Day of recognition of the independence of South Ossetia (26/08)

On August 26, South Ossetia celebrates the public holiday — Day of Recognition of the Independence of the Republic.

It was on this day in 2008 that an important day for the people of the Republic of South Ossetia began — The Russian Federation was the first state in the world to decide to recognize the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia.

On the night of August 8, 2008, Georgian troops attacked South Ossetia and destroyed part of its capital Tskhinvali. Russia, defending the residents of South Ossetia, many of whom accepted Russian citizenship, sent troops into the republic and, after five days of fighting, ousted the Georgian military from the region.

On August 22, 2008, the South Ossetian parliament asked the Russian leadership to recognize the independence of the Republic. On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In response, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and declared the two Transcaucasian republics occupied territories.

«Taking into account the free expression of the will of the Ossetian and Abkhaz peoples, guided by the provisions of the UN Charter, the 1970 Declaration of Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations between States, the Helsinki Final Act of the CSCE of 1975, other fundamental international documents», — is stated in the Decree on the Recognition of the Independence of South Ossetia, signed by the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.

Russia established official diplomatic relations with South Ossetia and Abkhazia on September 9, 2008, when the foreign ministers exchanged relevant notes in Moscow.

On September 17, 2008, Russia signed treaties of friendship and cooperation with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The Day of Recognition of the Independence of South Ossetia is included in the calendar of holidays and memorable dates of the Republic and has been declared a public holiday and a day off. Festive events include exhibitions, concerts, youth events, sporting events and folk festivals.

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