Georgian separatist region of South Ossetia announced that it will become part of the Russia Federation, Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity announced on Thursday, AFP informs. "Yes, beyond any doubt, we will be part of Russia and we have absolutely no intention to build an independent Ossetia, because the history already decided the data, our forefathers made this choice", said Kokoity, quoted by Interfax.

The Ossetian leader made the statement within a speech held in front of a reflection group, Valdai, organized in Soci by the authorities in Kremlin.

Moscow recognized the independence of the region in August.

UPDATE: Ossetian leader denies

Hours later after the speech, the Ossetian leader had a public intervention, claiming that he was misunderstood. "It was a misunderstanding. Ossetia will not give up the independence it earned with huge sacrifice. South Ossetia has no intention of joining the Russian Federation.