration of the Kremlin, Sergey Naryshkin, first vice-premier Igor Shuvalov and Minister of Regional Development Victor Basargin were representing Russia. The South Ossetian side was backed by the head of the presidential administration Arsen Gagloyev, his deputy Domentiy Kulumbegov and South Ossetian ambassador to Russia Dmitry Medoyev.
