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FACTBOX-Georgia's rebel region of South Ossetia.
20 Aug 2004
 Source: AlertNet
20 August 2004

Background

•  Georgia, Abkhazia, S. Ossetia

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TBILISI, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Georgia, the ex-Soviet state wedged between the Black Sea and the Caspian, is tightening its grip on its breakaway South Ossetia region - in line with President Mikhail Saakashvili's pledge to reunite his country.

Overnight bombardments by separatists and Georgian troops in August killed dozens. Georgia seized and then withdrew from strategic heights above the regional capital Tskhinvali, handing over their positions to peacekeepers.

Here are some facts about the region:

GEOGRAPHY: South Ossetia is in northern Georgia, on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains. It covers 3,900 sq km (1,500 sq miles) and borders North Ossetia, part of Russia.

POPULATION: The population of 70-75,000 is mainly made up of ethnic Ossetians and Georgians who are both Orthodox Christians. The Ossetians' ancestors, the Alans, once dominated the Caucasus. Their language is close to Persian. Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was thought to be of Ossetian descent.

POLITICS: Businessman and former wrestling champion Eduard Kokoity, 39, is the regional leader. He favours uniting with Russia and says Georgia must admit genocide against Ossetians.

ECONOMY: Largely based on smuggling between Russia and Georgia. There is little or no foreign investment. Average monthly wages are around 600 roubles ($20) and pensions are 2,000 roubles ($70) per month.

HISTORY: The region first became part of the Russian Empire in 1774. In 1922 Ossetia was divided and North Ossetia became an autonomous republic of Russia and South Ossetia became an autonomous district of Georgia. When Georgia gained independence after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, South Ossetia's leadership seceded from central rule and after a war, secured de facto independence in 1992.

PEACEKEEPERS: Georgia, South Ossetia and Russia are each allowed 500 peacekeepers under a 1992 truce. South Ossetia and Georgia each say the other has too many. Russia accuses Georgia of trying to trigger a new military confrontation. Georgia says Russian peacekeepers side with the separatists and arm them.


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