Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Tskhinvali region

On April 25, 2011, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, visited Tskhinvali Region. A day after he visited Sokhumi. Lavrov’s visit was pre-planned and his delegation included the Head of North Ossetian Republic of Alania, Taimuraz Mamsurov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Grigori Karasin, Director of the 4th CIS Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Andrei Kelin, and “Ambassador” of Russia to Tskhinvali region, Elbrus Kargiev. 

After meeting the de facto leaders of Tskhinvali Region, Lavrov was granted the “Order of Honor”, which was followed by the signature of a bilateral agreement by two foreign ministers – on the establishment of informational-cultural centers and their work, enactment of the government agreement on visa free travel, exchanging diplomatic notes about the finalization of intra-state procedures (visa free travel started from this day), principles of cooperation in the field of transport, air search activities and cooperation in rescue activities.

Lavrov also touched upon the issue of the Geneva Discussions and vowed to provide comprehensive help to Tskhinvali in international affairs and strengthening its statehood. During the visit Lavrov stated that it is a priority for Moscow to ensure the guarantee of the non-use of force against the non-recognized republics. 

Lavrov put the blame for the 2008 August War on Georgia. According to him, Russia does not ask for contributions, but it does plan to restore justice, which will be done on the basis of international law. Lavrov stated that Russia supported the address of the citizens of Tskhinvali Region to the European Court of Human Rights and it will be providing them with consultation as well as legal and expert help.