Anatoly Bibilov and Raul Khajimba, Moscow-backed leaders of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia, respectively, met today with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and discussed the deepening of ties.
"It was after coercing (Georgia) to peace and after recognition of the Republic of South Ossetia, that the South Ossetian people started to live in a different format – the format of stability, peace, and prosperity," Bibilov stated.
The meeting is held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Moscow's recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26, 2008.
The Tskhinvali leader awarded Putin with a "state decoration" for his "outstanding personal role in repelling Georgia's armed aggression against the Republic of South Ossetia" and for strengthening its sovereignty.
On his part, Khajimba called Russia's recognition of the independence of Abkhazia an "embodiment of the centuries-old dream of our people," and expressed hope that today's meeting would further enhance their cooperation.
"I consider it's necessary to resign because I can not defend my right and my honor even on such a high office. I have such an opportunity to act only in Abkhazian spirit; thus I need to step down," Vitali Gabnia, Abkhazia's de facto vice president, said.
Vice president claims he wasn't able to defend his honor by legal means and has to resign to punish the offender himself. Although it was not reported exactly what kind of retaliation Gabnia meant, it relates to some kind of physical confrontation.