‘Ossetia has changed for good’

22 Aug, 2008 03:04 / Updated 16 years ago

A member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Luc Van Der Brande has told RT that there is a risk South Ossetia will not return to how it was before August 7.

“I fear that that there will not be a situation like there was like before of August 7. It is not only the Russian approach, but also the feelings of the Ossetians themselves. That's a fear I have, and I hope I'm wrong,” said Van Der Brande in an interview with RT.   Brande was sent by the PACE to Russia to compile a general assessment on the current conflict situation. During his visit he is scheduled to meet high level political representatives of the State Duma and the Council of the Federation, as well as with the Foreign, Defence and Emergencies Ministers. The plight of refugees who fled to Russia after Georgia attacked one of its breakaway republics will be one of the focus points in his report. In an interview with RT, Van Der Brande spoke about his hopes and concerns for the future of the troubled region.