Putin signed a treaty of alliance between Russia and South Ossetia – RBC

South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov and Russian President Vladimir Putin (left to right) during a meeting in the Kremlin

Photo: TASS

Union after the accession

On Wednesday, before how to take part in a rally marking the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea to Russia, President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement on alliance and Russia’s integration with South Ossetia. Its independence from Georgia Moscow recognized in 2008. The fact that Putin will take part in the rally, RBC says a source in the Kremlin. Spokesman for the Russian leader Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin’s participation depends on whether the schedule will allow.

The coincidence of the dates noted and South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov. “Today is a momentous day in the life of the Russian people, because a year ago an agreement was signed,” – he said at the beginning of the meeting with Putin, which took place in the executive office of the First Corps of the Kremlin. South Ossetia, according to Tibilova, welcomed the entry of the Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia, “as welcome all political steps, which makes the management of Russia».

«Symbolism is – today is Wednesday” – joked presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov about matching the date of signing and the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea.

What agreed

The desire of the republic also enter in the Russian Tibilov did not say, though such an option (through a referendum) is contained in the first draft of the contract, reported to Ossetian media. However, the final agreement, which was signed by the presidents, provides for a common security and defense: Russia will provide defense and security of its southern neighbor, including border security, for which the individual units of the armed forces of South Ossetia will be part of the armed forces and the security of Russia. The order shall be determined within six months.

Putin called the signed contract “landmark document.” “This document is a strategic scale and historical significance” – was more eloquent South Ossetian leader.

The agreement also provides for the free border crossing, but take into account the restrictions for security reasons, as well as the integration of the customs authorities, who will work on the Russian standards. Citizens of South Ossetia will be able to acquire the simplified procedure Russian citizenship and pensions and salaries for state and municipal employees will be raised to the level of the North Caucasian Federal District.

In order to implement the agreement in 2016 Russia will allocate 1 billion rubles. Total from 2008 to 2014. Russia has allocated 43 billion rubles Tskhinvali., In 2014 – 5.6 billion. Moscow and implements the investment program for 2015-2017 in the amount of 9.2 billion rubles.

According to Putin, in talks with a colleague they discussed mechanisms to improve the efficiency of spending.

Georgia and Western countries have criticized the signing of the contract, as previously criticized the signing virtually the same with Abkhazia, held in Sochi in November last year. The signing of the Treaty on the Russian alliance and integration with South Ossetia will be another step against the continuing efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region, said on Wednesday the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Federica Mogherini.

«Signature president’s comments are not needs “, – said the criticism Sands.