Breakaway South Ossetia Seeks for Joining Russia

(Tbilisi, July 5, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Leader of the Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoev said at a news briefing in the Russian city of Nalchik on July 4, that he had sent a request to Russian President Vladimir Putin stating the region?s desire to join the Russia Federation.

“The request, together with documents substantiating the historical and political choice of the South Ossetian people, has been forwarded to the Russian President,” Kokoev said.
 
The Georgian authorities downplayed the statement. Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Kakha Sikharulidze said on July 4 that de facto South Ossetian authorities? intentions ?are not serious.?

As a result of 1990-92 conflict central government of Georgia had lost control over the South Ossetia.

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