Suspension of the decree and related developments in South Ossetia

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Suspension of the decree

The decree text from the republic and the Russian Federation on avenues for deeper integration, released by Gagloev on the presidential site, notes that joining another state cannot be decided unilaterally.

The decree states that a unilateral referendum decision on issues affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation is unacceptable. It fully supports the South Ossetian citizens’ drive for greater integration and announces a suspension of the process until consultations are complete. The document references the South Ossetian Presidential Decree titled on the call for a referendum dated May 13, 2022.

Gagloev ordered immediate talks with the Russian side on all questions related to further integration. To manage this, he established a roster of officials who would form the South Ossetian delegation for negotiations with Russia.

Alongside Gagloev, the Speaker of the Assembly, Alan Tadtaev, the President of the Supreme Court, Olesya Kochieva, the Chair of the Central Election Commission, Emilia Gagiev, participated. Also taking part were Foreign Minister Dmitry Medoev and State Adviser to the President Konstantin Kochiev. The presidential decree took effect on the day it was signed, May 30.

On May 13, the Central Election Commission of South Ossetia approved a package of documents for a referendum on joining Russia and sent them to the outgoing President Anatoly Bibilov. In response, Bibilov issued a decree announcing the referendum would be held on July 17, 2022. The citizens were to be asked whether they supported the unification of the Republic of South Ossetia with Russia.

legal event

The newly elected president of South Ossetia, Alan Gagloev, took the oath of office on May 24. After winning the May 11 election, he told TASS that the country sought maximum integration with the Russian Federation and that a referendum on joining Russia would take place as soon as South Ossetia received a clear signal from Moscow.

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov of the Russian president stated that no steps had been taken or planned by Russia concerning the referendum and stressed that the matter should be resolved legally. He noted that if the referendum is framed as a unification, it would amount to creating a third state, which is not feasible. Peskov added that the wording needed careful consideration.

“Everything has its time”

In a discussion with socialbites, Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, criticized the referendum question as flawed. He questioned whether the public should decide between unification with Russia or staying as is. He warned that unification implies creating a new state, whereas annexation does not create a new state. He suggested the formulation was rushed and unprofessional for foreign policy matters. [Source: Zatulin interview]—

Zatulin argued that the rush was intended to pressure Gagloev after a rival camp failed in an election bid. He noted that Bibilov had campaigned on joining Russia but did not advance that message during his term and only reconsidered it as the second round approached. He described the move as opportunistic and aimed at election gains. [Citation: parliamentary commentary]

According to him, many in South Ossetia are sympathetic to joining Russia, yet the timing and preparation for the referendum could sow confusion and create doubts about the status of South Ossetia within Russia. He warned that a poorly timed referendum might be used to suggest that South Ossetia is not a recognized part of Russia. He added that a lack of consensus with Moscow could fuel rumors about Russia’s intentions toward Ossetians. He concluded that given the current global context, especially with regional tensions and ongoing conflicts, introducing more political risk would be ill-advised. [Attribution: regional analyst]

Overall, the discussion highlighted that significant decisions require alignment with timing and strategic considerations. The sense of urgency, the broader international climate, and the potential domestic impact were repeatedly noted as critical factors in any move toward incorporation.

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