Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Kokoity, I am very glad to see you.
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the decision that has been taken. We know how long South Ossetia has been waiting for this decision and how much suffering it has endured along the way.
The recognition of independence is a serious step towards normalisation of the situation in the Republic, towards resolving, above all, the issues of security and restoring the social and economic infrastructure.
I would like our talk with you today to concentrate on the solution for the economic and social problems.
I am very glad to see you.
Eduard Kokoity: Thank you very much. I would like, on behalf of the people of the Republic of South Ossetia, to express deep thanks to you and the President of the Russian Federation for the timely actions to save the small South Ossetian people from being totally exterminated.
The Russian actions to save, among others, citizens of the Russian Federation were indeed very timely. We in South Ossetia highly appreciate it.
Undoubtedly the prime task today, as you said, is to raise South Ossetia from ruins that remain after the recent aggression. I would also like to express deep thanks for the timely actions of the Ministry for Emergencies which has in fact managed to put the situation on an even keel. The aftermath of the humanitarian disaster in South Ossetia has been stabilized. Today the Russian Ministry of Regional Development has joined the reconstruction effort.
Vladimir Putin: Let us discuss in detail the restoration of the housing stock. Let us see what can and must be done immediately and in the longer term in the sphere of public health, education, in creating new jobs and restoring cultural amenities. A lot of work lies ahead.
You know that we have already announced the allocation of a fairly large sum to address these problems, up to 10 billion roubles ($393.86 million, or €274.5 million). Of course, that money will be disbursed after plans for development and plans for restoring various areas of activity and facilities have been submitted. I suggest that we discuss that topic in more detail today.