Russia–United States relations when Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war over the Russian-backed self-proclaimed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Despite U.S.–Russia relations becoming strained during the Bush administration, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev (president from May 2008 until May 2012, with Vladimir Putin as head of government) and U.S. president Barack Obama struck a warm tone at the 2009 G20 summit in London and released a joint statement that promised a "fresh start" in Russia–United States relations. The statement also called on Iran to abandon its nuclear program and to permit foreign inspectors into the country. In March 2009, U.S. Secretary of
Independence Day (South Ossetia) national anthem by the Military Brass Band of the Ministry of Defense. and the parade of the Armed Forces of South Ossetia past the central grandstand. After the marchpast, demonstrations and traditional Ossetian events are held. Concerts are also held in stadiums and music centers in the capital and throughout the country. Independence Day (South Ossetia) The Independence Day of South Ossetia (Russian:День независимости Южной Осетии) is the main state holiday in the partially recognized Republic of South Ossetia. This date is celebrated on September 20. It commemorates South Ossetia's declaration of independence from the Georgian SSR in 1990, and