DECREE ISSUED BY THE STATE DUMA OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION on Measures to Assist with Energy Supply the Economy of the South Ossetia, Georgia

Due to practically broken-off relation with Georgia  and failing to achieve substantive progress in the process of negotiation since 1990 the South Ossetia is facing a grave economic situation.

Georgian Side doesn’t render any substantive assistance to the South Ossetia before signing of bilateral agreement though the fundamental documents were signed in Sochi in 1992 defining the position of the South Ossetia.  The Mixed Monitoring Commission with participation of the representatives of the Government of Russian Federation is working on these issues.

The lack of own energy supply is the most pressing problem in the South Ossetia as the energy is provided solely from Russia and unfortunately with significant interruption causing shut down of important economic enterprises.  Several enterprises, bakeries, hospitals, maternity houses, schools and other institutions have to terminate the functioning;  the population hardly gets the food supply.  The energy problem becomes the most acute on the threshold of severe winter season putting the population on the verge of survival.

The South Ossetia will not be able to overcome existing critical situation without assistance of the Russian Federation.

Russian joint-stock company “EEC Russia” intends to cut off electricity from 9 November 1998.  Despite the existing share on gas supply, the South Ossetia hasn’t been provided the gas for 5 years.

Taking into consideration the established situation and in due course to assist the population of the South Ossetia, first of all through providing energy power and gas, the State Duma of the Federal assembly of the Russian Federation decrees:

1. To advise the Government of the Russian Federation to facilitate the population of the South Ossetia with energy and gas resources before paying off the debts.

2.To make a note of the fact that Georgia doesn’t observe the Agreement signed in 1992 in Sochi and other commitments within the frame of the Mixed Monitoring Commission regarding the restoration of the economy of the South Ossetia.

3. This Decree shall come into effect the day it is adopted.

Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation G. Selezniov

11 November 1998

(Bulletin of the Federal Assembly of the RF, 1998, # 34, p. 22)