Skakov: Surkov's main task will be to control Russian investments in Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Vladislav Surkov is the best person to address the topical issues that have arisen in Russia's relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, believes Alexander Skakov, the coordinator of the working group of the Centre for Studying Central Asia and Caucasus of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the RussianAcademy of Sciences.

Let us remind you that on September 20 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to appoint Vladislav Surkov to the post of President's Assistant on socio-economic development of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Alexander Skakov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that Russia's relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia are at the stage of alienation – the reason being in reduction of Russia's funding of the breakaway countries and frequent delays of payments.

"The point is that by reducing the flow of funds, Russia becomes hostile in the eyes of Sukhumi and Tskhinvali. They see it as dissatisfaction with the authorities," said Skakov.

However, as he believes, the reason is not in Russia's changed policy, but in the fact that Russia has less money. In the current strained situation, Putin calls "his" person – Surkov, "whom he trusts, and, therefore, appoints to control the troubled region." According to Skakov, today "it's hard to find a better candidate" than Surkov.