What does it mean that South Ossetia was a breakaway region of Georgia?
The population of South Ossetia: “The present composition of the population is unknown, although according to some estimates there were 45,000 ethnic Ossetians and 17,500 ethnic Georgians in South Ossetia in 2007.” “South Ossetia is a region in the South Caucasus, formerly the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. A part of it has been de facto independent from Georgia since it declared independence as the Republic of South Ossetia early in the 1990s during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. The capital of the region is Tskhinvali.” I hope it helps.
Thats a good question to ask – because it helps everyone understand the situation: South Ossetia have been wanting separation for many years. They had a vote – and the result was overwhelmingley in favour of independence – something llike 92% in favour. In 2006 they asked Europe, the UN, Georgia and Russia to recognise their independence. No one supported them – including Russia. I think the problem is they are so small – but I can’t be certain. Russia has been aware of the problem and the potential for a possible conflict. It seems that Georgian military does not go into SO. Russian has had peace keeping force there. Then the Georgians took the opportunity to attack SO when everyone focussed on Olympics. The other point to note is that there were 1000 US military trainers in Georgia – but they left on 1st August. A week later the attack occurred.
