Breakaway Georgian region is discussing becoming part of Russia, says local official

However, Tbilisi wants the two areas returned since the West claims that Russia has practically annexed Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which make up one fifth of Georgia’s territory.

“We are discussing all these issues in close coordination with Russia, taking into account our bilateral relations and treaties,” RIA quoted Alan Alborov, the chairman of South Ossetia’s parliament, as saying in answer to a question about the possibility of holding a referendum on becoming part of Russia.

“When we come to this idea together with the Russian Federation (about joining the Russian Federation), we will do it,” RIA quoted Alborov as saying

According to RIA, South Ossetia’s leader, Alan Gagloev, who has support from Russia, stated last year that he hoped for the area to be legally merged into Russia.

Following a bloody conflict in 1991-1992, which claimed thousands of lives, South Ossetia seceded from Georgia and remains closely connected to North Ossetia, a bordering province of Russia.

The majority of South Ossetians speak a language similar to Farsi and are ethnically different from Georgians.

Russian passports are accepted by almost all of the populace. Their currency is the Russian rouble, and their economy is reliant on Russia.