Tuesday, August 7, 2007, #149 (1416)

Sanakoyev campaign hopes to be a fitting send-off for secessionist leader

By Eter Tsotniashvili

Vladimir Sanakoyev waves goodbye
to South Ossetian secessionist Eduard Kokoity

The official launch of the "Farewell Kokoity" campaign took place in Tbilisi on August 5.

Vladimir Sanakoyev, leader of the South Ossetian People for Peace movement, launched the event, restating his organization's aim of peacefully pressuring Eduard Kokoity, de facto head of the breakaway South Ossetia region, to step down from his position.

Sanakoyev told the Messenger that the movement was founded half a year ago. "We're going to the regions and introducing locals to our organization," he said.

"We all understand that the Tskhinvali regime's rhetoric about South Ossetia's independence is an illusion," he said at the press conference. "People living in Tskhinvali also understand this, but they are afraid to speak out."

Sanakoyev explained the movement's strategy as encouraging the residents of the secessionist capital to apply internal pressure on the de facto regime. Involving youths is an important part of the plan, he said.

Sanakoyev is also a spokesman for the Tbilisi-backed temporary administrative unit for South Ossetia headed by Dmitry Sanakoyev, a relative.

The new campaign, based on the slogan "Kokoity Fandarast" ("Farewell Kokoity" in the Ossetian language) was first announced on July 22 with the stated intention of non-violent political pressure.

Campaigners wearing yellow T-shirts bearing the campaign symbol-a black exclamation mark set in a white triangle with a red border-waved flags at the official launch.

With this symbol, Vladimir Sanakoev said, the campaign wanted to send a warning to Eduard Kokoity that "it is high time to put an end to his tyranny." He added, "Kokoity is a murderer of South Ossetia's future and we will not stop our peaceful actions until we reach our goal."

The movement counts over 200 activists in its ranks. There are plans to open new offices around Georgia, but no announcements have been made about future rallies or activities.

Conflict expert Paata Zakareishvili suggests the creation of "Kokoity Fandarast" may actually strengthen Kokoity's position. He told the Internews press agency that the campaign will simply be free promotion for the secessionist leader in South Ossetia, helping to cement his image as a champion of the secessionist cause.

He added that there is nothing wrong with creating a peaceful movement, but pointed out, "Society has a right to make any peaceful movement. They could also make a movement named 'Farewell Sanakoyev.'"

Tskhinvali de facto authorities have not commented on the campaign.


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