Kokoity Rejects Saakashvili Peace Plan

Leader of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity has rejected an offer voiced by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili at the PACE.

Kokoity, who is currently in Moscow holding consultations with the Russian leadership, told the Russian news agency Interfax that Georgian proposals for broader autonomy are irrelevant.

“South Ossetia already determined its own status. South Ossetia is an independent state and this status is not going to be discussed,” Kokoity said.

“All our history dictates that autonomy within Georgia does not guarantee the security of the South Ossetian people,” he added.

It was widely expected that the South Ossetian leadership would reject any peace proposal off-hand. However, Tbilisi hopes to mobilize international pressure on the South Ossetian leadership to convince them to enter into negotiations.