DECREE ISSUED BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE USSR on the situation in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast

DECREE ISSUED BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE USSR on the situation in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast

The Supreme Council of the USSR notes that despite the efforts made by the President of the USSR and governmental organs of the country aimed at regulation of the conflict and stabilization of the situation in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, the latest developments in the Oblast have established critical situation there. The contingent of the troops of the Ministry of Interior of the USSR deployed in the Oblast is not able to secure the Constitution of the USSR any longer.

Taking into consideration the existing situation, the Supreme Council of the USSR decrees:

1. To recommend the President of the USSR to put into operation, in compliance with Article 1273, Paragraph 15, state of emergency on the territory of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast based on the forces of the Ministry of Interior of the USSR.

2. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia and the Oblast Council of the People’s Deputies of the South Ossetia shall take all necessary measures to carry out the Decree of the President of the USSR of 7 January 1991.

3. The Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Interior of the USSR shall set up investigating groups in order to investigate the crimes committed on the territory of the South Ossetia in time of conflict.

4. To offer to the Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR to take immediate measures in order to supply the population of the South Ossetia with food and medicines, as well as for restoration of the operation of enterprises and organizations.

5. The Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR shall set up governmental Commission aimed at determining the damage to the economy and social and cultural spheres of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and its citizens.

6. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia, leadership of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall take necessary measures to establish the adequate conditions for the return of refugees to their places of permanent residence.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council of the USSR A. Lukyanov

1 April 1991

(Bulletin of the Congress of the People’s Deputies of the USSR and the Supreme Council of the USSR, 1991, # 15, p. 493)