The new head of South Ossetia on Monday abandoned plans to hold a referendum on "joining" Russia, which his predecessor had set for July 17.

According to Ekho Kavkaza.

Alan Gagloev suspended a decree by Anatoly Bibilov, whom he replaced as so-called "president," to hold a referendum on South Ossetia's joining Russia.

Gagloev suspended the decree in order to hold "consultations" with Moscow.

"Urgently hold consultations with the Russian side on a whole range of issues related to the further integration of the Republic of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation," the decree said.

Gagloev said that "the legal consequences of the issue put to a referendum are uncertain" and that "unilateral decisions of the referendum on issues related to the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation are inadmissible."

On May 13, Gagloyev's predecessor, Anatoly Bibilov, signed a decree to hold the referendum, citing the region's "historic desire" to join Russia, his office said.

Tbilisi had earlier condemned as "unacceptable" South Ossetia's plans to hold a referendum on "joining" Russia.