Tskhinvali claims its newly-elected de facto president not lobbying US, Georgian interests

The de facto security service of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region has responded to the suggestions of the Russian political scientist Sergey Karaukhov and stated on Friday that the newly elected de facto president Alan Gagloev has no connection with the special services of Georgia or any other countries. 

The de facto agency is now asking for clarifications.

The agency reported that Karnaukhov has accused Gagloev of possible lobbying of the US and Georgian interests in the South Caucasus, noting that the opinion was not only incorrect, but also contradicted the “allied relations” between South Ossetia [Tskhinvali] and Russia.

“According to the current legislation, all presidential candidates undergo a special examination, which excludes taking a top position by a person whose biography may contain signs of anti-state and illegal activities.”

According to the agency, Gagloev is a security official, also a participant in the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, during which the Gagloev family “suffered a serious loss.” 

In the second round of the de facto presidential election in Tskhinvali, which took place on May 8, the leader of the opposition party Nikhas – Gaglov won with 53.67% of the vote [14,505 voters].