Bibilov Claims Assad to Visit Breakaway S. Ossetia

De facto president of Georgia’s occupied region of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, claims that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will visit breakaway Tskhinvali in the near future.

The self-proclaimed leader of the occupied region, which was torn away from Georgia along with Abkhazia after the Georgia-Russia August 2008 war, says that Assad might take part in the event dedicated “to the recognition of S. Ossetia’s independency.”

He also said Syria and breakaway South Ossetia are developing ties, adding the Syrian businessmen will arrive in de facto Tskhinvali and “sign an agreement on economic cooperation.”

Bibilov claims that, with the assistance of Syria, “South Ossetia will take certain steps to establish contacts with other states of the Middle East region.”

"In addition to Syria, we will be recognized by other countries located in different regions of the world. Recognition of South Ossetia is an irreversible process that began on August 26, 2008 with a decision taken by the leadership of the Russian Federation," Bibilov was quoted as saying by S. Ossetian news agency PEC.

Georgia’s State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, says the situation regarding non-recognition of the occupied territories is not alarming but says the work in this direction with Georgia's partner states should continue.

“Georgia should do its best to prevent Russia’s attempts to increase its influence in Georgia’s occupied regions,” Tsikhelashvili said, adding Assad’s planned visit is not legitimate.

Syria recognized Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries on May 29, a step which was denounced by the wider international community, except Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru. Despite this, Bashal al-Assad invited Bibilov to discuss mutual cooperation prospects.

The meeting of Bibilov and Assad took place on July 24 in Damascus, where the sides signed a “Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.”

In addition, the parties agreed to promote the development of cooperation in science, education, culture and sports. A separate point in the “agreement” states that the de facto authorities of South Ossetia and Syria will contribute to the creation of favorable economic, financial and legal conditions for entrepreneurial, investment and other economic activities, including stimulation and mutual protection of investments.

Only Russia, Syria, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru recognize breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia as “independent states.”

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: dnrsovet.su

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