Southern Ossetia to Become Independent

By 2007 Southern Ossetia would be recognized as an independent republic de facto and de jure. This was stated by president of the self-styled Republic of Southern Ossetia, Edward Kokoity, at a press conference on Wednesday.

"Western political scientists are inclined to have Kosovo, Southern Ossetia and Nagorny Karabakh recognized de facto and de jure, he said. The processes going on in Southern Ossetia show that we have built already a real republic and a real state".

Speaking about the future of Southern Ossetia, E. Kokoity did not rule out that after the recognition of the republic it may unite with Northern Ossetia within the structure of the Russian Federation.

He also said that "this process meets with strong opposition by some international organizations which exert pressure on Southern Ossetia indicating that the issue of the recognition can be considered, but not in the context of Southern Ossetia joining Russia".