South Ossetia remembers victims of Russia-Georgia war

08/08/11 17:53 CET

world news

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The breakaway republic of South Ossetia has been marking the third anniversary of the war between Georgia and Russia.

South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity led the commemorations as around 1,000 people gathered in Tskhinvali’s central square for a candle-light vigil to remember those who died during the fighting.

After months of tension, Georgia’s President Mikhail Saakashvili ordered his forces to retake the breakaway region and end the rebellion. But Moscow responded by crushing the assault.

Following the brief conflict, Russia, recognised both South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent, and maintains its right to base soldiers there.

The war against Georgia caused the worst rift between Russia and the West since the fall of the Soviet Union. Tensions still remain fraught between Moscow and Tbilisi with Russia ruling out any move to renew ties while Saakashvili remains in power.

More about: Anniversary, Georgia, Russia, War

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