Why didn't Georgia leave South Ossetia out when they declared independence back in 1991?

Question

Why didn't Georgia leave South Ossetia out when they declared independence back in 1991?

Answer 1

In 1992 South Osettia won de facto independence and became mostly Russian citizens. Now 16 years later Georgia has invaded, and Russia must defend her own.

"We lost our city ... The Georgians are like n***s, they are killing civilians, women and children with heavy artillery and rockets," said 28-year-old Sarmat Laliyev, a Tskhinvali resident who had fled to Dzhava, a village near the border with Russia.

Answer 2

They see it as their rightful territory.

Answer 3

it wouldnt leave as the territory of South Ossetia in under Georgians jurisdiction.

besides South Ossetia has self-declared her independance and even russia has  never ever admitted the independance of South Ossetia