The Russian State Duma adopted a statement on the referendum and presidential election in South Ossetia. The document says that the referendum on independence and presidential election of the non-recognized republic were held in correspondence with the republic's electoral legislation and universally recognized democratic principles and norms.

According to the republic Central Electoral Committee, over 95% of voters took part in the referendum and presidential election. 99.88% voted for South Ossetia's independence. Incumbent President Eduard Kokoyty was backed by 96.1% of voters.

The RF State Duma considers that the outcomes of the referendum in South Ossetia 'reflect the genuine expectations of the population and should be taken into account by the international community for the sake of human rights protection, peace and security in the region as well as fair settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict via peaceful talks.'

The State Duma supposes that Russia should build its policy taking into consideration the free will of the South Ossetian people as well as in accordance with the international and legal norms and the Russian legislation, reports RIA Novosti.