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Eduard KokoytiPresident of the unrecognized state of the Republic of South Ossetia
Date of Birth: 31.10.1964
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Eduard Kokoity: A Pro-Russian Leader of South Ossetia
- Military and Political Service
- Georgian-Ossetian Conflict
- Russian Connections
- Presidency of South Ossetia
- Personal Life
Eduard Kokoity: A Pro-Russian Leader of South Ossetia
Early Life and EducationEduard Kokoity was born on October 31, 1964, in Tskhinvali, South Ossetia. He completed secondary school and worked as an electrician at a communication center. Kokoity excelled in sports, becoming the Georgian SSR champion in freestyle wrestling in 1980 and earning the title of Master of Sports.
Military and Political Service
From 1983 to 1985, Kokoity served in the Soviet Armed Forces. Upon his return, he enrolled in the South Ossetian Pedagogical Institute, where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in physical education. During his time at the institute, he held the position of secretary of the Komsomol committee.
Georgian-Ossetian Conflict
During the Georgian-Ossetian conflict (1990-1991), Kokoity founded and led a combat unit that joined the group commanded by Grigory Kochiev. He served as a member of the Parliament of the Republic of South Ossetia (RSO) from 1990 to 1993.
Russian Connections
In 1997, Kokoity was appointed as the RSO's trade representative in Russia by President Lyudvig Chibirov. He also worked as an assistant to Anatoly Chekhoev, a State Duma deputy from North Ossetia-Alania.
Presidency of South Ossetia
Kokoity was elected President of South Ossetia in the 2001 presidential election, capturing 53% of the vote in the second round. He served in this role until 2011. During his presidency, he pursued a pro-Russian agenda and advocated for the unification of North and South Ossetia within the Russian Federation.
