In the Republic of South Ossetia are under way festive events dedicated to the third anniversary of recognition of independence of the Republic of South Ossetia by Russian Federation. The date of August 26, 2008 was endorsed with golden letters in the historical chronicle of Ossetian people and celebrates as a state holiday – Day of recognition of State independence. This event became a greatest milestone in the modern history of South Ossetia.
Creation of South-Ossetian state and its formation was dictated by necessity to defend the right of people on human dignity and life in the conditions of permanent aggression from Georgia. The people of South Ossetia paid for independence by twenty years of strained struggle and enormous losses. A decree of the President of Russian Federation of August 26, 2008 “of recognition of the Republic of South Ossetia” was a logical result of this struggle. In South Ossetia will always remember with gratitude a feat of Russian soldiers and officers as well as the names of sons of Ossetia who sacrifice their lives for freedom and independence of their Motherland.
Recognition of independence started a new stage in development of South Ossetia. Now its security is guaranteed by Russian Federation. The country is confidently moving on the way of social and economic progress creating a modern legal democratic State.
Qualitatively new character of relations between our states allows successively develop bilateral ties and solve the most difficult issues on the bases of trust and mutual understanding. Coordinated actions of Russian militaries and frontiers with local law enforcement agencies provide peace and stability of South-Ossetian people already for three years.

Tskhinval, August 25, 2001