MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 24th August, 2018) Moscow is doing everything possible to guarantee South Ossetia's security and to provide economic support to the self-proclaimed republic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
"Despite all the difficulties, of which there are always many, the republic is developing. We are trying to do everything possible to ensure South Ossetia's security, to support it economically," Putin said at a meeting with South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov ahead of the 10th anniversary of Russia's recognition of South Osettia's independence.
The president also commended the steady pace of bilateral trade over the past several months and investment projects being implemented with Russia's support.
In the early 1990s, South Ossetia declared its independence from Georgia. In August 2008, Georgia launched a military offensive against South Ossetia and partially destroyed its capital, Tskhinvali. Russia sent troops to South Ossetia to protect local residents. After five days of hostilities, Russia expelled Georgian troops from the breakaway region.
On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another Georgian breakaway region � Abkhazia.
