Peskov: Moscow has not taken any action for South Ossetia to join Russia, I cannot express an official position

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today that he could not express Moscow's position on South Ossetia's desire to join Russia, stating that Moscow had not taken any action in this regard.

"We have not taken any legal or other actions. In this case, we are talking about the expression of the opinion of the people of South Ossetia. We treat it with respect," said Peskov in a meeting with journalists.

The president of the separatist Georgian republic of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, said yesterday that legal steps will be taken in the near future to make it part of Russia.

According to him, unification with Russia is the strategic goal of South Ossetia. He also said that the republic should hold a referendum on joining the Russian Federation.

"I believe that unification with Russia is our strategic goal. Our path, and South Ossetia will move along that path," said Bibilov, as reported by the ruling United Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia called the initiative on the possible annexation of South Ossetia to Russia unacceptable.

Georgia does not accept talks about holding a referendum in South Ossetia on joining Russia, Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said. However, according to Georgian officials, the country will not respond with "force".

"Of course, talking about holding a referendum is unacceptable in those conditions when the territory of Georgia is occupied," said Zalkaliani.

In August 2008, in an armed conflict with Georgia, Russia occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia and later recognized them as independent states.