U.S., EU exert pressure on countries that recognized South Ossetia - South Ossetian Foreign Minister
TSKHINVAL. Nov 14 (Interfax) - The South Ossetian authorities intend to overcome the stereotypes of the past advocated by Tbilisi, which have formed in the West, and to show the global society that South Ossetia is a viable state formed over the implementation of the nation's right for self-determination, South Ossetian Foreign Minister David Sanakoyev told Interfax on Thursday.
"We do realize that the most important thing in the recognition of any state is creating a favorable social and political situation and enhancing democratic bases in it. This is not a quick process, which requires constant attention, but we go consistently towards our goal," Sanakoyev said.
"Russia assists South Ossetia in enhancing international positions," the minister said. "We are certain that others will follow the example of Russia and other countries, which recognized South Ossetia. We are ready for open cooperation with all world countries on the basis of equal rights, mutual benefit, respect and taking into account each other's interests," he said.
Work with South Ossetia's recognition is being held constantly and the Foreign Ministry is implementing these activities in various directions, Sanakoyev said.
"In the past years we managed to expand the political geography of contacts considerably. We use different formats because we do not have official diplomatic relations with the majority of world countries. Our representatives work in various states, including Italy and San Marino, which we have recently asked to recognize our independence," the minister said.
"We find understanding and support with South Ossetia's interests in various political circles of these countries and we work on further development of results reached," he said.
It should not be forgotten that "Georgia and other countries, which are opposed to our independence and are trying to impede the process of further recognition by pressuring the countries, which intend to make relevant steps towards our recognition," Sanakoyev said.
The countries, which have recognized South Ossetia, also experience serious political and economic pressure from the United States and the European Union, the minister said. "Without a doubt, this factor complicates the process of further recognition of South Ossetia," he said.
The most important direction of Tskhinval's foreign policy is the cooperation with Russia, Sanakoyev said.