S.Ossetia Sets Independence Referendum Date

Breakaway South Ossetia will hold an independence referendum on November 12, 2006 ? the same day that presidential elections are scheduled in the unrecognized republic, the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee reported on September 11.

The following question will be put forward at the referendum: ?Do you agree with the preservation of the South Ossetian Republic?s current status of independent state and [for South Ossetia] to be internationally recognized??

The unrecognized republic?s president, Eduard Kokoity, signed a decree on holding the referendum, according to the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry warned in an August 29 statement that breakaway South Ossetia?s plans to hold the referendum aims ?to deliberately heighten tension and destabilize the situation in the region,? which ?will lead to a disruption of the peace process.?

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