Interview with Evgenia Voiko, leading expert at the Russian center of political processes.

As we know, following the Five-Day War with Georgia over South Ossetia in August 2008, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another former Georgian republic, Abkhazia, a move heavily criticized by the West; and some experts are sure that move any further will worsen Russian relations with the western powers. Do you agree with this position?

I do not quite agree with this position, because, as we could see during the period of 2008, Russia went on communicating with its western partners, especially with such critics of Russian behavior and Russian policy in this region like Germany, France or the authorities of the European Union. We see that these relations are going on without any notice about events in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Moscow said that it was a unique case, and the Russian Federation will not go on for recognizing independence of other regions in the post-Soviet area. So, I think, it was one of the reasons why Moscow went on communicating with its western partners, especially with its European partners. Another reason for such changes in behavior, approached towards Russian actions in South Ossetia, were changes in the Administration of the United States, because Barack Obama, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, they changed their international policy, especially the Russian policy, and they are not going to make events in the Caucasus a base for the Russian policy. I think that it is one of the reasons, why we can see the changes and why the relations between Moscow and the western community are still developing.

But the British Foreign Office said, Russia’s decision did not contribute to a peaceful settlement in the Caucasus and was out of line with its international commitments. And Italy said that move was illegal. Can you comment on it?

It is a typical diplomatic note, because international authorities very often say that this step of Moscow was illegal. But we see that political relations are developing as well as economical relations are developing. Moreover we can say that the European Union is about to agree with Russian offer to exclude visas. So I think that it is just a typical note, just to show that the European Union stands on its initial position and is not going to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as it is not going to recognize Russian actions in that region in 2008.

Georgia called the decision to recognize the republics "an unconcealed annexation" and said, its ties with Russia would now "stall for a long time, if not for good". So can Russia expect war provocation from Georgia?

To some extend yes, I think that this will happen, but the events of three-year period proved that the international community was not going to support military initiative of Georgia, that there were only proclamations, but no military support. So I think that provocations may take place, but the situation of Five-Day War proved that Russia has enough military potential to prevent these provocations and to stand on its traditional position to support the independence of new republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Another explanation of this is that the territorial integrity of Georgia was a part of presidential agenda of President Mikhail Saakashvili. Now, according to some gossips, he is going to become prime minister of the republic, so he has to prove his potential, to prove his ability to maintain Georgia in its traditional borders, according to his approach. So I think that provocations will take place.

Nicaraguan president once said, “The time had come for the international community to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia”. How do you think the situation is going to develop?

I am not sure that the international community will do this. First of all, because the international community has very different players like, for example, the United States, Canada and the top of the European Union countries, and it has such countries like Latin American countries, the Middle East and so on. I think that there will be some changes about this set, but if to speak about the global part of the international community, neither the United States nor the EU will recognize the independence of these republics, because in this case they will have to join Russian position, they have to change their approach towards the international law. I think, this will never happen, because there are big differences between the western part of the international community and the Russian Federation.

Lavrov has already discussed with President of South Ossetia the problems and prospects of bilateral cooperation. So how this further development of diplomatic relations will serve Russia with South Ossetia?

From the first days of independence of South Ossetia Russia established very closed bilateral relations, I mean cultural, diplomatic and especially military relations. So in the near future the relations will develop, but the key specific is that Russia influences internal political processes in South Ossetia; Russia is very interested in maintaining pro-Russian government in this republic, so financial and political support will make South Ossetia more closed to the Russian Federation. But I would not speak about the integration of this republic into the Russian Federation, because nowadays this tendency is not being discussed.

And what about Abkhazia?

The same situation, but there is one key difference is that Abkhazia is more independent than South Ossetia, especially in its political approach. Moreover, there is one republic in the region that is very interested in influencing this Caucasian state, I mean Turkey; because, for example, there are more Abkhazians in Turkey than there are in Abkhazia itself. So this fact will explain the deeper integration of Turkey into the processes of Abkhazia. I think that this is the threat, which is more serious for the Russian Federation than, for example, Georgian plans.

04.25.2011  The Voice of Russia

 Memorializing Omar Beiguaa

Sukhum, One of the prominent leaders of Caucasian emigration, a poet, a scientist and an illuminator Omar Beiguaa (1901 - 2000) will turn 110 in July, 2011. Prime Minister Sergey Shamba instructed to create a governmental commission on memorializing Omar Beiguaa.

Members of the commission with Vice PM Vakhtang Pipia at the head are Vice Speaker of the Parliament Vyacheslav Tsugba, the director of the D. I. Gulia Abkhaz Institute for Humanitarian Studies Vasily Avidzba, the Chairman of the State Repatriation Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia Zurab Adleiba, the head of the department of ethnology of the Abkhaz Institute for Humanitarian Studies Yuri Argun, the Minister of Culture Nugzar Logua, the head of the Capital Construction Department Astamyr Bigvava, the head of Sukhum administration Alias Labakhua.

The first meeting of the commission was held today. The plan of anniversary events devoted to Omar Beiguaa’s 110th anniversary was discussed.

The Omar Beiguaa museum is to be created in Sukhum. The writer’s family will give memorial things and a unique archive for the museum exposition.

A film about Omar Beiguaa will be created on the Abkhaz television, a theoretical and practical conference will be held in the Abkhaz Institute for Humanitarian Studies, and the Abkhaz State University will host a memorial evening devoted to Beiguaa’s heritage, and will publish his works.

Omar Beiguaa is one of the prominent leaders of Caucasian emigration, a poet, a scientist and an illuminator (1901-2000) His ancestors moved to Turkey from the village of Abzhakva, Sukhum district.

In 1930 Omar Beiguaa was certified as an engineer-forestry specialist. From 1964, after retiring, he cooperates in the Istanbul branch of the Caucasian cultural society, scientifically studies the language, ethnography and history of the Abkhaz, and simultaneously creates poetic works full of inspiration in the Abkhaz language.

His two big works, “The Abkhaz mythology” (Istanbul, 1971), and “The Caucasus” two-volume edition (Istanbul, 1985, 1986) are of special importance. In these and other publications, as well as in a whole series of hand-written works Omar Beiguaa cites many different materials, interesting thoughts, guesses and hypotheses regarding the grammar and vocabulary of the Abkhaz language, history and ethnography of Abkhazia, including unique articles about ancient Abkhaz banners (kept in the Abkhaz State Museum) and the seal of the Abkhaz ruler of the VIII century in the Arabic.

He is the author of a big article about the Abkhaz mythology in the Turkish special encyclopedia, the “Hazrat Ibrahim Aublaa and the Caucasians” brochure (Istanbul, 1975), essays on demography and settlement of the Turkish Abkhaz, Abazins and Ubykh. He composed about 60 biographies of scientists, artists, composers, journalists and other personalities, Abkhaz by birth.

Omar Beiguaa's monograph on the Abkhaz mythology (over 320 pages) contains a lot of materials being of considerable interest to comparative and historical studies of traditional Abkhaz culture, especially spiritual.

Omar Beiguaa's poetry is also devoted to his native Abkhazia. His verses are heartfelt lyrical outpouring of patriotic feelings and philosophic reflection about the destiny of his fellow tribesmen, songs and lamentations about his lost Motherland.

Omar Beiguaa did much work on popularizing Abkhaz writers, in particular D. Gulia, S. Chanba and G. Shervashidze (Chachba). He especially admired the image of D. I. Gulia, whose life and activities exemplifies humble service to his people.

Omar Beiguaa created a special alphabet for the Turkish Abkhaz on the Latin graphic basis.

Historian Shalva Inal-Ipa named Omar Beiguaa “a charming man, leading a modest refined life, enjoying great love and respect of his fellow tribesmen”.

04.21.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Bagapsh about importance of creating security conditions for tourists

Sukhum, At the meeting of the Cabinet held in Gagra on April 20 President Sergey Bagapsh said that he considered unsatisfactory the work of the Gagra District Directorate of Internal Affairs during the past holiday season.

The meeting was attended by Vice President Alexander Ankvab, Speaker of the Parliament Nugzar Ashuba, Prime Minister Sergey Shamba, the Ambassador of Russia to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev, and representatives of Russian government.

According to Sergey Bagapsh, the work of Gagra and Pitsunda police was simply disgusting. During the current holiday season this region must be strengthen with additional staff, President said. Success of a holiday season depends to no small degree on the work of law enforcement bodies, President believes.

A new chief of the Gagra District Directorate of Internal Affairs Givi Chanba has been appointed recently. “I don’t envy the new chief appointed on the threshold of a holiday season, he is faced with a hard job, but despite everything, his responsibility is great”, the head of state emphasized.

A District Assembly representative Roman Chirikbaya suggested that the potential of the people who used to work in the law enforcement bodies successfully enough, but were pensioned off should be used. President and the head of the Interior Ministry supported this proposal.

Speaking to the Minister of Culture Nugzar Logua and Administration heads, Bagapsh reminded once again of his instructions given last year regarding the repertoire of songs, played in national restaurants in resort cities of Abkhazia.

“People who have been to many countries, can listen to popular foreign songs without that, here they are interested in listening to our songs, our language”, President said.

President strictly warned the services working at the "Psou" check point on the Russian-Abkhaz border about friendly attitude to the people, crossing the border.

The head of state demanded from them to get rid of employees for their boorish attitude to people.

At the same time Sergey Bagapsh stressed the importance of creating security conditions for tourists. “We create the maximum conditions for the efficient work of law-enforcement bodies. Be so kind as to do everything for the crime situation in Abkhazia during the holiday season to be problem-free”, Sergey Bagapsh emphasized.

The head of state called on heads of health resorts to pay attention to the appearance of properties and territories round them. According to President, it is necessary to pay special attention to the state of leased and privatized properties which also create the image of our state. “If nothing is done at a leased property in Gagra and Gudauta zones, it is necessary to find out why the agreements are not observed”, President said.

04.21.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 President Sergey Bagapsh renders financial support to Youth club on developing leadership qualities of young people of Abkhazia" project

Sukhum, The “Youth club on developing leadership qualities of young people of Abkhazia" project starts in the “World without Violence” Zurab Archba Center. “The project is carried out with financial support of President Sergey Bagapsh", the director of the Center Dalila Pilia said.

"The project participants are students of the Abkhaz State University and the Sukhum Open Institute, as well as active members of different political movements and youth organizations, young specialists and the City Assembly representatives. For the first time the authorities support a project of a non-governmental organization. This is a presidential project and we hope for further cooperation in forming future politicians of Abkhazia”, Pilia specified. Trainings-seminars with lawyers, political scientists, ethnographers, culture experts, etc will be held in the Center. Meetings with higher officials of the state are to be held every two - three months of the project.

04.19.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 “Rosneft-Shelf of Abkhazia” - estimation of oil, gas content

Sukhum, The Rosneft-Shelf of Abkhazia LLC has organized a briefing to cover the activity plans for 2011, as well as the results of estimation of environment effect and background estimation of the Gudauta license area in 2010.

The briefing, besides the RN-SHELF of Abkhazia management, was attended by the Chief of the State Department of Geology, Geodesy and Cartography of the Republic of Abkhazia Adamyr Akhuba, the Chairman of the State Committee on Ecology and Nature Management Roman Dbar, and the Deputy Minister of Economy David Iradyan, the Deputy Secretary of the Public Chamber Daniel Ubiria, and journalists.

According to the leading expert – geologist for RN-Shelf of Abkhazia LLC Timur Maan, by the results of past years' work the shelf of the Republic Abkhazia has been assessed as promising for further exploration and prospecting of hydrocarbons.

On May 26, 2009 in Sukhum the Rosneft Oil Company and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Abkhazia concluded a five-year cooperation agreement providing for cooperation in carrying out prospecting work, producing and selling oil, natural gas and oil products.

For implementing this project RN-SHELF of Abkhazia LLC was created and registered in the city of Sukhum on August 21, 2009, and on December 22, 2009 RN-Shelf of Abkhazia obtained the license for exploration and prospecting of hydrocarbons on the Gudauta license area. The effective period of the agreement is through December, 2014.

04.19.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Up to 1500 monuments of historical and cultural heritage in Abkhazia

Sukhum, April 18 is the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

The International Day for Monuments and Sites was established in 1983 by the Assembly of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), created to the UNESCO. In Europe it has been marked since April 18, 1984.

In Abkhazia the International Day for Monuments and Sites has been marked since1990 when the  Department of Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage was created. According to the Department, up to 1500 monuments have been entered in the list of monuments of historical and cultural heritage of Abkhazia protected by the State.

Throughout the past two years the Department employees marked their professional holiday in Abjui Abkhazia no less rich in monuments of ancient architecture, than any other district of the republic. In 2011 the International Day for Monuments and Sites was marked in Gudauta.

“By our actions and exhibitions we want to draw the attention of the public and the government to the necessity of preserving unique Christian and other monuments in different districts of Abkhazia”, the Department Head Demur Bzhania emphasized.

Today in Gudauta the Department of Protection of Monuments and Historical and Cultural Heritage held a conference attended by district administration representatives and heads of village administrations.

Demur Bzhania told them how rich in historical and archaeological monuments the Gudauta district is.

Historian Batal Gumba made a report on the problems in the S. Dbar Gudauta museum. He raised the question of the necessity of preserving the monuments related to the 1992-1993 Patriotic War. According to the historian, the private house where the Commander-in-Chief Vladislav Ardzinba's  headquarters were located, must become a memorial.

The director of the New Athos reserve Alkhas Argun raised the problem of preserving the monuments of New Athos, told about the necessity of recreating the Republican Society of Protection of Monuments which had existed to 1992.

The director of the Pitsunda reserve Ruslan Bartsits told about the problems of the reserve, conservation of some monuments of cultural heritage in the Bzyb valley. Bartsits drew his colleagues' attention to the problem of “black diggers” who aren't pursecuted at law.

The director of the Abkhaz State Museum Arcady Dzhopua told the conference participants about  the museum building reconstruction, as well as about the necessity of widening some expositions with new exhibits.

Now archeological excavations are being actively carried out in some villages in the Gudauta district. Igor Tsvinaria acquainted the conference participants with excavations of the dolmen complex in the village of Otkhara.

The conference participants were shown a video film about Otkhara excavations shot by Tsvinaria.

The leading expert for the Department Vadim Bzhania reminded that a large expedition of the Institute of Archeology of the Academy of Sciences of Russia and the I. Gulia Abkhaz Institute of Language, History and Literature had worked in the borough of Bambora (near Gudauta) to 1992. “Today, unfortunately, excavationы are not carried out. A part of artifacts found by the joint expedition, has been preserved in the Abkhaz State Museum, a part is in Moscow in the State Historical Museum”, Bzhania said.

He added that in the forties of the 20th centuries a specialist in local lore Alexander Lukin who had collected a big collection of archeological finds of the bronze age, had given them to the Hermitage.

According to the expert, excavations might be resumed what would help slightly lift the veil of secrecy from the past of those places.

04.18.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Abkhaz geografic society created in Abkhazia

Sukhum, The founding meeting of the Abkhaz geographic society has taken place today at the Faculty of Biology and Geography of the Abkhaz State University. The initiative group was represented by leading experts, scientists and public figures of Abkhazia.

The Abkhaz State University and the State Committee on Ecology and Nature Management of the Republic of Abkhazia are among the founders.

The Candidate of Geography, associate professor Inga Tania has been elected President of the Abkhaz Geographic Society and M. Dasania was elected Vice President.

According to Inga Tania, the purpose of the AGS is to render assistance to the development of geographical and related natural and social sciences, popularize scientific achievements, develop scientific creative work in the field of geography, study of local lore, ethnography, history, contribute to the preservation of the world and national natural and cultural heritage, protect nature and its landmarks.

04.14.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 PACE to continue monitoring Georgia over freedom

Strasbourg, The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) voted on Wednesday for the further monitoring of Georgia over human rights violations and the political situation in the country.

Georgia attacked South Ossetia in August 2008 in an attempt to bring it back under control. Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent two weeks after the ensuing conflict.

PACE, a consultative body, said Georgia failed to observe such human rights as freedom of movement and the right of displaced persons from the breakaway republics to return home.

It also urged Georgia to investigate all suspected violations of international humanitarian and human rights norms by Georgians in the 2008 armed conflict with Russia over South Ossetia.

PACE was generally upbeat about recent changes in Georgia, including the political situation and the way local elections were held in May 2010. The organization also praised progress in media development and the independence of the courts.

Russia, however, has condemned the report as being too soft and overly optimistic about the real situation.

"We have kept in contact with the Georgian opposition, we have contacts with the Georgian ruling parties, and the picture they describe is far from the bright and happy one described in the [PACE] report," said Konstantin Kosachev, Russia's chief delegate to the PACE and head of the Duma international affairs committee.

04.13.2011  RIA Novosti

 Viacheslav Chirikba: Visit of President of Abkhazia to Turkey, where many thousands of Abkhaz diaspora live, may affect positively the issues of repatriation

Sukhum, The trip of President of Abkhazia in Turkey, where many thousands of Abkhaz diaspora live, is important and can affect a positive solution of a number of issues of repatriation, said in an interview with the Apsnypress correspondent the political scientist and expert on the Caucasian issues Viacheslav Chirikba.

As a result of the Russian-Caucasian war in middle of the 19th century, the majority of the Abkhazo-Circassian ethnic group in the Western Caucasus were exiled from their historic homeland and forced to seek refuge in the Ottoman Empire.

Political analyst pointed out that for the past two centuries both sides of the Abkhazian people were developing in two different territorial and political dimensions - in Abkhazia, which they regard as their common Homeland, and in the Diaspora, mainly in Turkey, as well as in several countries of the Middle East - in Syria, Jordan et al. Abkhaz diaspora communities are also to found in Western Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

The total number of Abkhazians in the Diaspora is not known, Chirikba said. Estimates of the number of Abkhazians in Turkey range from 200 thousand to 700 thousand.

"The official Turkey data on this point is non-existent, because according to the Turkish Constitution, all Muslim citizens are regarded as Turks. As a result of my research work in Turkey, I have counted more than 200 Abkhaz-Abaza villages, which are located in twenty provinces (Adana, Amasya, Balikesir, Bilecik, Bingol, Bolu, Bursa, Corum, Eskisehir, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Kutahya, Manisa, Sakarya, Samsun, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Yozgat, Zonguldak)."

"Talking about the evolution of the political role of the Abkhaz and, in general, the North Caucasian diaspora in Turkey, we can say that it went through several stages," - said Chirikba.

Circassians, Abkhazians and Ubykhs known under the general name of "Circassians" played a prominent role in the life of the sultan's court, the administration and especially in the army of the Ottoman Empire. A number of Turkish sultans were married to Abkhazian women. For example, the Abkhazian Fyul-Dana was the wife of Sultan Mehmet III (1566-1603) and the mother of Sultan Mustafa I (1591-1639). And two wives of the 36th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed VI-th Vahideddin (1861 - 1926) were from the Abkhazian families of the Marshan and Chykhchaa.

During the Young Turk revolution of 1908 - 1909 within the circle of influential followers of Mustafa Kemal, better known by the nickname Ataturk (Father of Turks) have also been Abkhazians and Circassians. Ataturk's comrade Rauf Orbay, whose Abkhaz name was Ashkharua, served one time as Prime Minister of Turkey.

"As the Abkhaz historians have discovered, after the Russian Bolshevik revolution of 1917 a major role in establishing good relations between Soviet Russia and Turkey had been played by prominent Abkhaz Bolsheviks Nestor Lakoba and Ephrem Eshba, acting through the Abkhaz Diaspora" - the political scientist said. However, further differences with Ataturk about the nature of the new Turkish state led the North Caucasians to a break with Ataturk and to significant repression of the latter against them.

"The role of the North Caucasians was even more diminished after the military coup in Turkey in 1980 and the repressions against the Caucasian cultural institutions", - he added.

According to Chirikba, only Perestroika of Mikhail Gorbachev and the fall of the Iron Curtain opened up new avenues for communication between the Caucasian diaspora and the Homeland.

"Sea passenger communication between Abkhazia and Turkey was opened and for the first time since almost a hundred year of complete isolation from each other, the Abkhazians became able to freely visit their kinsmen in Abkhazia and Turkey, find relatives and make new friends. The turning point was the visit of the Speaker of the Abkhazian Parliament Vladislav Ardzinba to Turkey in 1991, when he was received by a number of ministers and heads of some oppositional parties, "- he said.

Chirikba noted that, immediately after the start of the Georgian-Abkhazian war of 1992-1993, there started a movement of volunteers from Turkey and Syria, who were arriving to Abkhazia to provide military assistance to Abkhazians fighting for the independence of their country.

"On the one hand the Turkish government took a pro-Georgian official policy, despite the sympathy of the majority of the Turkish society, as well as the Turkish press in this conflict on the side of Abkhazia. On the other hand, Turkey did not prevent the sending of volunteers to Abkhazia, the fund-raising campaigns to help our country and the massive protest campaigns, which were regularly held in all major cities of Turkey ", - said Chirikba.

At the end of the Georgian-Abkhaz war in 1993 direct passenger sea links between Turkey and Abkhazia were resumed. However, in 1996, at the insistence of Georgia, Turkey has closed this important channel of communication between the citizens of Abkhazia and Turkey, effectively joining the comprehensive blockade of Abkhazia imposed by the CIS countries at the request of Georgia.

Chirikba, visiting Turkey not once, noted the excellent organization of the diaspora. Today, in many large cities in Turkey there are branches of Abkhaz cultural societies and clubs (dernek). Their objectives are mainly cultural and educational - to maintain the native language, traditions, culture, songs and dances, organizing concerts, festivals and exhibitions, conferences and roundtables, publication of various books, as well as the implementation of cultural ties and contacts with the Homeland and the maintenance of the fundamental idea of the return to the land of their ancestors.

The Abkhaz expert notes the ambivalence of the Turkish policy towards Abkhazia.

"Diplomatically, the State is wholly on the side of Georgia, supporting the controversial thesis of its territorial integrity. Controversial, because one cannot maintain what does not exist in nature: as is well-known, the former Georgia has long been split into three independent states, and it is impossible to ignore the political reality for a long time ", - considers Chirikba.

He is convinced that the process of repatriation of Abkhazians is irreversible, that it is extremely important and crucial for the reviving Abkhaz nation as the restoration of historical justice and the reunification of the divided people as a result of the past war.

"In addition, the demographic situation in Abkhazia, which is rousing considerable alarm, requires a certain amount of new Abkhaz population" – the expert said.

Viacheslav Chirikba believes that Abkhazia should address the problem of repatriation more seriously and more responsibly. "I think we need to improve both the authority and the responsibility of those engaged in this extremely important task of the state" - he stressed.

"I do not think that the repatriation process will lead to a significant increase in the influence of neighboring states, or to the risk of creating here radical Islamic fundamentalist circles. The threat of radical political Islam is indeed present in some neighboring regions, but it is not and cannot be in Abkhazia, since this country simply does not have any social or religious basis for that", - said Viacheslav Chirikba.

04.08.2011  Abkhaz World

Moscow, Two Georgian diversionists and a Russian border guard were killed in a shootout in the republic of Abkhazia on Friday, the press center of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said.

"An FSB border squad came under fire while doing terrain reconnaissance in Abkhazia's Gal region," an FSB spokesman said. One of the Russian officers and two of the attackers died in the shootout.

"According to the Abkhazian State Security Service, the assailants, Vasha Sechinava and Malkhaz Kharchilava, were members of the Georgian Interior Ministry's...subversive group which was conducting reconnaissance and allegedly preparing acts of sabotage in Abkhazia," the spokesman said.

The two Georgian attackers were under the direct control of the deputy head of the Georgian Interior Ministry's reconnaissance department in Georgia's Zugdidi region, the spokesman said.

04.08.2011  RIA Novosti

 The first meeting with President and diaspora representatives took place in the residence

Ankara, The first meeting with President and diaspora representatives took place in the residence where the Abkhaz delegation had been accommodated. They warmly welcomed the head of the Abkhaz state. During the conversation it was noted with satisfaction that the recognition of Abkhazia had established itself.

They expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for this courageous step. The diaspora mentioned that they are watching closely and with satisfaction the active development of Abkhaz-Russian relations. Diaspora representatives added they would like to see the same dynamics in cooperation between Abkhazia and Turkey.

04.07.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Bagapsh left for Turkey

Ankara, Today the President of Abkhazia left for the Turkish Republic on a four-day visit.

Members of the delegation accompanying the head of state are the Chief-of-Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Grigory Enik, an adviser to President Saria Amichba, the Foreign Minister Maxim Gunjia, the Minister of Economy Christina Ozgan, the Chairman of the National Bank Illarion Argun, the Chairman of the State Repatriation Committee Zurab Adleiba, a MP Talih Khvatysh, the twice world champion, athlete Denis Tsargush, the Chairman of the Union of Entrepreneurs of the republic Leonid Osia and others.

In the afternoon President arrived in Ankara. A number of business meetings in the Turkish capital for discussing the issues of development of bilateral business cooperation had been mapped out.

The main part of the visit will be held in Istanbul and other regions where  Abkhaz and Circassian diasporas live compactly.

On the eve of the visit Sergey Bagapsh addressed the compatriots through Turkish mass-media and informed on his intention to visit Turkey.

In his address Sergey Bagapsh expressed gratitude to the Turkish state which had become the second Motherland for a huge part of the divided Abkhaz nation.

It is Sergey Bagapsh's second visit to Turkey. He visited the diaspora for the first time when he was Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia.

04.07.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Caucasian relay-race of unity

Sukhum, A Russian delegation including cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko, test cosmonaut Magomed Tolboev, the leading research worker for the Institute of Medical and Biologic Problems of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Vladimir Krotov, a research worker for the Institute of Space Studies of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences D. Karpov, a representative of the Russian Space Agency Mikhail Getman, the director of media projects of the “Institute of Eurasian Studies” Anatoly Stroev visited Abkhazia on April 4 within the frameworks of "the Caucasian relay-race of unity” devoted to the 50th anniversary of the first man's space travel.
 

The delegation visited the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy and the Sukhum Physicotechnical Institute whose employees had contributed considerably to preparation and accomplishment of the man's first-ever space travel.
 

The director of the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy Zurab Mikvabia told the guests about practical work of the scientific institution when preparing the man's space travel, acquainted them with the current activities of the team of researchers, who had managed to preserve with incredible effort a part of the flock of monkeys that had seriously suffered during the 1992-1993 Georgian - Abkhaz war.
 

“The institute is ready to continue scientific activities”, Mikvabia said. “We are establishing practical relations with such Russian scientific institutions, as the Institute of Medical and Biologic Studies, the  N. F. Gamalei Institute, the Institute of Biochemical Physics. We feel support from Russian colleagues and we hope for fruitful cooperation”.
 

An interesting excursion around the monkey nursery was organized for the guests, they visited a museum where they got acquainted  with the history of the scientific institution.
 

In the “SFTI” State Research-and-Production Association members of the delegation met with the general director of the association Anatoly Markolia who told about the current state of the Physicotechnical Institute, the research done.
 

Here, like in the IEPT, attention was focused on the disuse of available scientific potential, vital necessity of developing ties with Russian centers of science.
 

Answering members of the delegation's questions, Anatoly Markolia told about contacts with Rosatom, about signing a memorandum with the Russian Space Agency, practical cooperation with Rosrybolovstvo. Guests visited some branches of the institute, met and talked with employees.
 

Members of the delegation visited #6 secondary school named after cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov, laid flowers to his monument. Schoolchildren, teachers met with the guests in the assembly hall. Cosmonaut Kornienko and test cosmonaut Tolboev answered pupils' numerous questions. They also presented diplomas to the pupils who had distinguished themselves in the “Through hardship to the stars” essay contest, devoted to the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's space travel. Pupils performed a small concert.
 

The final meeting with the delegation took place at the Abkhaz State University attended by lecturers and students, the ASU rector Aleko Guaramia, representatives of scientific institutions, the Cabinet, deputies of Parliament of Abkhazia. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev.
 

Opening the meeting, the director of the Abkhaz branch of the “Institute of Eurasian Studies” nonprofit organization Socrat Dzhindzholia emphasized that success in space had become possible thanks to the unity of all nations and it is extremely important to continue this historical experience of joint cooperation with the Russian Federation. He also added that the Russian delegation's visit within the framework of the Caucasian relay-race of the unity devoted to the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's space travel, had given hope to the Abkhaz scientific community of full-scale resumption of joint scientific activities with Russian colleagues for the good of the two countries' people. Guests were welcomed by Vice PM of the Government of Abkhazia Alexander Stranichkin, Vice-speaker of the Parliament Vyacheslav Tsugba, and the ASU rector Aleko Guaramia. Welcoming the guests, the Ambassador of Russia to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev spoke about the importance of that kind of meetings, about the insistent need of continuing cooperation between the  two countries in the field of fundamental science. Guests presented meeting participants with a keepsake – the “7 victories in space and 42 more events in domestic cosmonautics it is important to know” book with autographs of the Russian delegation participants. In turn, the University rector Aleko Guaramia presented the guests with keepsakes.
 

Members of the Russian delegation were received by the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh. Welcoming the guests Bagapsh emphasized that April 12 is a holiday for all those who grew up at the time of great deeds. President added that today Abkhazia has no big research institutes it would have earlier, but the republic could be useful in respect of cosmonauts’ recreation and rehabilitation.
 

On behalf of the people and the country leaders President thanked organizers of such an event  and expressed confidence that everything would be done for Yuri Gagarin's great deed to be never forgotten. The Ambassador of Russia Semyon Grigoriev said the delegation's visit once again reminded of our common great Motherland’s contribution to this enormous program important by its value.
 

The President of Abkhazia and the guests exchanged keepsakes.

04.06.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Efficiant coordination of the activities of law enforcement, defense and security agencies in necessary for the situation in the Gal district to improve - Sergey Bagapsh

 Coal in Tquarchal will be mined taking into account ecological safety requirements

Sukhum, The Minister of Economy Christina Ozgan has held a meeting devoted to the problems of ecological safety and preparation for the upcoming 2011 coal mining production cycle. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the State Committee on Ecology and Nature Management Roman Dbar, the deputy Minister of Economy Irakly Cherkezia, the general director of "Tkuarchalugol" LLC Taifun Ardzinba and the director of the Tkuarchal mine directorate Anatoly Dzhindzholia.
 

Christina Ozgan stressed that repetition of the taken place ecological violations could not be tolerated. She warned that in case such facts took place, the state would apply serious sanctions.
 

Roman Dbar mentioned that the "Tkuarchalugol" LLC management had done certain work on improving ecological safety of coal mining. Last year experts for the Novocherkassk Planning Institute prepared a project on exploiting a coal open-cast mine taking into account all requirements of ecological safety. In his opinion, the project proposed by the Institute is the first full-fledged document for 10 years with all calculations, providing for the permanent monitoring of coal mining For today "Tkuarchalugol" started mining coal taking into account all recommendations the project contains. According to the Chairman of the State Committee on Ecology and Nature Management, if the coal-mining sector representatives follow those recommendations, then many ecological problems can be be avoided in the future. He also dded that the coal-mining enterprise had purchased the most effective mud waters treatment equipment.
 

“The last year's stress has produced an effect”, Roman Dbar said adding that the State Committee would be constantly monitoring the state of rivers in the district.
 

The Minister of Economy drew attention to the necessity of fulfilling obligations to the Tkuarchal district in time. First of all it is a question of paying off financial debts to the district budget, maintaining motorways and artificial facilities, the state of the Ochamchyra seaport, as well as the procedure of foreign workers registration in accordance with the established procedure.
 

According to Taifun Ardzinba, "Tkuarchalugol" LLC will pay off all financial debts to the budget by the end of current month and will fulfill its obligations on reparation of motorways; the platform in the Ochamchira seaport used for loading coal is to be concreted.  A special street sprinkler for struggling against dust on public roads has been also purchased.
 

The state of the railroad, volumes of expected traffic were also discussed at the meeting.
 

An inspection tour to the Tkuarchal district to estimate on the spot the volume of the work done is scheduled for the end of April.

04.05.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

 Database of low-income citizens formed

Sukhum, From March 1 through April 4 employees of the Department of Social Service of the Population and Social Programs of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development of the Republic of Abkhazia has formed a database of low-income citizens receiving welfare payment. They received citizens and gave them advice, rendered aid in obtaining the documents necessary for the awarding of different social benefits.

8 persons were put on the list of recipients of the welfare payment to the amount of RUB 1000, 13 persons were put on the list of recipients of the welfare payment to the amount of RUB 600.

They also rendered aid within the framework of the "Home Aid" program.

Employees of the above-mentioned program have served 157 single aged citizens and invalids at home, rendering social services to them.

Now the quality of work of the "Home Aid" program employees is being monitored. 5 new wards has been examined and admitted into the program. Individual work with newly-hired employees of this social program has been also done.

04.04.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The Cabinet has submitted the bill "About increase in pensions to separate groups of citizens" to President Sergey Bagapsh.

The bill makes provision for the increase in pensions to about 2600 people:

to the pensioners having “National...” “Honorary...” honorary titles from RUB 600 to RUB 1500 a month;

to the pensioners engaged in closed work (miners) - from RUB 700 to RUB 1200;

to the persons under 16 with childhood disability – from RUB 1500 to RUB 2000 a month;
to the persons over 16 with childhood disability: I disability group - from RUB 1000 to RUB 1500; II group – from RUB 1000 to RUB 1300 a month;

to the families of the volunteers killed when defending the Republic of Abkhazia in the period from October, 1993 through December,

1994 – from RUB 1500 to RUB 3000 a month;

to the Soviet Army invalids: I group – from RUB 400 to RUB 1000; II group – from RUB 300 to RUB 700; III groups – from RUB 150 to RUB 500 a month.

04.01.2011  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia