The message reads, in part:
“Over the 20 years since the proclamation of state sovereignty, the people of South Ossetia have done much for their country’s free and independent development and have withstood severe trials.
Today, the South Ossetian people can fully realise their desire to live in peace and determine their own future. Your country is advancing with its social and economic reconstruction and strengthening its democratic foundations, which makes it possible for you to make confident progress towards building up an effective modern state.
The Republic of South Ossetia can always count on Russia’s help and support. I am confident that the close and friendly ties between our nations, relying on a solid legal basis, will continue to successfully develop to the benefit of the South Ossetian and Russian peoples and in the interests of security and stability in the region.”