South Ossetia Wants A Referendum To Join The Russian Federation

Credit: Daniel Wood and Nick Underwood/NPR  

RFE: South Ossetian Leader Says Breakaway Georgian Region Seeks Vote To Join Russia 

TBILISI -- The leader of Georgia's Moscow-backed separatist region of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, says the de facto independent territory is looking to hold a referendum on joining Russia, a move Tbilisi called "unacceptable." 

Bibilov said in an interview with Russian state television on March 31 that South Ossetia was holding "consultations" with Russia on holding a referendum on becoming part of Russia. 

"I believe that the unification with Russia is our strategic goal. It is our path. And the South Ossetia will move on that path," Bibilov said. 

South Ossetia, along with Abkhazia, are Russian-backed separatist regions that have declared independence from Georgia.  

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WNU Editor: The Kremlin is cool to the idea .... Kremlin Plays Down South Ossetia Leader's Call to Join Russia (Moscow Times). The U.S. will not recognize the referendum .... US Department of State not to recognize South Ossetian referendum (TASS). And Georgia is condemning such a move .... Georgia says ‘unacceptable’ for breakaway region to vote on joining Russia (CNN). 

South Ossetia Wants A Referendum To Join The Russian Federation  

Georgia's South Ossetia region might vote on joining Russia -- NPR 

South Ossetia to take legal steps soon for joining Russia — President Bibilov -- TASS  

Georgia’s South Ossetia plans to take steps to join Russia -- Al Jazeera  

South Ossetia consults with Russia on holding referendum, president says -- TASS  

South Ossetia’s referendum to join Russia could take place in May, June -- TASS