Russian President announced August 13 a day of mourning

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree declaring August 13 a day of mourning in connection with the humanitarian catastrophe in South Ossetia, the press service of the Russian president.

"Despite the agreement on the peaceful settlement of the situation in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict and in violation of the UN Charter, the Georgian armed forces with the approval of the political leadership of its August 8, 2008. illegally invaded the territory of South Ossetia and applying aviation, heavy and small arms, tried to grab her, killing civilians, "- the document says.

"Thus, the genocide was committed South Ossetian people, virtually destroyed Tskhinvali and other settlements, which led to a humanitarian catastrophe in South Ossetia. Moreover, it was an armed attack on the troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, is designed in accordance with international agreements to normalize the situation in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, which, according to UN General Assembly Resolution of 14 December 1974. is an act of aggression ", - stated in the full text of the decree.

As a result of the incident, there are numerous casualties among the civilian population of South Ossetia, as well as casualties among the personnel of the peacekeeping contingent of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Russian President expressed sorrow for the victims and condolences to the family and friends. Medvedev signed a decree decided to declare August 13, 2008. a day of mourning in Russia, a day of mourning throughout the country to lower a little national flags of the Russian Federation, to offer cultural institutions and broadcasters to cancel entertainment events and transfer the day of mourning.

This Decree shall enter into force on the day of its signing.