South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoyty said his republic doesn't intend to renounce independence and join Russia.

"We will not renounce our freedom and are not going to join Russia. True, many in South Ossetia speak about unification with North Ossetia and joining Russia. People are free to express their presumptions," he said, adding that South Ossertia will establish civilized relations with all states in the framework of international law, Interfax reports.

Earlier, some Russian media quoted Kokoyty as saying that 'South Ossetia plans to join with Russia and unite with North Ossetia'.