S. Ossetia to set up border with Georgia

South Ossetia orders establishment of a border between the republic and Georgia in an apparent attempt at reasserting de facto independence.

On Thursday, ITAR-TASS quoted Eduard Kokoity's press secretary as saying that the president had "issued a directive to departments to set up posts on the border within three months and open a checkpoint in the area of the entry to (the capital) Tskhinval,"

The presidential fiat marks a major step forward in south Caucasus' republic's quest for independence still pursued since its breakaway from Georgia in early 1990s.

The secretary, Tamara Kelekhsayeva also said that the president had ordered for a 'visa regime' to come into effect with Georgia.

On August 26, Russia recognized the republic's independence emboldening the South Ossetians in their drive.

The recognition had followed a full-scale Georgian attack on the region which prompted Russia to step in to protect its citizens there.

HN/RA