“I would like to be unbiased and clear up whether there were some
hasty, senseless activities of Ossets, who intensified the
contradictions through provocation. I would also like to say such
events took place then. I mean declaration of sovereignty, which
was fully orientated to Moscow with the prospect of uniting South
and North Ossetia in the future. Aspirations of South Ossetians to
join their Northern tribesmen can be understood from the human
viewpoint. However, from the geopolitical viewpoint it is a mistake.
The main Caucasus Ridge is a natural border between Georgia and
Ossetia and any efforts of removing this border will cause
permanent conflicting situation between Georgians and Ossets. To
restore traditional friendly relations, first of all, the talk should stop
on separation of Ossetia from Georgia. No authorities of Georgia
will agree with this. And they will be right, because this will mean
violation of Georgia's territorial integrity...
Who wants peace between South Ossetians and Georgians, should
reject for ever the idea of South Ossetia's joining North Ossetia.
Who wants peace between Georgia and Russia, should also put this
idea aside. This is the reality".