— The main activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are aimed at elaboration of a general strategy of foreign policy of the Republic of South Ossetia and its implementation, defined by RSO President. These tasks are entrusted to the MFA in accordance with the Statute ‘On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia’, Decree of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia ‘On coordination by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of South Ossetia in carrying out integrated foreign policy of Republic of South Ossetia’ dated 27 April 2005.
Therefore, it is not correct to talk about functions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only in connection with recognition. After recognition of the independence and setting up diplomatic channels the range of issues, that have to be solved by the Ministry, has expanded significantly. President Leonid Tibilov in his address to the nation and Parliament on 30 April 2013 confirmed that the main strategic partner for South Ossetia is Russia. Therefore further development and deepening of friendly relation is a priority in our work. It is worth to note that during the past years our countries signed 66 agreements with each other. Control over fulfillment of the taken obligations is another responsibility of the Ministry.
— What plans does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have for the nearest future?
— Among the current issues and tasks that are topical for the Ministry, we can point out the following. We have almost agreed on draft Agreement between Republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation on regulating issues of double citizenship, it is needless to talk about the importance of this agreement for residents of South Ossetia that mainly have Russian Citizenship. Work on draft Constitutional law of the RSO ‘On citizenship of Republic of South Ossetia’ is completed. We invited representatives of all interested state bodies to participate in discussion on this draft law and next week plan to send it for examination to the Ministry of Justice. We are also working on draft projects ‘On legal status of foreign citizens in Republic of South Ossetia’ and ‘On exiting RSO and entering RSO’. Above that the Ministry is participating in preparation for the next round of Geneva discussions that are planned for end of June.
— Today one of the priorities for MFA staff is further strengthening of the international status of South Ossetia and extending its foreign policy ties. What is done in this direction?
— Work on further strengthening of the foreign policy positions, forming positive image of RSO in the eyes of the international community, on further recognition of the Republic of South Ossetia in done continuously with different states on different continents. We are sure that the example of Russia and other states that recognized RSO will be followed. The Ministry has reached some objectives that allow to count on positive results in future.
However, I would suggest to approach this issue wider. It is a lot more effective not just to come to a country, figuratively speaking, and ask for recognition but to propose partnership in joint projects or cooperation in certain fields. That is why, in my opinion, further strengthening of international positions of South Ossetia is not only the task of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Every citizen of our country should make maximum effort for achieving strongest results in the area where he or she is involved. These efforts will generally strengthen the state. Consequently, the potential range of countries that could view South Ossetia in the context of opening relations would increase tremendously. Importance of interparliamentary ties should also be considered.
— During the recent years a sufficient number of graduates are entering Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Do they sign agreements that legally bind them to returning after graduation to the Republic and working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia?
— As it is known, starting from 2010 and based on the Decree of the President of Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev on traning and strengthening the diplomatic personnel of South Ossetia, graduates from Republic of South Ossetia are given possibilities for studying at Russian higher education institutions particularly at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the MFA of RF, Diplomatic Academy as well as for postgraduate studies at the mentioned institutions. Our young state needs professions, therefore all the citizens that were recommended by MFA of RSO for entering Moscow State Institute of International Relations have signed agreements according to which they are obliged to return to the Republic after graduation and start their carriers here.
— Is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ready to employ all the Moscow State Institute of International Relations graduates?
— MFA of RSO will do everything possible to employ the graduates. It is obvious that the vacancies will not be enough for all of them. I have no doubts that graduates of such a respected higher education institution will have no difficulties in finding jobs upon arrival to their motherland.
— On 16 May during the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of RSO David Sanakoev to Republic of Abkhazia he had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of RA V. Chikirba during which was signed a Plan of Consultations for 2013. What does this plan provide?
— In mid May Minister of Foreign Affairs David Sanakoev visited Republic of Abkhazia where he had a meeting with his colleague during which, besides discussing topical issues of bilateral relations, was signed Plan of Consultations, which provided the following:
- coordination of visits on high and highest levels;
- maintenance of the Embassies;
- cooperation in consular activities;
- preparation and implementation of joint seminars, conferences and round tables;
- coordination and facilitation of cultural and sport events.
— It’s been 21 years since establishment of the MFA of RSO. Your wishes for the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
— Indeed on 28 May it has been 21 years since establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RSO. It is a respectable age. The date is traditionally marked as the day of South Ossetian diplomacy. South Ossetian diplomats from their first days of work in continuous war with Georgia were actively fighting for recognition of the independence of South Ossetia, worked hard, effectively solving the issues that were rising, serving their motherland whole-heartedly, showing devotion, high competence and responsibility.
On this day I would like to congratulate staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RSO and all those who were on diplomatic service at various times with the professional holiday – the Day of South Ossetian Diplomacy and wish health, happiness and success in such an important work devoted to our homeland. It should also be noted that establishment of the MFA is connected with establishment of the first Government of the Republic and with acceptance of the Independence Act on 20 May 1992. Having this opportunity, I would like to congratulate people of South Ossetia with this remarkable date in the history of our country and wish them peace and prosperity.
Tskhinval, 28 May 2013