Paper: Smooth Transition of Power in S.Ossetia Plotted

A smooth transition of power in breakaway South Ossetia is being plotted, the Georgian daily, Rezonansi, reported on June 22 .

The newspaper said that secessionist leader Eduard Kokoity would be replaced by a person loyal to Dimitri Sanakoev, the head of the Tbilisi-backed provisional administration in the region.

The plot, hatched by Tbilisi with the tacit consent of Moscow, allegedly foresees the replacement of the prime minister, Yuri Morozov, with a Sanakoev loyalist, who would subsequently replace Kokoity. The transition is expected to be complete by late August, according to Rezonansi.

The newspaper also claimed that the Russian General Prosecutor?s Office was considering instigating criminal procedings against Kokoity for the ?embezzlement of funds.? The Russian Federation has allocated large sums for the region?s economic rehabilitation. No comment from the Russian General Prosecutor?s Office was immediately available.

The article, one of many of a similar kind, follows remarks made by President Saakashvili on June 19, warning that Kokoity?s ?time is expiring.? 

Kokoity himself, however, seems untroubled. Speaking live with Tbilisi-based Imedi TV on June 21, he dismissed the speculation. ?I’m sitting here in Tskhinvali calmly, doing my job,? he said.

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