The head of Georgia’s breakaway territory of South Ossetia cancelled preparations for a vote on joining Russia slated for July 17 on Monday.

In 2008, South Ossetia was at the centre of the Russian-Georgian conflict, after which the Russian government recognised the region as an independent state and stationed military outposts there.

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The decree further emphasised “the inadmissibility of a unilateral decision by a referendum on issues affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation”.

“To hold, without delay, consultations with the Russian side on the entire range of issues related to the further integration of South Ossetia into the Russian Federation,” Gagloev urged.

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Bibilov was defeated in his re-election effort earlier this month. Russia has voiced confidence in Gagloev’s ability to maintain “continuity” in relations with Moscow.

Tbilisi has already condemned South Ossetia’s intentions to conduct a vote on joining Russia as “unacceptable.”

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