October 13, 2016 saw a meeting of the autumn plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) where in his speech about human rights execution over Europe Frank-Walter-Steinmeier, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister, expressed his opinion about South Ossetia and in terms of observing the situation of human rights called the state a “grey zone” and a “black hole”.

It’s not easy to understand what was the German officer who had never visited the Republic of South Ossetia talking about, but obviously Steinmeier ‘s conclusions were based on assumptions of Georgian authorities, who, taking into advantage their wide diplomatic possibilities, skillfully manipulate and misrepresent the reality at various international stages.

Obvious facts and the existing reality can easily dispel the mythical claims of human rights violations on territory of South Ossetia. First of all one should note that the Republic of South Ossetia is a recognized state, executing full authority over its territory. Our citizens are under reliable protection of the Constitution, the main law of the Republic of South Ossetia, guaranteeing protection of rights and freedoms of all people who live there.

Multiple allegations made by Georgia about violations of rights of citizens of the border zone are attempts to satisfy political ambitions and do not show care of those people. Far more practical would be to accept the political reality and to admit the initiative of South Ossetia authorities proposing joint work on the problem of the border delimitation that would be beneficial for both nations.

Once again the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia would like to stress its readiness for a direct, constructive dialogue with international structures and confirms that access to the territory of the Republic is regulated by the internal legislation of the state.