A so-called referendum on the unification of Georgia’s currently Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region with Russia may be held in May-June of this year, shortly after so-called presidential elections in the region, Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky says.

De facto President of Tskhinvali Anatoly Bibilov stated yesterday that unification with Russia ‘is our strategic goal,’ and that the referendum would be held on the issue.

"I think on April 10, when the presidential elections are held in South Ossetia (Tskhinvali), dates for the referendum will be made clear. It is expected that procedures will be launched shortly after the inauguration of the new president,” TASS cited the Russian MP as saying.

Russia recognized two Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.

Only Venezuela, Nikaragua, Nauru and Syria have joined Russia in this illegal move so far, while the rest of the international community is unanimous that the regions are occupied.

Unlike Tskhinvali, Abkhazia says that it has no plans to hold ‘such a referendum,’ as they ‘have fought much for independence.’

De facto head of Abkhaz Security Council Sergey Shamba says that they respect Tskhinvali's decision to join Russia, noting that “neither Abkhaz politicians, nor people have such an aspiration.’