Russian Foreign Ministry hails decision of S. Ossetia authorities to suspend decree on referendum regarding unification with Russia

MOSCOW. May 31 (Interfax) - The issue of holding a referendum in South Ossetia on its integration into Russia requires thorough analysis and discussion involving both sides, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"As regards the referendum itself, this issue requires thorough analysis and has to be discussed by the sides. Given the fact that this initiative of former president [Anatoly] Bibilov did not receive our approval, we regard the decision of the new head of state to suspend the effect of the aforementioned Decree of May 13, 2022 'On Calling the Referendum of the Republic of South Ossetia' as sound and true to the spirit of alliance between our countries and in keeping with the principle of close bilateral coordination on matters important for Russia and South Ossetia," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a commentary published on the ministry's website.

"The Russian side is ready to hold consultations with South Ossetian partners to discuss ways of further integration between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation," she said.

"It is with great respect that Moscow views the aspiration of the fraternal people of South Ossetia to build its future together with Russia," Zakharova said.

Earlier on Tuesday, South Ossetia's President Alan Gagloyev suspended a decree that set a referendum on South Ossetia's unification with Russia.

"In accordance with Article 51 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Ossetia, Part 2 of Article 12 of the December 27, 2018, constitutional law 'On the main guarantees of electoral rights and the right to participate in a referendum', and given the uncertainty regarding the legal consequences of the issue put to a referendum under the May 13 decree..., I order that consultations be immediately launched with the Russian side on the whole range of issues related to the further integration of the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation and that the presidential decree, dated May 13, 2022, 'On setting a referendum in the Republic of South Ossetia' be suspended until the conclusion of such consultations," Gagloyev's decree said.

Gagloyev said that he wholeheartedly supports South Ossetian citizens' initiative to further integrate with Russia, describing as unacceptable the referendum's unilateral decision on issues that impact the legal rights and interests of Russia.