The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia and the people of the Republic express surprise in connection with the address given by Vice-President of the United States Joseph Biden to the Parliament of Georgia during his recent visit to Georgia. Especial concern is caused by these pre-arranged statements from an American politician of so high a rank, and also by some deliberate or unintentional historical inaccuracies, in which connection it would be useful to pay attention to some historical facts.  more >>>

“We have been ready for a long time to start working actively to develop relations with Nicaragua and to establish diplomatic relations between our countries”, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Maxim Gvindzhiya said commenting on the statement of the Foreign Minister of Nicaragua Samuel Santos.

“For us Nicaragua will always be a friendly country. We express gratitude to the people and the leadership of Nicaragua, who recognized our independence following Russia”, Gvindzhiya said. “We will engage in establishing fruitful and long-term mutually advantageous relations with this state”.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Nicaragua is open to a further development of relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and it awaits proposals in this sphere from the two new countries, Foreign Minister Samuel Santos said in an interview.

He admitted that Nicaraguan-South Ossetian and Nicaraguan-Abkhazian relations have not seen any major impetus so far. “We exchanged the appropriate messages and received expressions of gratitude from both countries, as well as the information saying they still had to resolve some problems before launching a practical rapprochement and opening diplomatic missions,” Santos said. He indicated that the situation is developing along an undisturbed and normal pattern.

“We understand that a year is brief enough a period of time and that the two countries are going through a period of maturing and planning of their foreign policy activity,” Santos said. “The whole thing depends now on how fast the organizational period will develop and on the opportunities for unfolding activity in various areas that will be offered to us,” he said. The ball now is in Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s half the pitch and Nicaragua is waiting for new proposals to consider, Santos said.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President held meeting on preparation for celebration first anniversary of recognition of independence of Abkhazia, Victory and Independence Day on September 30

The President Sergey Bagapsh held a meeting regarding preparation for celebrating the first anniversary of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia by the Russian Federation as well Victory and Independence Day on September 30.

The Speaker Nugzar Ashuba, the Prime Minister Alexander Ankuab and other members of the Government participated in the meeting.

The Head of the State said the first anniversary of the recognition of independence of the Republic of Abkhazia should be marked taking into account this event’s significance in the history of our state.

Members of the Government reported to the President on preparation for celebrating Victory and Independence Day on September 30, and on the events planned for the Defenders of the Fatherland Day on August 14.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, July 29 - RIA Novosti. The international fact finding mission on the conflict in Georgia under the aegis of the European Union promises to prepare the report by the end of September, 2009, the France Press agency reports, referring to the statement of the EU mission's head Heidi Tagliavini.

According to her, "the report will be ready by the end of September" and handed over to the EU.

Initially work on the document was supposed to be finished by July 31, 2009, however, according to Tagliavini, "it took more time to draw up the report than expected", and besides, the mission managed to receive answers to a number of important questions only in July.

The mission's head who from 2002 to 2006 has held the office of the UN envoy in Georgia also mentioned in the course of the work "overall cooperation was at an excellent (level)".

The international mission under the EU aegis started work officially on December 2. The purpose of the mission is to find objective reasons and circumstances which have led to the August, 2008 Georgian-South Ossetian conflict. The mission is expected to prepare an expert report for the EU, OSCE, the United Nations, Russia and Georgia leadership following the work results.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

The second meeting chaired by the United Nations on working out mechanisms of incidents prevention and response took place on July 28, 2009 in Gali.

This meeting continued discussions on the issues regarding practical organization of work and carrying on the following negotiations within the frameworks of the Pentalateral Mechanism on Incidents Prevention and Response.

Practical aspects of establishing "hot line” which should promote emergency direct telephone and electronic contacts in case of urgent questions and situations were discussed in the first part of the agenda.

Besides, the parties discussed the incidents which have happened on the Georgian-Abkhaz border for the previous two weeks and discussed issues connected with strengthening security in the border zone. It was decided to discuss some issues at the following meeting which will take place on Tuesday August 11, 2009 in the city of Gal. According to all the participants, the second meeting within the frameworks of the Pentalateral Mechanism on Incidents Prevention and Response was constructive.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba met with the EU Special Representative for Caucasus Mister Peter Semneby on July 29, 2009.

An exchange of opinions regarding further prospects of development of mutual relations with the European Union and creation of favorable conditions for improving the situation in the sphere of security, social and economic and humanitarian aspects took place at the meeting.

Sergey Shamba mentioned interest in development of bilateral mutual relations with the EU and at that emphasized that statements from the EU representatives on non-recognition of Abkhazia and support of territorial integrity of Georgia cause society’s distrust to the European structures. The head has underlined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about necessity of an objective situation assessment for Abkhazia, proceeding from existing realities.

Commenting on the EUMM in Georgia activity the Minister stated the Mission mandate covers only the territory of Georgia and is not valid in Abkhazia. Thus, the Abkhaz party excludes possibility of the EU Mission work in Abkhazia”, Shamba stated.

A meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Johan Verbeke took place in the republic’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs on July 29, 2009.

This meeting is one of the final meetings within the frameworks of the process of winding up the UN Mission in Abkhazia which is to end in October, 2009.

The Abkhaz party also expressed readiness to support other ideas on forming mechanisms of possible UN presence in Abkhazia, and confirmed consent to continue participating in the meetings within the frameworks of Pentalateral Mechanism on Incidents Prevention and Response chaired by the UN.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 The Prime Minister Alexander Ankuab received Ex-Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Johan Verbeke

The Prime Minister Alexander Ankuab received the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in a zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict Johan Verbeke.

Verbeke told the journalists the meeting with the Prime Minister was not of working character.

Verbeke shared impressions about Abkhazia with Alexander Ankuab, said Abkhazia will remain in his heart and, where he is, he will do everything for promoting peace and stability in the region.

Alexander Ankuab presented Verbeke with memorable souvenirs with the state symbolics, with a National Bank of Abkhazia memorable coin with Fazil Iskander’s profile.

“The Mission is closed, and we must leave the territory of Abkhazia. This time I have come to say goodbye to the Prime Minister, to thank him on behalf of the United Nations for cooperation which has been rendered by Abkhazia for 16 years of the Mission’s presence”, the high-ranking UN official told the journalists. Verbeke expressed gratitude to the republic’s authorities for assistance in realizing technical winding up the UN Mission.

“We always treat respectfully those who worked in Abkhazia. We are always ready to see Mr. Verbeke here including as a tourist”, the Prime Minister Alexander Ankuab told the journalists after the meeting. The Head of the Government specified that Mr. Verbeke has accepted his offer with pleasure.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Shamba: Statements from EU representatives on non-recognition of Abkhazia and support of territorial integrity of Georgia cause society’s distrust to the European structures

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba met with the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semnebi.

According to the spokesman for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, an exchange of opinions regarding further prospects of development of mutual relations with the European Union and creation of favorable conditions for improving the situation in the sphere of security, social and economic and humanitarian aspects took place at the meeting.

Sergey Shamba mentioned interest in development of bilateral mutual relations with the EU and at that emphasized that statements from the EU representatives on non-recognition of Abkhazia and support of territorial integrity of Georgia cause society’s distrust to the European structures. The head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs emphasized the necessity of objective assessment of the situation in Abkhazia based on existing realities.

Commenting on the EUMM in Georgia activity the Minister stated the Mission mandate covers only the territory of Georgia and is not valid in Abkhazia. Thus, the Abkhaz party excludes possibility of the EU Mission work in Abkhazia”, the spokesman for the foreign policy department quotes Shamba.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

We have discussed a number of issues with Sergey Shamba regarding the European Union’s roles in Abkhazia, the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby told the journalists. According to him, the Eurocommission has a number of programs and projects which it intends to support in Abkhazia. “We have representatives who engage thoroughly in Abkhazia, communicate with public organizations, the country leader”, Semneby said.

During the meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, according to him, a possibility to continue realizing different projects here was discussed. “In the new situation it’s very important for us to have a possibility to communicate with people, to work here in spite of the fact that the EU does not recognize independence of Abkhazia”, Semneby said.

“Abkhazia is not a blank spot or a black hole for the European Union and we are not indifferent to what happens here, to concerns of the people living here”, the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus emphasized.

He is certain ”the list of the projects realized by the EU will increase but it will be a subject of special talks which will take place a bit later”.

Commenting on the Georgia’s wish to draw US representatives to the EUMM, Semneby said: “We take Georgia’s wish into consideration, but, on the other hand, the Mission’s mandate was extended the other day as it has been this year».

Peter Semneby does not exclude the mandate can be changed, but “now it was important for the EU to give a clear signal of stability and to extend it”. At the same time, according to Semneby, “while the EU member states can fill up the Mission, there is no need in drawing other countries”.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President of Abkhazia and EU Special Representative for South Caucasus discussed a wide range of questions

A wide range of questions was discussed today by the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh and the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby.

Touching upon the issue of wrapping up the UN Mission, the President expressed regret that this organization leaves Abkhazia. At the same time he stressed that “It’s not a fault of Abkhazia”. «There will be neither EU observers nor OSCE observers in the territory of Abkhazia after the UN Mission”, the President said.

Peter Semneby was interested how the forthcoming election campaign could affect the Geneva process and pentalateral meetings in the city of Gal.

The President thereupon said officially the election company has not started yet, and when it starts, it will not affect these processes in any way, the deputy head of Governmental Information Department Alkhas Cholokua informed.

07.30.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

A Russian-Abkhaz action on cleaning the "Snow" cave system from organic garbage started at 6:30 am today, the chief of the State ecological service of the Republic of Abkhazia Roman Dbar informed.

The Snow cave discovered in 1973 remained the deepest cave of the USSR. In 2007 it was explored to the record depth of 1735 meters and took the second place in the world in depth. According to Dbar, “over100 expeditions have been carried out in Snow and a considerable volume of organic garbage (food leftovers, equipment fragments, sleeping bags and other) needing recycling has been accumulated.

The base camp is located on the Bzyb ridge, at a height of almost 2000 meters above sea level.

At the action’s first stage 31 people take part in it, seven more will join in a week.

The expedition organizers are “Club of speleologists of the M. Lomonosov Moscow State University” and the State ecological service of Abkhazia.

07.29.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

By an order of the capital’s Administration Head Alias Labakhua, “Akua-20008” Fund of development of the city of Sukhum has been established, Madonna Kvitsiniya the chief of the capital’s Administration Information Department told Apsnypress.

The Supervisory Board chaired by Alias Labakhua includes his deputy Alkhas Kvitsiniya, the General Director of “A-Mobile” cellular company Kondrat Samsoniya and the State archive Chief Roman Gvindzhiya.

Temur Tkebuchava was appointed Fund’s General Director The directorate includes Laura Avidzba and Irina Shoniya.

“Akua-2008” is a noncommercial organization which will support social, charity, cultural, educational and other programs of public utility”, M. Kvitsiniya specified.

The Fund will finance measures aimed at accomplishment, organization of children's playgrounds, sports complexes, housing stock restoration, organization of streets lighting and planting of greenery, etc.

The Fund will also engage in increasing Sukhum’s investment appeal, in youth projects development and support, in educational, cultural and information programs.

“Akua-2008” will be replenished at the expense of voluntary payments and other taking not prohibited by the law”, the Fund’s General Director Temur Tkebuchava specified. The Fund has the right to engaged in business, to create economic organizations or to participate in them. At that earnings will go to financing complex programs of building development and municipal economy reconstruction, to support of invalids and poor capital’s inhabitants and other purposes.

07.29.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Decision on EUMM expansion to Abkhazia and South Ossetia not endorsed due to contradictions

The EU countries haven’t made a decision on possible expansion of the Mission in Georgia due to serious contradictions between them.

According to the final statement of the EU Council on Georgia, approved today at the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of 27 countries of the community, they didn’t go beyond extending the monitors' mandate for 12 months till September 14, 2010 and “deplored” the absence of access to the territory of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as their mandate "covers all the territory of Georgia". As to the Tbilisi’s initiative to draw the USA and Turkey representatives to the EUMM the final statement doesn’t say a word.

At the same time European Ministers, answering journalists’ questions, showed serious disorder of opinions. So, the head of Great Britain’s Foreign Office David Miliband stated that London "does not see a problem" in including "other countries" in the EUMM in Georgia. "We want this mission to be as much effective as possible, and we believe that this mission threatens nobody”, he said. “So if other countries want to unite under the EU banner it’s not a problem". He was supported by the Foreign Minister of Finland Alexander Stubb who expressed an opinion that US participation in the Mission "would become a good sign". At the same time he mentioned that this question is still "too raw to make a decision".

In turn, Franco Frattini, the Foreign Minister of Italy, claimed that the EU is not ready for representatives of the third countries joining the EU monitoring mission in Georgia. "It’s too early to speak about mission’s changes, especially if it is a question of including new countries", he stressed.

According to the sources in the delegation, the issue may cause "counterproductive reaction' of Russia. The diplomats believe the Mission is representative enough to conduct its work effectively, and its main problem is rather the limited opportunities to monitor the situation since the monitors have no access to the territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  Washington and Ankara, in their turn, showed no evident desire to join the Mission.

07.28.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Central Bank of Abkhazia instruction

In order to avoid wrong interpretation and in an effort of perfection of regulation of internal control in lending agencies to prevent legalization (laundering) of criminal proceeds and terrorism financing to make changes to the line 5007 in the column “Type of transaction” in Appendix 3 “Reference-book of types of transactions, about which information is supplied to the CFM of the Bank of Abkhazia” of the Regulations of the Bank of Abkhazia #22-R of 30/06/2008 “About procedure of supplying data to the CFM of the Bank of Abkhazia by lending agencies provided by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia “About prevention of legalization (laundering) of criminal proceeds and terrorism financing” and to state it in the following redaction:

“Granting or taking loans by physical persons and (or) juridical persons not being lending agencies”.

This Instruction takes effect from August 1, 2009.

07.28.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Performances of Daniel Kramer accompanied by his musicians and a well-known opera singer Khibla Gerzmaa surprisingly fit in this piano trio who astounded the spectators with their creative work took place in the concert hall of the R. Gumba Abkhaz State Philharmonic Society.

The audience knew Hibla Gerzmava as a magnificent performer of classical musical compositions, but here she appeared in another role, as a jazz and blues performer.

Temperament and charm of Daniel Kramer one of the most prominent jazz performers in the world, playing the piano in the hall of the Philharmonic Society left no spectator indifferent.

To the wild applause, Khibla Gerzmaa concluded the performance with a sincere Abkhaz song.

The weekend of the capital’s cultural life ended with a brilliant performance of Efim Shifrin a great master of humor. The artist “was pleasantly surprised by the audience’s welcome” who concluded his every performance with a storm of applause. The master performed giving all he has what characterizes him as a big professional.

Daniel Kramer, Khibla Gerzmaa and Efim Shifrin send us back again to the time when well-known artists considered shining with talent on the Abkhaz Philharmonic Society scene a good form.

07.28.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Abkhazia, Krasnodar Territory to sign agreement on trade aconomic, scientific and technical, humanitarian and cultural cooperation

Sukhum, A Krasnodar territory delegation led by the Governor Alexander Tkachev arrives in Abkhazia tomorrow, on July 28.

The Department of Governmental Information told Apsnypress that, flowers laying ceremony will take place at 11 am in the Park of Glory in Sukhum.

At 11:45 am the delegation will be received by the President Sergey Bagapsh. At noon a broadened meeting of the Krasnodar territory delegation and the republic’s Government will be held. At 1:00 pm the Prime Minister Alexander Ankuab and the Kuban Governor Alexander Tkachev will sign an Agreement on trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian and cultural cooperation between the Republic of Abkhazia and Krasnodar territory.

A similar agreement will be signed between the Chambers of Commerce of Abkhazia and Krasnodar territory. The document will be signed by the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Abkhazia Gennady Gaguliya and its Krasnodar colleague Jury Tkachenko.

At 1: 20 pm a briefing for journalists will take place.

In the second half of the day the delegation will leave for Gagra where it will visit #2 secondary school.

07.27.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia: “The USA attempt to make Georgia a democratic state is doomed to failure as both the leaders, and the society of this country continue to think imperial categories”

Sukhum, “The USA attempt to make Georgia a democratic state is doomed to failure as both the leaders, and the society of this country continue to think imperial categories”, says the open letter of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia to the US Vice President  Joseph Biden.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia draws attention of the world community to the fact that “Georgia does not stop its aggressive policy regarding small peoples and continues to increase military potential, enlisting the support from the western colleagues …”

The policy of Georgia covered and supported by the West, is aimed at destabilization of the situation in the region, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia believes.

“Abkhazia, occupying an important geopolitical position in the Caucasian region continues to remain in the focus of rapt attention of both the western powers and the leading international organizations. Despite Mr. Biden’s official statements that the US Government will never recognize independence of Abkhazia, in spite of the fact that the world community continues stubbornly to consider biasedly and critically the prospects of Abkhazia as an independent state, despite more than cool attitude of Europe and the West to Abkhazia, interest to our state doesn’t fade away”, the letter stresses.

“The experience of many years in foreign policy activity has taught us not only struggle in defending our interests, but also long-suffering. We believe that the recognition by the world community is just round the corner as in the modern world everything changes very quickly”, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia states.

07.27.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Gagra, 35 students of the St.- Petersburg University do archaeological practical work in the Gagra district of Abkhazia for the first time together with experts of the Department of protection of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Abkhazia, of the Abkhaz Institute for Humanitarian Studies and the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Research Institute of history, philology and economy, the head of the Department on protection of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Abkhazia Vadim Bzhaniya said.

One group works on the seacoast, near Gagra, and examines an ancient burial ground of the end of the I millennium B.C. The second one examines a big grotto (Adau Ituarta), at a height of 200 m. over the left bank of the river Bzyb. The camp is located around the 20th kilometer of the Ritsa highway.

According to Bzhaniya, “the grotto was used as habitation in the IV millennium B.C.; broken pieces of pottery have been found here”. In the III millennium the grotto was used as a dolmen for reinterment.

07.27.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Pitsunda (Abkhazia), The grand opening of the First open “Country of soul” film festival took place on Saturday in the well-known Abkhaz resort of Pitsunda. Several thousand townspeople and tourists gathered to welcome "film landing force" from Moscow.

Russian actors who used to have a rest in Pitsunda in the House of creativity of cinematographers arrived for the first time for the last 17 years.

Lev Durov, a national artist of the USSR, Zynaida Kirienko, a national actress of Russia, Anatoly Kuznetsov, a national artist of Russia as well as a well-known actor Nikita Dzhigurda, a singer Olga Kormukhina, a singer and actor Mikhail Zvezdinsky took part in the solemn ceremony.

Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergey Markov and Sergey Belokon delivered welcoming speeches.

The hosts read out salutatory words of the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Alexander Avdeev in which he expressed hope that "new cultural movement in Abkhazia will become necessary for the people living here and can give new strength and hopes of restoration of normal life in the land of Apsny what means “the country of soul”.

The mayor of the city of Pitsunda Beslan Ardzinba stressed that this festival "is the first signs, it’s people’s mood". "Our state should also rise in the field of culture. The question of reconstruction of the well-known House of creativity of cinematographers is now under consideration. Reconstruction will take several years. We have a task of preserving the creative type of this House", the mayor said.

The festival will end on July 29. All these days the tourists and townspeople will have a chance of attending children's programs, to watch well-known Russian films "Love terrestrial", “Happy- go-lucky”, and “the White sun of the desert". The festival will end with a premiere of Anders Banke’s "Hot news".

Admission to all the events is free.

07.26.2007  RIA Novosti

Minsk, Belarus condemned on Friday what it said were attempts to cause a scandal over recent travel advice issued to nationals planning to travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Belarus's Foreign Ministry urged its nationals on Thursday to comply with Georgian laws when planning trips to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, self-proclaimed republics recognized by Russia as independent states after a brief war with Tbilisi last August.

The warning was welcomed by the Georgian president and criticized by Russian officials earlier on Friday.

"Attempts to start a scandal and give a political coloring to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry's advice on travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia are absurd," a senior presidential administration official, Natalia Petkevich, said.

"Our position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia has not changed, and the rest is speculation by experts and journalists pursuing their interests," she said.

The ministry said it had issued the recommendations following the recent arrests of two Belarusian nationals in Georgia, who had visited Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Entry to the two regions without permission from the Georgian authorities is banned and liable to prosecution in Georgia.

"I cannot but welcome the actions of the Belarusian leader, who has decided to rule out such violations of Georgian laws. This is a very bold decision by the Belarusian president," Saakashvili said commenting on Belarus's advisory.

"Look at what is happening in the post-Soviet area. The Belarusian government has warned its citizens about the responsibility of illegally entering Abkhazia and South Ossetia," he said.

Petkevich called media reports on Moscow's possible "punishment" over the travel advice "puzzling."

Russia recognized the two republics after expelling Georgian forces from South Ossetia, which Tbilisi had attacked in an effort to bring it back under central control.

Moscow reportedly has put strong pressure on Belarus to recognize the two republics. Nicaragua has so far been the only other country to follow Russia's suit.

07.24.2009  RIA Novosti

The Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia summed up H1 work. The chief academic secretary of the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences Shota Salakaya gave a report at the meeting.
 

At the meeting of the Academy it was a question of creating Institute for Ecology and Hydrophysical Problems on the basis of the “Sukhum Institute of Applied Physics” research-and-production association. An ASA Corresponding Member, a doctor of sciences Janvarbi Ekba informed that the Institute is extremely important in an effort of preserving a unique ecosystem of Abkhazia.
 

According to him, “the chair of applied ecology of the Abkhaz State University has taught a lot of young, talented specialists among whom there are post-graduate students with solid publications, able of engaging in scientific work skillfully”.
 

By the Day of Science a general meeting of the Academy of Sciences has instituted four prizes 25 thousand rubles each for young scientists for achievements in scientific activity. One of the prizes will be awarded for merits in the field of popularization of the state, Abkhaz language. The payments will be arranged for at the expense of off-budget means, the ASA press-service informed.

07.24.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 “Rosselkhozbank” branch will open in Abkhazia

A “Rosselkhozbank” branch will open in Abkhazia to allocate credits for developing agriculture, the head of the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation Sergey Stepashin said on Friday in Sukhum.
 

On Friday the Audit Chamber signed a Cooperation Protocol with the Parliament of Abkhazia which, in particular provides for rendering methodical and other aid in training employees of the future body of state financial control of Abkhazia.
 

Stepashin emphasized that opening a branch of the Russian bank that actively works in Russia even in the world financial crisis, would help to develop local agriculture needing credits.  
 

“It is real, because Rosselkhozbank was instructed by the Russian leadership, more over the question of creating a branch of the bank here is being worked out”, Stepashin informed the Parliament of Abkhazia.  
 

The question of Rosselkhobank’s activity in Abkhazia was discussed the day before with the President Sergey Bagapsh. “Some Russian banks has earlier expressed desire to work in Abkhazia, but as I learnt, the republic’s leadership hasn’t been in a hurry not to interfere with the development of the local bank system”, Stepashin said. The Russian politician is certain that Rosselkhozbank’s activity will not interfere with the bank system of Abkhazia.

07.24.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

No matter what the US Vice President Joseph Baiden with the Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili say, Russia will never give up its positions regarding Abkhazia, the Chairman of the Audit Chamber of Russia Sergey Stepashin stated at a meeting with the deputies of the Abkhaz Parliament in Sukhum.
 

As to the recognition of independence of Abkhazia by other countries, it is, according to Stepashin, "a matter of time".
 

“The question arises as to how Belarus comrades will go to you- the best Black Sea resort - through Georgia or through Russia”, Stepashin said, commenting on yesterday's recommendations of the consular department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Belarus to observe the laws of Georgia traveling to Abkhazia.
 

(The Deputy Head of the chief consular department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Belarus Alexander Lukashevich strongly recommended citizens to observe the laws of Georgia planning trips to Abkhazia and South Ossetia).
 

Stepashin called the position of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Belarus "strange". “I think that Alexander Lukashenko is unaware of this position, because two days ago I was in Minsk and met with him. We talked a lot about joint projects with the Head of Belarus, and he spoke well about Abkhazia and the Abkhaz people. It’s certain the Ministry for Foreign Affairs "has framed" him, Sergey Stepashin said.
 

“Abkhazia is a recognized state. It has established diplomatic relations with Russia. An intergovernmental agreement has been signed, and nothing prevents investments from coming here already since investments love peace”, Sergey Stepashin said.

07.24.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Chairman of the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation Sergey Stepashin considers admission regime at the Russian-Abkhaz border, roads, transport problems, the agroindustrial complex the “points of pain” of Abkhazia, he told the journalists after the meeting in the Parliament.

Stepashin also considers among “points of pain” the issue of property registration in Abkhazia, including the military one. “It is necessary to clarify the issue of property registration including military one, to allocate budgetary funds for their restoration and reconstruction”, Stepashin said.

The head of the Audit Chamber also stressed the importance of developing resort infrastructure in Abkhazia. In his opinion, a high-class resort can be created.

07.24.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Today in Sukhum the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh and the Chairman of the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation Sergey Stepashin discussed the issues of realizing economic projects.
 

“We have considered economic projects, in particular, on the railways, energy, transport, credits issues”, Sergey Bagapsh told the journalists upon termination of the meeting. “We have also discussed the issue of creating the Audit Chamber in Abkhazia which would monitor cash means expenditure”.
 

Commenting on the Protocol signing between the Parliament and the Audit Chamber scheduled for July 24, Sergey Stepashin said: “In the absence of the Audit Chamber in Abkhazia and taking into account different status of the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation, a Protocol will be signed instead of an Agreement”.
 

According to Stepashin, two important aspects will be reflected in the Protocol. “First, it is establishment of joint control since budgetary funds of Russia for which we are responsible under the constitution are a part of the consolidated budget of the Republic of Abkhazia. We will agree that we will not only watch for the money to come, but also for it to be used effectively for those programs which Sergey Vasilevich spoke about”.
 

Stepashin mentioned that the Audit Chamber is ready to render methodical and other aid to Abkhazia in forming and training future employees of the Audit Chamber of Abkhazia. “We have an Institute of system analysis to the Audit Chamber. Two years ago we created the Audit Higher School in Russia on the basis of a Moscow State University faculty. There are no such schools in Europe. It also predetermines the Protocol signing. Tomorrow I will speak before the members of the Parliament of Abkhazia, we will also talk about other issues”, Sergey Stepashin emphasized.

07.24.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Russia asks nobody to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia at any cost, the main thing is that we have done it, Grigory Karasin believes

Russia asks nobody to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia at any cost; this subject practically is not discussed in the course of contacts with the EU, the Deputy Head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Grigory Karasin stated today.
 

"We beg nobody, we ask nobody to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia at any cost”, he said. “If countries are not ready it’s their choice. The most important thing is that we have recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It is a guarantee of stability and security for the nations who live in those two states". "We hope that for the last months including thanks to the efforts of the Russian Federation, people living in South Ossetia and Abkhazia feel much more secure than throughout the previous 10-15 years", Karasin added.
 

He also stressed that "the subject of recognition or non-recognition", practically is not discussed in the course of the contacts with the European Union.
 

"After a while the life itself will show that the two new states of Transcaucasia need international recognition and support that their capability has proven that, but some time should pass for this", he considers.
 

According to him, "there will be many meetings” this time in Brussels. Negotiations with the head of the political department of the Secretary General of the EU Council Helga Schmidt will take place where "philosophy of relations with the post-Soviet states" will be discussed.
 

"We together with the European Union think how to stabilize the situation on the Southern Caucasus, first of all at the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian borders where owing to the situation development and withdrawal of the UN and OSCE international observers, the EU remains the only organization which has Monitoring Mission there", Grigory Karasin underlined.
 

Today the meeting with the Special Representative in Central Asia and on the conflict in Georgia Pierre Morel, and the EU Special Representative in Transcaucasia Peter Semnebi are also expected. Karasin also intends to have a "blitz-meeting" with the NATO Deputy Secretary General Martin Erdman who is in charge of the alliance cooperation with the third countries.

07.23.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Bagapsh: “… the Big treaty” is the foundation for the development of full-fledged relations between Abkhazia and Russia

“… the Big treaty” is the foundation for the development of full-fledged relations between Abkhazia and Russia. It has given the chance to approach legal formalization of our interaction in all spheres, including on security. The Russian guarantees coming from this treaty and the future agreements, are very high”, the President Sergey Bagapsh said in an interview to “Apsnypress” State news agency.  
 

Below is the full text of the interview of the Head of the State.  
 

Apsnypress: How do you evaluate the internal political situation in the republic now?

Sergey Bagapsh: I think, it’s quite stable. The government is engaged in solving social and economic problems, other serious problems. The opposition criticizes the authorities, out of place often.
 

Apsnypress: What about signing a military cooperation treaty between Abkhazia and Russia. Are preliminary discussions (at least in the Parliament) planned before signing?
 

S. Bagapsh: The Draft Treaty is at the revision stage. Abkhaz and Russian experts has been intensively working over it. Our remarks and offers to the draft have been already sent to Moscow. We expect our Russian colleagues to arrive in Abkhazia next week for the final consultations.
 

As to the preliminary discussion according to our legislation the National Assembly can request the draft. And there will be no problem about it.
 

Apsnypress: Signing of what treaties with the Russian Federation is on the agenda?
 

S. Bagapsh: A number of treaties between Russia and Abkhazia are prepared. Now we study about forty drafts. Intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements on military cooperation; on joint control of illegal migration; on mutual legal aid on criminal cases; on transfer of convicts for service of sentence; on control of illegal drug use; on cooperation in the field of emergency situations prevention and liquidation and others are among them.
 

In the economic sphere it is an agreement on rendering assistance to the Republic of Abkhazia in social and economic development; on investments encouragement and mutual protection, on cooperation and mutual aid in customs affairs.
 

I will repeat myself, many drafts in absolutely different spheres.
 

Apsnypress: How much, in your opinion, does the Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Aid treaty with Russia promote security of Abkhazia?
 

S. Bagapsh: I’ve already said that “the big treaty” is the foundation for the development of full-fledged relations between Abkhazia and Russia. It has given the chance to approach legal formalization of our interaction in all spheres, including on security. The Russian guarantees coming from this treaty and the future agreements, are very high.
 

The question is that having such guarantees our state should promote own security to the extent of its possibilities. We should have effective national army, strengthen it. Aid is aid, but nobody, except for us, is obliged to protect the Abkhaz state.
 

Apsnypress: What do you think, is the opinion that with the recognition of independence by Russia Abkhazia only gained independence from Georgia justified?
 

S. Bagapsh: One can argue this subject infinitely. Give me at least one absolutely independent state. There are no such states. And powers depend on each other. But as to Georgia I agree we indeed became at first de facto independent from it, then legally. It is the most important thing for our nation and country. And the process of further recognition is a matter of prospect.
 

Apsnypress: What is the visit of the head of the Audit Chamber of Russia Sergey Stepashin to Abkhazia connected with?
 

S. Bagapsh: It will take place in connection with the development of intergovernmental relations. Our plans to create the Audit Chamber of Abkhazia are not cancelled, and the Russian experience is very important for us. That’s why Cooperation Protocol is to be signed in the Parliament.
 

Apsnypress: Are visits of the top leadership of Russia to Abkhazia planned in the near future?
 

S. Bagapsh: These questions are discussed. Probably, yes.
 

Apsnypress: How would you comment on the latest political opposition’s statement made in connection with your interview to “Echo Moskvy” radio station?
 

S. Bagapsh: Well, as to accusations of readiness to renounce independence principles they are ridiculous. My actions for the last more than four years in achieving the recognition of independence do not accord in any way with these opposition’s statements. The words were lifted out, I am sure deliberately, of the whole answer in the interview. (I am sure that my words were lifted out deliberately of the full answer to the question in the interview) And I know the procedure of putting a question to a referendum not worse that opposition does. And can they guarantee that the law on referendum will not change in 50 years? I, for example, cannot. This is the first thing.
 

Secondly, “deliberate hampering the recognition” can be, when you are offered, and you refuse the recognition. History knows cases when one state recognized another for a fee. And there are states with not quite good history … Today there are countries whose recognition of Abkhazia will not add positive image to us.
 

If to speak about Zimbabwe, our opposition should know the situation in this country where, by different estimates, 50-100 thousand citizens were killed when the authorities were suppressing opposition’s protests. By the way, this cruel operation was called “the early rain which washes away the chaff before the spring rains”. Lyrically, isn't it? In this state the power is usurped by a dictator who has not changed in a democratic way since 1987. The country where a cup of coffee has recently cost something like one billion Zimbabwe dollars, where the rate of inflation in January, 2009 made 321 million percent a year – the highest one in the world, and, after all where national currency have been abolished … Excuse me, but I do not think that the recognition of our independence by Robert Mugabe will be a big victory of the Abkhaz state. But our opposition, apparently, thinks differently.
 

Apsnypress: The situation at the Russian-Abkhaz border (admission regime, long queues) rouses strong censure of the population of the republic and those who come on vacation here. How and when will the situation change for the better?
 

S. Bagapsh: We have repeatedly discussed this serious problem with our Russian partners. It is very difficult indeed. At the first stage our interactions in the customs and boundary spheres should change the situation. We also put a question of building an additional bridge over the river Psou since traffic and cargo flow is intensively growing.
 

A psnypress: The question of participation of the population of the Gal district in the election is again discussed by the society. What do you think about it? What documents will they vote by?
 

S. Bagapsh: Yes, we have discussed this problem time and again both at the Security Council and in the Government. I know that it worries opposition, some public organizations. There are certain alarms in the question of issuing passports to the district population and I agree with some of them. To minimize them, the government, special establishments should work well, these are security issues.
 

On the other hand, the subject of  #9 form seems a gamble to me. Because the question occurs: did the Gals vote at the referendum on independence of Abkhazia? Yes, they were allowed, they were even specially addressed with the request to support. Wasn’t it? Did the population of the Gal district elect the deputies of the Parliament all the post-war time? They did, and all of us were proud of it. Did they elect the First President? Yes. And the second one. Did they vote at the local governments’ elections? They did. It means that the authorities of Abkhazia recognized them as citizens of the country. And not only the Gals, half the population of the country voted by #9 forms! If it is not so, it means that everything that was with their participation for all the post-war years turns out to be illegal.
 

The question is why they cannot vote by the same document at this presidential election? Where is the logic?
 

One more question. Does it mean then, that all property deals, registration of houses and apartments which have been made by our citizens, including opposition’s representatives by this form are illegal?
 

I have only one answer- the state recognized the population of the Gal district as citizens of Abkhazia long ago. As to those of them who are dangerous to the country respective state services should work with them. Serious work should be done here instead of being engaged in political gambling on the eve of the next elections.

07.23.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba doubts that if US representatives are included in the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia it will allow to prevent incidents in the conflicts zones, "Interfax" reports.

According to Shamba, "US presence in Georgia has not led to containment of the Georgian aggression for all the past years". "There were military advisers, instructors there, they trained, equipped, armed the Georgian army and at that asserted it was done with a view of promoting home security, but in fact this army was then used for repeated aggressions against Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It was in 1992, 2001, 2006 and 2008 like this", he said.

"Unfortunately, presence of American advisers, instructors, observers has not led to stopping Georgia from armed provocations and aggressive policy. Quite the contrary, hopes of Americans push them to new provocations", the head of the republic’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs believes.

Besides, Shamba emphasized: "the EU Mission is in the territories of Georgia bordering on Abkhazia and South according to Medvedev- Sarkozy settlement plan and this document does not provide in any way for US presence in this region as a part of the EU Monitoring Mission".

07.22.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, At the session of the National Assembly taken place today on July 22 the deputies made changes to article 1 of the law “About increase of pensions to separate categories of pensioners in the Republic of Abkhazia”. The law takes effect from September 1, 2009.

“The retirement pension increases for 150 %”, the Chairman of the Committee on Social Policy, Family, Health and Labor Beslan Dzhopua said. “From September 1 the pensioners will receive 500 rubles instead of 200. It will take about 43 million rubles. The republic’s Pension Fund has this money. We have over 33 thousands retirement pensioners”.

“Besides, support loss pensions (per each disabled family member) will increase: 1000 rubles a month to children; 700 rubles a month to other family members”, Dzhopua added. “We have 1273 such families with 600 children”.

Also according to the new redaction of the law 200 rubles will be paid monthly to the pensioners receiving pensions for long service; 600 rubles to pensioners having “People’s…” and “Honored worker” honorary titles; 800 rubles to miners; 2000 rubles a month to children who lost both parents; 150 rubles to pensioners receiving social pensions (retirement and disability ones); 400 rubles to disabled workers of the I group; to disabled workers of the II and III groups 300 and 150 rubles a month respectively.

“For the future we plan to consider the question of increasing pensions to eyesight invalids, Patriotic War invalids of the 1 and 2 groups, invalids since childhood”, the Chairman of the Committee Beslan Dzhopua mentioned.

07.22.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Department of International Contacts created in capital’s Administration

Department of International Contacts has been created in the capital’s Administration. The head of Sukhum Administration Alias Labakhua appointed a lawyer Irina Shoniya department head.
 

The Department will be engaged in preparing draft agreements and treaties on joint activity; working with foreign organizations during their stay in the city; organizing foreign protocol visits of the Sukhum Administration leadership, Madonna Kvitsinia the chief of the Information Department of Administration said.
 

“Today Sukhum goes through the period of restoration not only in the sphere of economy. The city’s Administration step by step establishes close contacts with Russian cities, first of all, as well as reestablishes ties with twin-cities – Adapazari (Turkey), Kilmarnock (Scotland), Pointe-a-Pitre (Guadeloupe), etc.” Shoniya said.
 

In 2007 Sukhum was admitted in the International Assembly of capitals and big cities (IAC), a Cooperation Agreement in the sphere of economy, education, culture, sports was signed.
 

Since 2002 the capital of Abkhazia has participated in the Assembly of the International Black Sea Club with the headquarters in Varna.

Partner agreements have been signed with Volgograd, Podolsk, Ulan-Ude, Megion (Hunts-Mansijsk autonomous district of Russia).  
 

The international department intends to coordinate activities of the Administration’s departments, Sukhum’s organizations and establishments, aimed at development of international ties and contacts, to render assistance to them.

07.21.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

STATE-OWNED “ABKHAZCHAI” OFFERS TO REANIMATE TEA INDUSTRY IN GAL DISTRICT

The state-owned “Abkhazchai” company offers the Gal administration to reanimate tea industry, the head of the district administration Beslan Arshba said.

He specified that the new management of the state-owned company offers to lay new tea plantations with the total area of 5 000 hectares and to build modern tea factories.

“The population of the Gal district supports this idea since they have experience in cultivating tea crop. Tea industry reanimation will allow to solve the problem of employment of the majority of the population in the district. On the other hand, tea is important for maintaining soil fertility”, Arshba believes.
 

In spite of the fact that there are practically no tea plantations in the district, the well-known high-yielding variety - clone Colchis is still preserved.

07.21.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

PENSIONS DELIVERED TO OCHAMCHIRA DISTRICT PENSIONERS’ HOME

In the Ochamchira district pensions are delivered to pensioners’ home.

According to the district administration, Sberbank collector’s car has delivered money to the villages the most distant from the district centre for two months already.

07.21.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

MUHAJIRS’ DESCENDANTS SPENT TWO WEEKS IN FAMILIES OF NAMESAKES IN ABKHAZIA

On Thursday July 23, stay in Abkhazia of a group of Abkhaz Muhajirs’ descendants from Turkey will come to an end.
 

Young men and girls at the age from 19 till 27 have come on a visit to the historical Motherland thanks to support from the International Association of the Abkhaz-Abasin people (IAAAP), the Caucasian Committee of Solidarity with Abkhazia and the IAAAP Turkish branch.  
 

According to the IAAAP Secretary General Gennady Alamiya, young men and girls have spent two weeks in the families of their namesakes: Avidzba, Bgazhba, Gogua, etc.

“It is very important for our compatriots whose ancestors have been forced to leave Abkhazia during the Muhajirun period. I think that for this small period children have found feeling of home, have heard the native language, have made friends with the young men and girls of their age”, Alamiya said.
 

He hopes that such visits will help young men and girls get better acquainted with Abkhazia and will affect the decision to move here to a permanent place of residence and thus realize their ancestors’ dream of returning to the historical Motherland.  
 

In the sixtieth – seventieth years of the XIX century thousands of the Abkhaz were forced to leave the historical Motherland and to move to the Middle East countries. Muhajirs settled down in communities, restoring laws and traditions, customary in the Caucasus. The Abkhaz Muhajirs’ descendants live in 45 countries. The most numerous Abkhaz Diaspora is in Turkey.

07.20.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH OF WELCOME TO INTERNATIONAL “FOROS.ABKHAZIA” YOUTH FORUM PARTICIPANTS

The President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh took part in the opening of the international “Foros. Abkhazia” youth forum which was held on July 15 in Pitsunda.
 

Welcoming the forum participants- representatives of the youth organizations and experts from Russia, the CIS and Abkhazia, the President, in particular, said:
 

“On behalf of the leadership of the Republic of Abkhazia and on my behalf personally I’m glad to welcome you at the International “Foros. Abkhazia” youth political forum of experts!”
 

First of all, I would like to thank the Forum organizers the Institute for Political Studies, the Center of socio-conservative policy of the "United Russia", personally Sergey Aleksandrovich Markov and Dmitry Vladimirovich Savelyev for the opportunity given to the representatives of the authorities and youth to communicate with each other.
 

The urgency of the indicated issues is extremely high, and the role of youth is promptly increasing especially today, under the conditions of the world crisis and global competition.

The youth is a strategic resource of steady social and economic development. Introduction of innovative approaches and information technologies, use of foreign experience in economy, production, and management is a prerogative of young professionals.

Today formation of young political leaders, rotation of elites is especially important, after all the basic precondition of the crisis is stagnation of the world financial and political system. Today careful attitude to intellectual resources has key value. After all the youth, capable of generating new ideas is the main resource of contemporary policy and economy. A resource which is capable of promoting dynamical development of a state. The continuity of history and culture, life of older and reproduction of the next generations depend on it.
 

The state is obliged to realize it and undertake different measures to support young undertakings. The growing up generation has the right, moreover, must be involved in the process of changes in the country, in the formation of the state policy.
 

In this connection cooperation with youth public organizations and public authorities, real advancement of the youth to power, representation of its interests and search for mutual understanding is especially important. For Abkhazia the young potential has paramount value, after all it should become the foundation of our statehood and accept the challenges of the modern world.
 

The history of the people of Abkhazia is century struggle for independence.
 

Last August it led to a long-awaited victory.
 

The recognition of the sovereignty of Abkhazia by Russia became a new critical stage not only in the history of our state, but influenced considerably the course of global processes and international policy. The country’s foreign policy, adhering to the basic priorities, such as achievement of the international recognition and development of mutually advantageous political and economic contacts, gained new forms.
 

Today Abkhazia is a free, independent, democratic state. The small nation faces big goals. Perspective, educated youth will play one of the key roles in achieving them. It is their unique chance to direct the course of history, to change the country. Active participation of the young in social and political life of the state is necessary for this purpose.
 

Calling the youth organizations’ representatives to participate in the work of the authorities dealing with the problems of youth policy and other authorities, will allow to achieve this purpose.
 

I will mention in this connection that in the near future the Law “About the state youth policy” which will establish legal, social and economic conditions and guarantees for self-realization of young people and development of youth organizations and associations will be passed in Abkhazia.
 

Dear participants and guests of the Forum!
 

The importance of the discussed problems, brilliant membership of its participants predetermine indisputable success to the Forum!
 

I am certain, the decisions and initiatives worked out in the course of the meeting will be used for intensifying the dialogue and partnership of Russia and Abkhazia in the field of youth policy. I’m convinced, your knowledge, talents and energy will allow the world to take a resolute step to the stable and safe future!”
 

The President of Abkhazia wished the forum participants constructive teamwork and good rest.

07.20.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

RUSSIAN, ABKHAZ CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE SIGNED COOPERATION AGREEMENT

A Cooperation Agreement between the Chamber of Commerce of the Russian Federation and the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Abkhazia was signed on July 16 in Moscow.
 

From the Russian side the document was singed by the Senior Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Russian Federation Boris Pastukhov, from the Abkhaz one the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Abkhazia Gennady Gaguliya.
 

The President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh, the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Russian Federation Evgeniy Primakov and the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Russian Federation Georgiy Petrov participated in the signing ceremony.
 

“We do not begin cooperation with the Abkhaz Chamber from the very start. There is cooperation experience within the frameworks of the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the Southern Federal District. Now it will be easier for our countries’ entrepreneurs to establish bilateral interaction”, Boris Pastukhov said, “Today a new stage of interaction between business circles and Chambers of the two countries begins. The meaning of the agreement is that it will be used, first of all, for combining our efforts in a number of tasks, the main one of which is to use business potential... This agreement gives green light to the Russian and Abkhaz business”.
 

The signed agreement provides for assistance of the parties in strengthening trade and economic, scientific and technical and other business ties between the communities of entrepreneurs of the two countries, information interchange, assistance in frontier trade and aid to the companies in participation in exhibitions and fairs in Abkhazia and Russia.
 

“Equitable partner attitude of the Chamber of Commerce of the Russian Federation having enormous long-term experience and authority not only at home but also among similar structures worldwide is especially important and precious for us. Support from such a partner is especially valuable. The Cooperation Agreement between the Abkhaz and Russian Chambers is another important step in development and strengthening relations which have already developed between our Chambers”, the President of the Abkhaz Chamber Gennady Gaguliya said following the results of the meeting.

07.18.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

VIII ANNUAL "Khibla GERZMAVA INVITES..." FESTIVAL OF CLASSIC MUSIC TO OPEN TODAY IN SUKHUM

VIII annual "Khibla Gerzmava invites …" festival of classic music will open tonight in Sukhum in the Abkhaz State Philharmonic Society. The 2009 festival is devoted to Fazil Iskander's anniversary.
 

"Following the lead of the great Fazil Iskander, Khibla Gerzmava strives for glorifying the Motherland in the world cultural space. The means received from sale of tickets, will go for charity purposes", the official site for Khibla Gerzmava (www.Khibla.ru) says.
 

The festival became possible thanks to active assistance from the leadership and the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia.
 

Within the frameworks of the "Khibla Gerzmava invites …" festival a concert of young musicians will take place on July 21.
 

Financial support to the festival was rendered by the patrons of art Zaur Mikvabiya, Beslan Agrba, Ruslan Dzhopua, and Harry Gvazava..
 

The main event of the festival will be on September 4. “Moscow Virtuosi” Chamber Orchestra will play in honor of Fazil Iskander’s anniversary. Maestro Vladimir Spivakov is behind the conductor's stand, the soloist is Khibla Gerzmava. The concert will take place thanks to Andrey Dudko's invaluable friendly aid. The host of this cultural event is Svyatoslav Belza.

07.18.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

RUSSIAN MFA SATISFIED WITH RESULTS OF INCIDENTS PREVENTION MEETING

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Russia expects that the first meeting within the frameworks of the mechanism on incidents prevention which was held in Abkhazia on July 14 attended by the representatives of the United Nations, the EU, Abkhazia, Georgia and Russia, will be followed by concrete steps.
 

"We are satisfied with the meeting which was held on July 14 in the city of Gal (Abkhazia), we welcome it and we will continue to participate in this mechanism, expecting that this meeting will be followed by concrete results", Grigory Karasin the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation told the journalists in Moscow.
 

According to Karasin, Russia considers the mechanism which has started to work at the Georgian-Abkhaz border, as an element of stabilizing the situation on the Southern Caucasus. "Want it or not, but we have always faced obstruction attempts, attempts to influence negatively the situation from the part of Georgia. It was gratifying that the Georgian representatives took part in that meeting in quite even a manner", the diplomat said.
 

The decision to resume regular meetings between Georgia and Abkhazia was taken at the fourth round of the Geneva discussions on security in Transcaucasia on February 17-18, 2009. The system of regular contacts between the parties was called the mechanism on incidents prevention. Such meetings have not been held since 2007 in connection with aggravation of the situation in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone. The meetings are aimed at prompt stabilizing the situation in the region.
 

At the meeting in Gal Georgia and Abkhazia have agreed to hold meetings for incidents prevention in a zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz border once in two weeks.

07.17.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO CONTINUE REALIZING HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS IN ABKHAZIA

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba met with representatives of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Bo Gunnar Asplund, Inita Paulovica and Niels Kristensen.
 

The projects carried out by UNDP in Abkhazia were discussed at the meeting. According to Mr. Asplund, “all UNDP programs in Abkhazia will be realized together with other international organizations”.
 

“ Projects on water supply in the Gal district are carried out together with UNHCR. With participation of the World Food Program (WFP) the “Food for Work” project is carried out, Asplund specified.  
 

In turn Sergey Shamba mentioned the Abkhaz side’s interest in the presence of international organizations and humanitarian projects they realize.  
 

“In comparison with Georgia, small means are allocated for Abkhazia for programs realization though our republic not Georgia suffered from the war most of all, the Minister stressed.
 

The Minister emphasized the necessity to take the real situation into account and to observe the balanced policy. He thanked UNDP representatives for the projects realized in Abkhazia and assured them of further support.

07.17.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN GEORGIANS AND ABKHAZ OCCURRED 20 YEARS AGO IN SUKHUM

On July 15-16, 1989 an armed conflict between Georgians and Abkhaz occurred in Sukhum. The reason for the conflict was illegal creation of the Georgian branch of the Tbilisi State University on the basis of the Abkhaz State University in Sukhum.

The leadership of Abkhazia has repeatedly made requests to the higher Soviet instances “not to follow the tastes of the local Georgian nationalists and not to open a TSU branch in Abkhazia, provoking international conflicts”, however those requests were disregarded.
 

The July 15-16 events led to human victims. 6 were dead, 178 wounded from the Abkhaz side. In July, 1989 the conflicts occurred not only in Sukhum, but also in Ochamchira, Gagra, and the Gulripsha district.
 

“The tragical events of July 15-16 became a kind of the first warning. We all remember the struggle for ASU preservation. The July conflict was preceded by numerous negotiations; attempts to prevent university separation on the national basis, to find a compromise, but it was all in vain”, the Executive Secretary of the Public Chamber of the Republic of Abkhazia Natella Aqaba remembers.
 

“Then it became clear to all that the blood shed would lead to a war. Militant chauvinism, endless mass-meetings and processions of the Georgian part fitted clearly in the scenario stated in the well-known Zviad Gamsahurdiya’s letter “To the Georgians of the Western Georgia”, Aqaba says.
 

“The nostalgic memories of the Georgians about good coexistence with Abkhaz which was affected by the third force sound ridiculous. The events of 20 years’ prescription showed what actually the relations had been”, she added.
 

Natella Aqaba believes that "the new" leadership of Georgia has not learnt a lesson from the past neither from the 1989 events, nor from the 1992-1993 Georgian-Abkhaz war, nor from August, 2008 events.

07.17.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

VIII “KHIBLA GERZMAVA INVITES…” FESTIVAL DEVOTED TO PROMINENT WRITER FAZIL ISKANDER’S ANNIVERSARY

“… the artist begins when he gives more than he was asked. Generosity is the highest demonstration of sincerity. The art is business of the generous …” Fazil Iskander

According to Khibla Gerzmava’s official site, in 2009 in Abkhazia the VIII annual “Khibla Gerzmava invites…” festival of classic music is held.
 

It is a young festival; he was born together with the new century in 2001. The festival became possible thanks to active assistance from the leadership and the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia. For today “Khibla Gerzmava invites…” festival of classic music became the main cultural event of Abkhazia.
 

The 2009 festival is held in honor of Fazil Iskander’s anniversary. Following the lead of the great Fazil Iskander, Khibla Gerzmava strives for glorifying the Motherland in the world cultural space.
 

This year the Festival is held in the Abkhaz State Philharmonic Society again opened after reconstruction. The means received from sale of tickets will go for charity purposes.
 

“Khibla Gerzmava invites …” festival program includes a concert of young musicians on July, 21. The concert will take place thanks to support from the patrons of art Zaur Mikvabiya, Beslan Agrba, Ruslan Dzhopua, and Harry Gvazava.
 

The main event of the festival will be on September 4. “Moscow Virtuosi” Chamber Orchestra will play in honor of Fazil Iskander’s anniversary. Maestro Vladimir Spivakov is behind the conductor's stand, the soloist is Khibla Gerzmava. The concert will take place thanks to Andrey Dudko's invaluable friendly aid. The host of this cultural event is Svyatoslav Belza.

07.16.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

ABKHAZIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION: CURRENT PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF MUTUAL RELATIONS

“If the European Union wants to be involved in peacekeeping and economic processes on the Southern Caucasus, as it has repeatedly declared, it should develop working, pragmatic relations with Abkhazia”, an expert, the Abkhaz President’s advisor for foreign affairs Vyacheslav Chirikba believes. Speaking on Tuesday July 14 in Sukhum at “the European Union Expansion: policy and processes" round table, organized by the European Union Institute for Security (Paris) in cooperation with the Center for Humanitarian Programs (Sukhum), he said: ‘At the moment the relations between Abkhazia and the EU go through the period of considerable coolness. Such development could have been avoided, should the European Union have a neutral, more unbiased and pragmatic position”.
 

Abkhazia and the European Union: current problems and prospects of mutual relations.
 

Both from the geographical and the political point of view the Republic of Abkhazia is a part of the European space, a part of Europe. Having gone through a devastating war with Georgia, blockade from the part of the CIS countries, Abkhazia proceeds along the path of building an independent democratic state. Despite difficulties and contradictions, any unbiased observer can hardly say that Abkhazia has not become a state. Abkhazia is a rather stable political system, and experts assess its economic potential rather high. In the presence of investments, and they have already started to come to the republic though the crisis has slowed down a little this process, Abkhazia will become again an economically prosperous country in the near future.
 

Nevertheless, especially recently, Abkhazia has faced considerable problems from the point of view of interaction with the largest and the most important international organizations. Thus, the UN Mission in Abkhazia withdrawal because of rigid ideologisized position taken by some Security Council’s members though compromise wordings which would suit all the parties were offered, in particular, by Russia was a serious disappointment.
 

In some circles in the West there was hope that the again formed European Union’s Mission can replace the United Nations Mission. However this has not happened. What is the reason of the present fiasco of the European Union in Abkhazia?
 

Initially the European Union seemed to have good prospects in Abkhazia. During Javier Solana’s visit  to Abkhazia in June, 2008 the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union said that the European Union wants “to be deeper involved” in the Abkhaz conflict settlement. At the joint press conference with the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh after their meeting, Solana said that he had had "a very interesting" and "deep" talks with the authorities of Abkhazia and thanked Bagapsh, calling him "president", ‘for understanding”. ‘We would like to help”, Solana said. “…You know there are already formats for this purpose. Anyway, we are ready to be more involved, we are here already … but we still want more involvement. Together we can move this process forward.”
 

From his part President Bagapsh when meeting with European politicians, spoke about the common European house where Abkhazia sees itself as a full participant.
 

One of the main consequences of the August war in South Ossetia was the recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia. It astonishes that the European Union countries which shortly before, in February, 2008, recognized Kosovo as a separate state which has separated from Serbia as a result of the NATO bombings reacted so negatively to the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia. Especially sharp criticism of Russia was heard from the lips of the Heads of the Baltic countries, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Albania as well as Sweden, Great Britain and the USA. Only Switzerland from the European countries reacted to the recognition of independence of the two Transcaucasia countries evenly and without hysterics.
 

The European Union’s reaction to the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is thus distinctive. On September 1, 2008 the Summit of the States and Governments heads of the EU member states adopted the statement which, in particular, says: “the EU Summit has rigidly condemned the unilateral recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia. This decision is unacceptable; we call other countries not to recognize this self-proclaimed independence …”
 

By the way, this statement contains, at least, two legal lapses: any recognition is unilateral when one state decides to recognize another state. Besides, any independent country is self-proclaimed – the country itself proclaims its independence not someone else. These legal lapses, by the way, show that the European Union simply has no true, real arguments against Russian recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Javier Solana also made a statement that the European Union would never recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
 

Besides the statements, the European Union leaders started concrete steps aimed at non-admission of the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by other countries. Thus, during a meeting in Minsk on February 19, 2009, according to the Reuters agency, Solana warned the Belarus President against the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Belarus. The same February the Czech Minister for Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg as the Czech Republic chaired the European Union then, warned Minsk that if it recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states it would lose participation in the Eastern Partnership program launched by the European Union.
 

Earlier, in September, 2008, the European Union called Kazakhstan not to recognize independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. According to the press release following the results of the tenth session of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council, “the European Union induces Kazakhstan not to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia according to international principles”.
 

Now the European Union countries have started what can be called “visa war against Abkhazia”. For the possessors of Russian passports for travel abroad living in Abkhazia, it became extremely difficult to receive visas to some EU countries. The reason for refusal is either not given, or recommendations to receive the visa in the Embassy in Tbilisi is made. By the way, an official of Peter Semnebi’s office asked for concrete examples of refusals at our meeting. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia prepared information and sent it to the office. However after that literally the other day a group of Abkhaz children was refused visas to Germany.
 

All these facts testify that the European Union strives for isolation of Abkhazia on the international scene.
 

All this, of course, has created extremely negative background for mutual relations of Abkhazia and the European Union. Though originally cooperation with the European Union has been seriously considered by the Abkhaz leadership, however unfriendly policy and concrete EU actions led to the fact that Abkhazia began to consider the European Union as a party of the conflict in sympathy with Georgia. For this reason, in particular, all the EU attempts to conduct monitoring in Abkhazia failed.
 

I would like to emphasize that the current sharply negative position regarding Abkhazia taken by the EU leadership, is rather emotional than rational, and sharp speeches of the Governments of those European Union countries which have recently recognized independence of the Serbian province Kosovo, are a vivid evidence of double standards policy.
 

If the European Union treated the problem of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict impartially it would become clear to its representatives that, as a matter of fact, we deal with collapse of the former state the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic and formation of three new states – Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia on its basis. As well as in the case with collapse of Yugoslavia, the European Union should have sent a commission like Yogoslav Badinter’s commission which, undoubtedly, would ascertain that the former state which has been stuck together by Stalin from Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, disintegrated, and that this corpse could not be reanimated.
 

Why didn’t even, rational, unbiased approach to the problem of Abkhazia and Georgia triumph over? In my opinion, there is a number of reasons here:
 

1. Extremely negative reaction of many European Governments to independent steps of Russia on the international scene in juridical recognition of the two in fact independent states what they perceived as "Russian expansion”. Though, it is necessary to stress that in view of expansion of, so to speak, not quite friendly to Russia the NATO military block to the Southern Caucasus, such steps from the part of Russia were easy to be foreseen.
 

2. General weak knowledge of the Governments of the European Union of historical roots of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict.
 

3. Unwillingness of the European Union to consider the complicated question about the right of the nations to self-determination. This explains an emphasis on "uniqueness" of the Kosovo legal case what, by the way, is not accepted by a number of serious experts in the field of international law.

4. Extremely effective Antiabkhaz Georgian propaganda campaign to which, unfortunately, Abkhazia opposes almost nothing. The result of this serious Abkhaz information gap is clearly seen, in particular, in the attitude of the European Union countries as well as many other countries of the world to Abkhazia.
 

What do we have as a result? Unfortunately, it is necessary to ascertain that at the moment the relation between Abkhazia and EU go through the period of considerable coolness. Such development could have been avoided, should the European Union have a neutral, more unbiased and pragmatic position. I am sure that it will end in several years, and Abkhazia as a European state, will come to a new stage of cooperation with the European Union. But while the European Union should do the homework –to study thoroughly the roots and features of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict and to develop rational, ideology and emotions-free policy with regards to Abkhazia. I am far from thinking that it can lead to a near diplomatic recognition of Abkhazia by the EU countries. However, if the European Union wants to be involved in peacekeeping and economic processes on the Southern Caucasus, as it has repeatedly declared, it should develop working, pragmatic relations with Abkhazia, like those that have developed earlier between Abkhazia and the United Nations what assumes, in particular, giving up the policy of isolation of Abkhazia which has absolutely no prospects, what has been proved by the long-term blockade of Abkhazia from the part of the CIS countries.

The Geneva consultations which are actually held under the aegis of the European Union where a delegation of Abkhazia is present on equal terms with other participants can be considered as the first positive experience of such pragmatic approach from the part of the European Union. Representatives of the European Union also participate in the pentalateral mechanism on incidents prevention.

Taking into account these first, positive steps and processes, I would like to express confidence that sooner or later we will witness a more constructive period in so far short history of mutual relations of the Republic Abkhazia and the European Union.

VYACHESLAV CHIRIKBA

07.16.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

7 UN MILITARY OBSERVERS INCLUDING CHIEF MILITARY OBSERVER GENERAL ANWAR HUSSAIN LEFT ABKHAZIA THIS MORNING

Seven UN military observers, including chief military observer General Anwar Hussain left Abkhazia this morning. Now there are no military observers and policemen of the former UN Mission in the republic. Its mandate expired on June15.  

Officials of the UN Political Office and the Office of the High Commission on Human Rights will leave Abkhazia in the near future. There will only be a team to deal with withdrawing the Mission.

07.16.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS HOPES THAT “COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS WILL BE CONTINUED ON DIFFERENT TERMS”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba received the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in a zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict Joseph Stefanidis.
 

Sergey Shamba thanked Stefanidis for all the things he had managed to do here during that difficult transition time. “I wish you had good impression of your stay in Abkhazia. I hope that you will come to Abkhazia in another status, in a more favorable situation when there will be more progress in our country’s development”, the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia emphasized.  
 

The head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs expressed hope that “cooperation with the United Nations will be continued on different term, according to new realities”. "We would like new terms of the United Nations presence to be found”, Shamba said.
 

Then Stefanidis and Shamba discussed without journalists technical questions connected with winding up the Mission.
 

Upon termination of the meeting with the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Joseph Stefanidis said in an interview: “I have worked for a short time in Abkhazia, but at the same time it didn’t prevent me from learning that hospitable, cordial people live here. I wish all living here all the best and I hope that all the people living in this region, will live in peace”.

07.16.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL JOSEPH STEFANIDIS EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO GOVERNMENT OF ABKHAZIA FOR ASSISTANCE RENDERED TO THE UN MISSION

The Prime Minister of Abkhazia Alexander Ankuab was visited with a farewell visit by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in a zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict Joseph Stefanidis.

“For those several meetings we’ve had, it became obvious to me that you are a person who is deeply concerned over the destiny of the people. You have a strategic vision how to lead the country in order to improve quality of life of the population and to build strong institutions so that they could be sure of their security”, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations said.  
 

Stefanidis thanked Ankuab “for the assistance and support to the Mission of the United Nations during all the time it has been to Abkhazia”. “I’m grateful for understanding my colleagues and I have found here. Some Mission’s employees will be here for some time. We keep in touch with your authorities, and I hope that practical issues will find support and understanding”, he said.
 

Joseph Stefanidis assured that “the United Nations Organization will continue to monitor the situation in order to assist in strengthening peace and stability in the region”.
 

In turn the Prime Minister underlining the role of the UN Mission expressed “a regret that we have to part". "We were not the initiators of wrapping up the UN Mission. It’s not our choice. But the fact should be admitted. Under new circumstances it is necessary to search for new ways of interaction with international organizations and with those who treat us with bias, Ankuab said.
 

The head of the Government emphasized that “for all the time intended for withdrawing the Mission, it will not drop out of sight and attention of the country leaders”. “There will be no excesses; the process will be completed accurately”, the Prime Minister said.  
 

Ankuab mentioned that “Stefanidis will be a welcome guest of Abkhazia in any status”.
 

“We haven’t seen each other often, but for the short period of time that you have been here, I often remembered and was interested how you were getting on. Be aware that you leave the country as a person who will be waited for at any time and in any status”, the Prime Minister said.
 

A. Ankuab asked Stefanidis if “it’s been already decided where he will work after Abkhazia?”
 

“I’m 64. The age is big, but I feel young inside, I wish to hope that there will be a new appointment. In the end of August I go to New York”, Stefanidis answered.
 

The Prime Minister of Abkhazia presented memorable gifts to Stefanidis. “They will remind you of Abkhazia”, Ankuab said.
 

Joseph Stefanidis thanked the Prime Minister and said: “Abkhazia is a paradise on earth. Abkhazia will always be in my heart. I will remember your kindness and all other members of the leadership. I hope a day when I can arrive here again will come”.

07.16.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

PRESIDENT OF ABKHAZIA MET WITH DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL

On July 15 the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh received the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations Joseph Stefanidis. In connection with seize of the UN Mission’s activity in Abkhazia the diplomat made a farewell visit to the Head of the State.

Sergey Bagapsh emphasized that the leadership of Abkhazia regrets that the United Nations Mission finishes its mission. “We were interested in your Mission’s presence in our country; however, the position of some countries supporting Georgia has led to adoption of such a decision by the Security Council of the United Nations”. The Head of the State thanked the UN Mission’s staff and personally Mister Stefanidis for their activity in the territory of Abkhazia.

In turn Joseph Stefanidis expressed gratitude to Sergey Bagapsh and all the leaders of Abkhazia for the assistance rendered to the Mission of the United Nations.

07.16.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF RUSSIA TO THE NATO DMITRY ROGOZIN ARRIVED IN ABKHAZIA WITH WORKING VISIT

The President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh met with the Permanent Representative of Russia to the NATO Dmitry Rogozin on Tuesday July 14 in Sukhum. The Speaker of the National Assembly Nugzar Ashuba, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev participated in the meeting.

A wide range of questions of the Russian-Abkhaz cooperation was discussed at the meeting.

Upon termination of the meeting Dmitry Rogozin told the journalists that during the visit he intends to visit the Russian border guards’ positions in Abkhazia to familiarize himself with the conditions they serve in. The Russian politician highly assessed the level of the state mutual relations between Abkhazia and the Russian Federation and expressed confidence that they would only strengthen in future.

Dmitry Rogozin stressed that he visited Abkhazia on the eve of the Russia-NATO summit which is due to open on July 22 in Brussels.

07.15.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

DAVID SIGUA’S RELATIVES TRY TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT HIM FROM GEORGIAN PATRY AND THE UN

David Sigua's relatives try to obtain any information about him from the Georgian party and the United Nations. The wife and a sister of David Sigua who was kidnapped three years ago, have waited for five hours at the closed gate of the former Gal office of the UN Mission where a pentalateral meeting on the development of the mechanism of incidents prevention was held, for a meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Georgia Johan Verbeke.

After the pentalateral meeting was over Verbeke received Sigua’s relatives.

Let us remind that the head of the Gal district election committee David Sigua was kidnapped by the Georgian special services on February 3, 2007 from his own house.
“We haven’t heard anything about him for three years already. Johan Verbeke promised us to raise this question at the following meeting on incidents prevention in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone”, David Sigua’s spouse said after the meeting.

The leadership of Abkhazia has repeatedly made requests to the Georgian party, international organizations, in particular, the United Nations, OSCE, the European Union and the Council of Europe to help release David Sigua and Fridon Chakaberiya kidnapped by the Georgian special services. (The head of administration of the village of Bargyab of the Gal district Chakaberiya was put on probation later in Georgia for allegedly drug pushing and released - Apsnypress).

The authorities of Abkhazia from its part handed over to Tbilisi  as a good will act a citizen of Georgia Levan Mamasakhlisi convicted as a terrorist.

07.15.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

UN SECRETARY GENERAL’S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE CALLS FIRST MEETING ON INCIDENTS PREVENTION IN GEORGIAN-ABKHAZ CONFLICT ZONE “FRUITFUL”

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Georgia Johan Verbeke called the first meeting which was held today in Gali within the frameworks of the pentalateral mechanism on incidents prevention in a zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict "fruitful”. According to ITAR-TASS, he told the journalists about it in Zugdidi where he had arrived after the meeting.

Verbeke said that "a normal discussion has taken place at today's meeting”. He stressed that "all the five parties – participants of today's meeting have expressed respect to each other what has a crucial importance for the negotiations to progress".

The head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia Hansjorg Haber stated that "participants of the meeting have agreed that Verbeke will chair the future meetings". "It was nice to see that the Georgian and Abkhaz parties showed flexibility at today's meeting which is a positive factor", Haber said.

The head of the Georgian delegation, the chief of the Information and Analytical Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Shota Utiashvili said that "technical details and procedures for the following meetings have been agreed at the first meeting”. "At the following meeting we will start considering essential issues, one of the main things will be the question of promoting security and sociopolitical rights of the Georgians living in the Gal district who make the overwhelming majority of the district’s population", Utiashvili stressed.

07.15.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

SPECIAL COMMISSION PREPARED PROPOSALS ON CREATION OF NATIONAL PARK IN KODORI VALLEY

The final session of the Commission on the development of proposals on creation of the National Park in the Kodori valley took place, the Chairman of the Commission, the chief of the State Ecological Service of the Republic of Abkhazia Roman Dbar said.  

The Commission’s report will be submitted for the President’s consideration within the next few days. According to Dbar, “the proposed territory of the”Kodori valley” National Park is the unique place of the Caucasus that needs special protection of the state”.

The Commission’s report contains description of the proposed borders of the Park, the ecological and geographical characteristics of the territory of the created Park, the list of the monuments of historical and cultural heritage and the objects which are in the region, draft Regulations on the “Kodori valley” National Park, the concept of the long-term development of the National Park. The area map with the National Park borders, the location scheme of the objects of historical and cultural heritage, photos are also enclosed.

“The National Park is adjoined by the Teberda reserve from the North, by the Pskhu-Gumista State Reserve from the West which is contiguous with the Ritsa Relic National Park closed on the Caucasian biospheric reserve in the territory of Russia what creates a united indissoluble system of specially protected territories on either side of the Greater Caucasus Range”, Roman Dbar said.

07.14.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

The arrangement to hold on July 14 in Gal a pentalateral meeting on prevention of incidents in a zone of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict was achieved at the Geneva discussions on Transcaucasia, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Maxim Gvindzhiya informed today from Geneva.
 

Delegations of Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the USA, and South Ossetia participate in the Geneva discussions holding under co-chairmanship of the EU, the United Nations and OSCE.  
 

The President’s advisor for foreign affairs Vyacheslav Chirikba and a member of the executive committee of the International Association of the Abkhaz-Abasin People Zeki Kapba worked in the security problems group.
 

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Maxim Gvindzhiya and the chief of the International Department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Lana Agrba participated in the work of the refugees group.  
 

“We have presented a package of offers on humanitarian problems, in particular on the problem of return of refugees, their registration, solving the problems of restitution and damage compensation. Our offers have been accepted by the discussions’ organizers. We have also presented a document about delegitimizing economic sanctions against Abkhazia for experts to study”, the diplomat said.

07.02.2009  Official site of the president of the Republic of Abkhazia