Kokoev: Georgia Plans Aggression

President of self-styled South Ossetian Republic Eduard Kokoev, who visits Moscow, said on September 17, that Georgian government “intends to renew aggression against the [South Ossetian] Republic.”

“We have information that Georgia located six “Grad” missile systems approximately 15 kilometers away from Tskhinvali [South Ossetian capital],” Eduard Kokoev told RIA Novosti news agency on September 17.

In an interview to the Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta South Ossetian de facto President also says that South Ossetia is ready to repel attacks.

Clashes in the breakaway Region renewed in August, however it is relatively calm in the region, after the Georgian side pulled out its non-peacekeeping troops from the conflict zone on August 20.

“In August, the Georgian government thought that they would have an easy walk in South Ossetia, but it was a mistake. They did not take into consideration the fact that South Ossetia could prepare well for self-defense,” Eduard Kokoev said.

He said that Abkhazia, Russia”s North Ossetia, as well as Cossacks are ready to help South Ossetia in case of necessity.

South Ossetian leader also expressed readiness to meet Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, whoever added that an agreement should be signed between the sides over non-resumption of hostilities, as a precondition for high-level talks.

He ruled out talks with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. “How do you imagine talks with a person, who speaks of peace in the morning and prepares for war in the evening?” Kokoev added.

South Ossetian de facto President reiterated that South Ossetia aspires to join the  Russian Federation.

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