South Ossetia limits entry ahead of presidential polls

The government of the Georgian breakaway republic of South Ossetia has restricted entry to the state ahead of the presidential elections on November 13, South Ossetian Foreign Minister Murat Dzhioyev said in an interview with Os Radio. "The entry rules are restricted for some categories of foreign citizens and people without citizenship...the restriction does not affect Russian citizens serving at the Ossetian military base, FSB border officials...and people heading to South Ossetia on family matters," Dzhioyev said. The restrictions are for security reasons and do not contravene the law, the minister said. "All these measures are taken in compliance with the current legislation and Russian- Ossetian agreement on visa-free trips," Dzhioyev said. Another breakaway republic, Abkhazia has recently inaugurated its newly elected President Alexander Ankvab. Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008, following a five-day war with Georgia. The war began when Georgia attacked South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the two regions, formerly included in the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic until 1991, as part of its sovereign territory.