Former Russian Official Elected President of South Ossetia
Marat Kambolov, the new president, is from North Ossetia, a Russian republic on the other side of the Caucasus Mountains from South Ossetia.
Marat Kambolov, a former Russian official from North Ossetia, has been elected president of South Ossetia. This is a Russia-backed breakaway region of Georgia. Kambolov, who has no previous ties to South Ossetia, previously served as prime minister in the territory. The election results indicate a desire for political stability, progress, and closer ties with Russia among South Ossetian society.
Russia's Foreign Ministry hailed the election, which Moscow sees as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with South Ossetia. South Ossetia and Russia signed a treaty in May to strengthen defense, foreign, and security policy ties. Georgia, however, condemns the treaty, viewing it as Russia's attempt to annex South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian region, Abkhazia.
Kambolov, 61, has previously held senior positions in Russian federal government offices and was appointed South Ossetia's prime minister in June. In a victory speech, he pledged to improve living standards in the region. South Ossetia, with a population of about 50,000, heavily relies on Russia for food, equipment, and energy imports.
Moscow funds public-sector wages, pensions, and major infrastructure projects, and operates a military base in the territory.
Written by urgent.news from The Moscow Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
