Armed conflict in South Ossetia

What is the conflict about ?

The conflict situation in South Ossetia is escalating. Russia and Georgia can bring this conflict to a peaceful solution or it can spark a new fire in the region. The 70.000 citizens inhabiting South Ossetia are both Ossetians and Georgians. According to a referendum in 1992 it was claimed that 99% was supporting indendence from Georgia.

The capital city is Tskhinvali. South Ossetia was a Soviet Oblast (regional administrative unit) during the Soviet period and the majority of inhabitants didn't want to join the Georgian Republic. The independant Republic of South Ossetia was declared November 28, 1991. However, it's never recognized by any other government. The Ossetians are descendants of Alans, a Sarmatian tribe. They have lived in peace with Georgians most of the time except some conflicts during the years. They have also integrated pretty well with georgians. However, Georgia never accepted an independant South Ossetia. The Russian Federation consider South Ossetia to be inhabited by Russian citizens and President Medvedev said in a speech August 8 that he will protect Russian citizens anywhere.

Georgias good relations to EU and USA is an unpredictable element in the siuation. The possibility for a conflict between Russia and NATO is there. However, few experts predict today any major international crisis because of this.

Armed conflict in South Ossetia

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