Sukhum, Abkhazia’s Foreign Ministry has issued a protest over the seizure by Georgian naval forces of a krainian dry cargo ship that called into Abkhazian territorial waters previously.

“Georgia continues the policy of Abkhazia’s economic isolation by seizing commercial ships that head for or traverse the territorial waters of the Republic of Abkhazia,” the note said.

“Such actions on the part of Georgia contravene the international law of the sea and humanitarian law and are rightfully considered to be acts of aggression,” the ministry said.

Abkhazia voices indignation over “the complete inactivity of international missions in Georgia, since their presence in that country does not help normalize the situation in any way and practically connives at the acts of aggression on the part of the Georgian government.”

The ministry asked all the participants in the Geneva discussions on stabilization in South Caucasus “to take urgent measures towards preventing such provocations on the part of Georgia in the future.”

Georgia’s Coastal Guard on Thursday detained the Akkord dry cargo carrier in the port of Poti where it had arrived with a consignment of grain in its holds.

Georgian authorities accused the crew of “illegally crossing the country’s maritime border on a previous occasion.”

According to the information released by the Coastal Guard, the twelve-strong crew consists of eleven citizens of Ukraine and a citizen of Russia.

Neither the ship’s captain nor the sailors have been arrested. They are staying aboard the ship and have the freedom of movement.

Under Georgia’s laws, offenses of this kind imply responsibility of the ship owner. This means that the Akkord will either be confiscated or its owners will have to pay a heavy fine.

07.30.2010  Itar-Tass

 Participants of discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia affirmed intention to take part in consultations further

At the 12th round of discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia held on July 27 in Geneva, Russia expressed its protest to the draft resolution of the General Assembly on the situation with refugees and internally displaced persons in Abkhazia and South Ossetia proposed by the Georgian delegation to the United Nations, a Russian delegation representative, deputy director of the CIS Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexey Dvinyatin told ITAR-TASS, commenting on the results of the consultations held under the aegis of the United Nations, the EU and OSCE attended by the delegations of the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the USA, and the Republic of South Ossetia.
 

According to the diplomat, discussions were held in a traditional format of two panels - on security and humanitarian issues, and in the second case the group activity “was saddened” by a draft resolution submitted to the UN General Assembly on July, 16. “We believe that this draft resolution undermines completely the activity conducted in Geneva and discussion of humanitarian issues within the framework of the working group”, Dvinyatin said. In his opinion, the document “in fact duplicates this work and, in that case, the humanitarian group in Geneva should be disbanded, discussion of the refugees issue should be transferred to the UN General Assembly in New York with obligatory invitation of the Abkhaz and South Ossetian parties”.
 

In turn the EU Special Representative Pierre Morel said that it was not the first time such resolutions were submitted, and it was not a question of a new initiative. He added that last September after the draft resolution had been adopted by the UN General Assembly, “different contradictory opinions were expressed, however it did not interfere with work", and it was continued.
 

As to the atmosphere of the discussions it, according to Dvinyatin, "was working, almost all delegations refrained from aggressive rhetoric, display of disrespect to the partners”.
 

The current round of consultations turned out to be under the threat of failure after the Abkhaz President Sergey Bagapsh stated Sukhum restrained its participation in the 12th round of consultations so that the mediators could make concrete, thought-out proposals. Sukhum eventually decided not to disrupt the negotiations, but lowered the level of the country’s representation. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin did not participate in this round of negotiations either.
 

Having touched upon this issue, the Russian diplomat said that "all participants have affirmed the intention to participate in the Geneva discussions further; it also applies in full to the Abkhaz party”. “But we, undoubtedly, should analyze and trace all external events and initiatives like the mentioned Georgian draft resolution influencing negatively the course and prospects of the Geneva discussions”, Dvinyatin added.
 

Commenting on the situation, the UN representative Antti Turunen said that, “there is a certain political will that will make it possible for us to continue discussions”, and Pierre Morel added that "there is movement... We go forward step by step, taking into account all the developed problems”.
 

The final communiqué adopted after the discussions, emphasizes that “despite some worrying incidents including kidnappings and detentions, general situation at the local level is stable”.
 

The consultations co-chairmen “specified that all participants should act in accord for the protection of the right of free movement”, and also "proposed a concept of the stage-by-stage approach that will be discussed during the preparation for the next round”.
 

The thirteenth round of consultations is scheduled for October 14. Discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia have been held since October, 2008 on the basis of arrangements of presidents of Russia and France, reached after tragical August, 2008 events in South Ossetia.

07.27.2010  Official site of the president of the republic of Abkhazia

Geneva, Participants in Geneva consultations on South Caucasus will make on Tuesday yet another attempt to draw up a document providing non-aggression guarantees between Georgia and the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The Geneva talks on security in the South Caucasus were first held in October 2008, following a five-day war between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia in August that year. The war began when Georgia attacked the republic in an attempt to bring it back under central control. As a result, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another former Georgian republic, Abkhazia.

Participants in the talks have so far failed to adopt a legally binding non-aggression treaty that would assure security in the region. They only worked out proposals concerning the prevention and settlement of conflicts between Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Delegations from Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Georgia, Russia and the United States participate in the Geneva meetings on an equal footing. Representatives of the European Union, the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe also attend.

After the previous round of talks held in June, the delegations of South Ossetia and Abkhazia said the negotiations had come to a standstill. They threatened that they would withdraw from the talks if no progress was made. Tbilisi described the statement as an attempt to disrupt the talks.

In a sign of protest against the negotiators' reluctance to adopt the non-aggression treaty, Abkhaz delegation head Vyacheslav Chirikba will not take part in Tuesday's talks. He has threatened that the Abkhaz negotiators would miss the next round of talks if no draft project of the treaty is drawn up on Tuesday.

07.27.2010  RIA Novosti

Brussels, EU foreign ministers extended on Monday the EU monitoring mission (EUMM) in Georgia by one year.

The ministers "adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union monitoring mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia) by twelve months until 14 September 2011," an official EU statement said.

The EUMM Georgia, consisting of 225 international monitors, began operating two months after a short-lived war between Russia and Georgia over the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008. The mission's goal is to ensure that all sides abide by the ceasefire terms they agreed to in September 2008.

The UN and OSCE monitors in Georgia ended their missions last year, making the EU observers the only international presence in the country.

Russia blocks the EUMM's extension to the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, whose independence it recognized shortly after the ceasefire.

Besides Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and the tiny island nation of Nauru are the other three countries to have recognized the independence of the regions.

07.26.2010  RIA Novosti

The International Court of Justice’s recent ruling that Kosovo’s declaration of independence was legitimate has sparked reaction from two other states which are also seeking acknowledgment.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia say the court's decision confirms the double standards of Western countries over their right to independence.

Abkhazia's Prime Minister Sergey Shamba says the two republics have more of a right to their own sovereignty than Kosovo.

“The precedent confirms a people’s right to determine their own identity, at the same time giving our arguments more weight,” Shamba told RT. “On the other hand, it is all politicized and we cannot be sure that if we went to The Hague we would get a similar ruling.”

“We probably wouldn’t, in spite of the fact that we have more historical, legal and moral grounds to demand independence than Kosovo,” he added. “Double standards do exist – it’s not a secret to anyone. In any case, people who object to our independence will now find it difficult to openly claim that we do not have the right to determine our own standing.”

07.25.2010  RT

Mexico, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez and his counterparts from Abkhazia and South Ossetia – Sergei Bagapsh and Eduard Kokoity – discussed major issues of bilateral relations. Over the meeting, the leaders signed a set of documents on cooperation between the two republics and Venezuela, a diplomatic source in Caracas said on Saturday.

The presidents signed agreements on the establishment of diplomatic relations and memorandums on mutual understanding, which describes a mechanism of political consultations. The set of documents included agreements on cooperation in the economy, trade, energy, agriculture and other spheres.

The three presidents inked a joint statement, which expresses the firm intention to strengthen “the tight connections of friendship and cooperation in politics, the economy and culture.”

On September 2009, Venezuela made a decision to establish full-fledged diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

07.24.2010  Itar-Tass

Sukhum, Abkhazia celebrates the National Flag Day on Friday.

A law on new state symbols was adopted 18 years ago, on July 23, 1992, at the Abkhaz Supreme Council led by Vladislav Ardzinba. The law adopted on July 23, 2007, defined the national flag as a state symbol of Abkhazia.

Flowers were laid to the Ardzinba grave in the Eshera village in the Sukhum district and to the Glory Memorial in Sukhum.

The project entitled “Historical Banners of Abkhazia” was presented in Sukhum. Historical banners Abkhazia had throughout the period of its statehood were put on display and donated to the Abkhaz State Museum.

A concert climaxed the celebrations.

07.23.2010  Itar-Tass

A passenger boat will sail off from the Russian Black Sea resort of Tuapse on Wednesday on a test trip to the Gagra resort in Abkhazia.

Such trips on comfortable tourist boats will become regular and will ease pressure on automobile roads in Sochi and the Adler checkpoint.

Customs clearance and border control will be carried out at the Sochi port.

07.21.2010  The Voice of Russia

Managua, The time has come for the international community to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said on Tuesday.

Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh and South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity are in Nicaragua for talks with Ortega.

Ortega said in an interview with RIA Novosti that the joint visit "is a kind of a signal to the international community that it is time to...recognize the sovereign right of the Abkhazian and South Ossetian peoples to live in accordance with their choices."

"It is time to recognize that such notions as independence, a chance to choose your destiny, are the indispensible rights of any nation, large or small," he said.

Ortega noted that the history of the fight for independence in Nicaragua had similarities with events in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"If you consider how Abkhazia and South Ossetia fought for their independence, we have a lot in common. Our countries have trodden a common path of armed struggle," he went on.

Ortega said bilateral talks, slated for later on Tuesday, will see the discussion of specific issues of mutual cooperation.

"It is time to move toward concrete agreements. This concerns not only the political but also economic, cultural and sports spheres," he said.

The talks will be part of the 31st anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, which ousted dictator Anastasio Somoza and brought Ortega to power for the first time.

Besides Russia and Nicaragua, Venezuela and the tiny island nation of Nauru are the only other two countries to have recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia since a short-lived war between Russia and Georgia in August 2008. Fighting began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it back under central control.

07.20.2010  RIA Novosti

The delegation of Abkhazia continues the state visit to Nicaragua. Today President Sergey Bagapsh will take part celebrations dedicated to an anniversary of the Nicaraguan Revolution, President’s Official Representative Christian Bzhania told Apsnypress on the phone.

According to him, the delegation of Abkhazia will stay in Nicaragua till July 21. A visit to Venezuela will be paid from July 21 till July 23. During the visit meetings with President Hugo Chavez are planned.

Sergey Bagapsh's visits to Nicaragua and Venezuela are paid on the invitation of presidents - Daniel Ortega and Hugo Chavez.

Within the framework of the state visit agreements on friendship and cooperation, as well as a whole range of other documents are to be singed.

The Abkhaz delegation headed by the President also includes the Defense Minister Mirab Kishmaria, the Minister of Economy Christina Ozgan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Maxim Gundzhia, the Chairman of the National Bank Illarion Argun, the first deputy head of the Presidential Administration Zurab Kadzhaya, the President’s Official Representative Christian Bzhania, the President’s aide Noshrevan Chachba, etc.

07.19.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 The Public Chamber believes “Forces striving to destabilize the situation the country and split our society” are behind Chakmack’s murder

“On the night from July 16 to July 17 a representative of the Religious Board of Moslems of Abkhazia in the Gagra district, a 1992-1993 Patriotic War of the Abkhaz Nation participant, a Public Chamber member Emik Chakmach was shot in Gagra outside his own house by unknown persons, the Council of the Public Chamber of the Republic Abkhazia’s statement released today reads.

“During the last week it is already the second case of attempt on the life of an activist of the Muslim community of the Republic of Abkhazia”, the Public Chamber says. The Public Chamber assumes, “the forces, striving to destabilize the situation in the country and to split our society are behind these crimes”.

The Public Chamber expresses hope that “the law enforcement bodies will take all measures for a quick investigation into these crimes and punishment of the guilty”.

07.19.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, Representative of the Abkhazian Spiritual Muslim Board Emik Chakmach-ogly was killed in the center of Gagra, the General Prosecutor's Office told journalists on Saturday.

Unidentified criminals shot him dead from a pistol in the yard of his house when he was getting out of the car.

Chakmach-ogly was member of the republican Public Chamber and chaired Gagra branch of the Abkhazian Spiritual Muslim Board.

The Prosecutor's Office has initiated a criminal case. Fired cartridges were found near his house, ballistics tests are due.

07.19.2010  Interfax

The presidents of the two republics are visiting the states that recognized them as the EU reiterates its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.

Abkhazian and South Ossetian leaders Sergey Bagapsh and Eduard Kokoity are negotiating with the leadership of Nicaragua, one of the four nations to recognize the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.

The Abkhaz President said the visit of the republic’s delegation was taking place according to a schedule approved in advance. Kokoity arrived with delay due to problems with his plane. His Falcon-type airplane made an emergency landing due to a technical failure at Vantaa Airport in Helsinki on July 18.

Kokoity and Bagapsh will also visit Venezuela. Both leaders recently received credentials from Nicaraguan and Venezuelan ambassadors. Kokoity believes that the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassador level will enable better use of the potential for cooperation of “the countries that share common approaches to many key issues.” He also described the recognition of South Ossetia by Venezuela and Nicaragua as “an act of historic significance.”

Following the conflict in the North Caucasus, Nicaragua recognized the independence of the republics of South Ossetia and Abkahzia on September 3, 2008. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during his trip to Moscow on September 10, 2009 also announced that his country recognized the two republics.

Both Bagapsh and Kokoity are attending celebrations on July 19 marking the 31st anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution. They will meet with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and sign a host of bilateral agreements on trade, economic cooperation and visa-free travel. They will also sign agreements with the Venezuelan leader.

“The history of Abkhazia resembles that of the people of Nicaragua,” Bagapsh said on July 18, adding that his country’s delegation was paying the visit at the invitation of Ortega. He thanked Russia and other countries that have recognized the independence of the former Georgian republic.

Bagapsh reiterated recently that Abkhazia will “never return to Georgia,” but added that good-neighbor relations between the two countries should be developed. He also stressed that Russia helps Abkhazia because Moscow is interested in “stability in the South and North Caucasus.”

As Abkhazia and South Ossetia are developing relations with South American countries, Tbilisi is strengthening ties with the European Union. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who visited Georgia last week, advised Tbilisi to resume dialogue with Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s population.

However, Ashton stressed that the EU supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and welcomes the position of its authorities “to resolve the problems peacefully and diplomatically.” Bagapsh is accusing Tbilisi of aggressive plans and unwillingness to sign a peaceful pact.

The EU is launching negotiations on Georgia’s associated membership to the EU, which will replace the agreement on cooperation and partnership.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also noted that the European Union monitoring mission is an important factor for ensuring stability in the region. She traveled to the Georgian-Ossetian border and was briefed by EU monitors on the border situation where incidents are not rare.

On July 19, a group of Georgian citizens was detained for trying to cross the South Ossetian border, Interfax reported, citing the South Ossetian State Security Committee. They reportedly tried to drive from South Ossetia to the Georgian Kareli district in evasion of
border checkpoints.

The group was detained near Lopan in the Znauri district by a patrol of Russian border guards. Russian servicemen were stationed in South Ossetia according to the agreement on joint protection of the South Ossetian-Georgian border and the South Ossetian border law.

Meanwhile, politicians in South Ossetia commented on Ashton’s statements about Georgia’s territorial integrity. Gennady Kokoev, a deputy of the South Ossetian parliament, noted the republic’s leadership and population “should ignore” her words.

She said “nothing new about the EU’s position towards the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,” he noted. “This is their principal position and they are unlikely to change it in the near future,” he was quoted by South Ossetian Res news agency as saying.

“However, it is also clear that this is the continuation of a policy that does not recognize the existing realities,” the deputy noted, adding that “these realities existed even before Russia recognized South Ossetia.”

The EU’s position is “simply virtual, ungrounded and amazing,” Kokoev said. This position supports “the aggressive side” in the conflict and does not bring any new element to the existing balance of forces,” he said.

Alan Pliev, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Ossetia, also noted that the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetie have actually been independent for almost twenty years. Now for full-fledged development they only need Russia’s recognition, he stressed. (Sergey Borisov, Russian Opinion and Analysis Review, RT)

07.19.2010  RT

The presidents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will on Saturday start official visits to Nicaragua and Venezuela - two of the four countries that have recognized the Abkhazia and South Ossetia's independence.

Sergei Bagapsh and Eduard Kokoity plan to conclude friendship and cooperation agreements with the countries. Bagapsh will head to Nicaragua this night from the southern Russian resort of Sochi, and Kokoity in the morning from Moscow.

Abkhazian Prime Minister Sergei Shamba told RIA Novosti that the two presidents have different agendas despite the fact that they fly to the same places.

"This is the first friendly top-level visit. The delegation consists both of government officials and Abkhazian businessmen. A number of documents will be signed in both countries," Shamba said Thursday.

The documents to be signed include an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance, as well as trade cooperation and trade navigation deals and a visa-free travel agreement.

"Besides this, business deals will be discussed," Shamba said. "We hope they will be signed there."

Abkhazia's foreign and economy ministers, Maxim Gunjia and Kristina Ozgan, will accompany Bagapsh on the trip. Bagapsh will stay in Nicaragua until July 21.

Nicaragua was the second country to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent after the August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. Russia recognized the two former Georgian republics shortly after the conflict, which began when Tbilisi attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it back under central control.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez also recognized the republics in September 2009, as did the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru in December last year.

Bagapsh will take part in celebrations dedicated to the 31st anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua, which will take place on July 19. The revolution ousted dictator Anastasio Somoza and brought Daniel Ortega to power. Ortega served as president in 1985-1990, after the revolutionary junta was dissolved, and after three electoral defeats was elected again in 2006.

South Ossetian President Kokoity is also to take part in the celebrations in Nicaragua.

South Ossetia's ambassador to Russia, Dmitry Medoyev, said South Ossetian Foreign Minister Murat Dzhioyev and state counselor Konstantin Kochiyev will accompany Kokoity on the visit.

In Nicaragua, the South Ossetian delegation will also hold talks with the country's authorities, during which several agreements are expected to be signed, Medoyev said.

The delegation will then fly to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, for talks with President Hugo Chavez and other Venezuelan officials, he said. The talks are also expected to see the signing of several deals.

Both Abkhazian and South Ossetian presidents are due to leave Latin America on July 23.

07.17.2010  RIA Novosti

Tbilisi should restart talks with the population of the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, European Union's foreign policy chief said ahead of her first visit to Georgia on Thursday.

"We encourage Georgia to reengage with the populations in the conflict regions in accordance with its recently adopted Action Plan, in the interest of people affected," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said.

The EU official added that Europe "will remain fully engaged in conflict resolution efforts employing a wide spectrum of its instruments."

She also reiterated support for Georgia's territorial integrity and hailed the country's "commitment to solving conflicts only through peaceful means and diplomatic efforts."

Ashton will start her two-day trip to Georgia on Thursday. She will visit the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and meet with the country's top officials, including President Mikheil Saakashvili and Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze.

She will also launch the negotiations for an EU-Georgia Association Agreement, a document to replace the existing Partnership and Cooperation deal, in Batumi on Thursday. The talks will be conducted by deputy chief of the European Commission's external relations directorate, Hugues Mingarelli and Georgian deputy foreign minister, Tornike Gordadze.

The document "provides for the strengthening of relations between Georgia and the European Union in priority fields," the Georgian foreign ministry said on its website.

It "will give Georgia the possibility of political association and phased economic integration with the European Union," the ministry said.

On Saturday Ashton will then travel to Kazakhstan, the current chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to attend an informal meeting of OSCE foreign ministers in Almaty.

07.15.2010  RIA Novosti

Talks on Georgian NATO membership are impossible as long as Georgia does not recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Russia's ambassador to NATO said on Monday.

"While the problems surrounding South Ossetia and Abkhazia remain unresolved (and they will not be resolved until Georgia recognizes the republics' independence) Georgia's road to NATO is closed," Dmitry Rogozin said. "NATO cannot allow itself the luxury of accepting a state with uncertain borders."

Long-standing tensions between Russia and the former Soviet republic of Georgia turned violent during a five-day war in August 2008 when Tbilisi attacked South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders, in an attempt to bring it back under central control.

Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia shortly after the military conflict with Georgia. The republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are also recognized by Nicaragua, Venezuela and the tiny island state of Nauru.

07.12.2010  RIA Novosti

 Sergey Bagapsh: “Work with Abkhaz Diasporas in Turkey, Syria and  Western European countries is an important area of foreign policy activities of the Republic of Abkhazia”

Work with Abkhaz Diasporas in Turkey, Syria and  Western European countries, establishment of strong contacts with cultural organizations of compatriots, creation of favorable conditions for their repatriation to the historical Motherland is an important area of foreign policy activities of the Republic of Abkhazia, President Sergey Bagapsh declared today, delivering to the Parliament his annual message on the state of affairs in the country.

“We face the task of working out a state concept on the problem of repatriation, including the fine-tuning of mechanisms of social, cultural and political adaptation of repatriates in the environment new to them”, he said. “From the point of view of intensification of contacts with compatriots and the process of their return, opening of direct sea and air communication with the Turkish Republic is one of the top priorities since that would simplify communication with the historical Motherland for many our compatriots”.

At the same time, according to the President, Abkhazia continues to participate actively in the Community For Democracy and Rights of Nations. The emphasis is placed on the sphere of political, cultural and socio-economic relations with the member-countries of this interstate association.

“We are vitally interested in maintaining stability and solid peace in the Caucasian region, in its socio-economic and political development. Forming a friendly environment and strengthening good-neighborliness on the principles of respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity is of key value for our country. Abkhazia's neighborhood with the Russian Federation creates favorable conditions for overcoming isolation from the outer world, for dynamical, peaceful development and prosperity”, the President of Abkhazia declared.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Abkhazia insists agreement on international guarantees of security, non-use of force be signed in Geneva

Abkhazia has restrained its participation in the 12th round of Geneva discussions held in the framework of arrangements between presidents Medvedev and Sarkozy, President Sergey Bagapsh declared today, delivering his annual message to the Parliament.

“During regular meetings our representatives continue to insist on the necessity of signing an agreement on international guarantees of security and the non-use of force which will make it possible to eliminate to a considerable degree the threat of a new conflict with Georgia. However the Georgian party avoids discussing such a document, insisting on withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and deployment of international forces there what is, of course, absolutely unacceptable for our countries. Moreover, we have a stale confidence that the international mediators of the discussions connive actively at the Georgian party. And until the situation changes, we will not be able to participate in them”, the President said.

Speaking about the Geneva discussions, the head of state pointed to their “broad enough international context and high level of representation of the parties participating in them”.

According to Bagapsh, apart from discussing security issues and humanitarian problems, in Geneva representatives of Abkhazia have the chance to bring to the attention of European and American partners directly, without mediators the position of the Abkhaz party on a broad spectrum of political and humanitarian issues. It makes the Geneva talks a convenient diplomatic forum for direct contacts and information interchange with the European Union, the United Nations, OSCE, and the USA, the President considers.

“Abkhazia does not have another channel like this  for today. That's why we have made a pause for the mediators to have a possibility to prepare concrete, well thought-out proposals. Only then we will be able to continue work in a constructive course”, the President said.

A certain positive role in the information interchange in relation to security issues and reduction of border tension, according to the head of state, is also played by the Mechanism on incident prevention and response, developed during the fourth round of Geneva discussions. Regular meetings in the city of Gal of representatives of the Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian parties, in cooperation with representatives of the United Nations, OSCE and the European Union are held within its framework.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Health care and education institutions of Abkhazia should be used strictly according to the intended purpose

President Sergey Bagapsh demanded from the State Committee on State Property Management and Privatization to revise all lease contracts or decisions to privatize health care and education institutions.

“Schools, kindergartens, hospitals and polyclinics cannot be privatized by anybody. They should be used strictly according to the intended purpose. And if we have committed some errors in past years,  today we should correct them all”, Bagapsh said, delivering to the Parliament his annual message on the state of affairs in the country.

“We should stop using the words  “my” and “taken”. It is necessary to go over to the word “our”. It is a question of state property which should be used for the intended purpose, instead of being taken away bit by bit by anybody even if he has military services”, Sergey Bagapsh stressed.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President Sergey Bagapsh called law enforcement bodies to stop sorting out relations with each other

President Sergey Bagapsh called the law enforcement bodies to stop sorting out relations with each other, but to unite efforts in struggle against crimes and illegality.

“All security, defence and law enforcement agencies should work in one vain, in one direction. All kinds of interdepartmental (the State Office of Public Prosecutor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, courts – Apsnypress) showdowns  are not acceptable. They only prevent the law enforcement bodies from struggling against crimes”, President Bagapsh said today, delivering to the Parliament his annual message on the state of affairs in the country.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 An arms law should be passed in Abkhazia

President Sergey Bagapsh considers it necessary to pass the law “About arms trade in the Republic of Abkhazia” as soon as possible.

“It is a complicated matter, but we should solve it. The sooner we work out and pass this law, the better for the Abkhaz society as as whole”, the head of state said, delivering to the Parliament his annual message on the state of affairs in the country.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Russian troops did not occupy Abkhazia, they are here on the basis of an interstate agreement, ensuring security and stability of the region” - President Sergey Bagapsh

“The Parliament and public organizations must react to the statements like those made by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, naming the presence of Russian service men occupation”, the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh said today.

Both the head of state and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia intend to make statements regarding it.

“Russian troops did not occupy Abkhazia, they are here on the basis of an interstate agreement, ensuring security and stability of the region”, Sergey Bagapsh emphasized.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 The international recognition of the republic's independence by certain countries has become a crucial stage in the life of modern Abkhazia - President Sergey Bagapsh

The international recognition of the republic's independence by certain countries has become a crucial stage in the life of modern Abkhazia, President Sergey Bagapsh said, delivering his message to the Parliament. The process of renewal of political and socio-economic life of the country, that  began two years ago, as he said, is going on. “We we will be increasing this process persistently in the upcoming years, for this the country has necessary resources and conditions”, Bagapsh said.

Speaking about the strategic ally of Abkhazia - the Russian Federation, the President emphasized that only Russia during the August, 2008 events when Georgia with support of some western countries had committed another aggression, could prevent a swiftly impending humanitarian catastrophe in the South Caucasus.

“Thereby Russia has reaffirmed that today it is the real guarantor of security and stability in the region. We support resolutely this policy as it accords with our interests”, Sergey Bagapsh declared.

According to him, “dynamically developing relations between Russia and Abkhazia have no analogue in the centuries-old history of the Russian-Abkhaz interaction”. “These relations are cooperative, mutually beneficial, legal, interstate, and are built on the basis of a combination of national interests of both states. Therefore strengthening and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia is a task of vital importance today”, the President emphasized.

According to the President “active foreign policy activities aimed not at settlement of the conflict with  Georgia, but the recognition of Abkhazia by other countries of both near, and far abroad” has become more significant for Abkhazia.

Sergey Bagapsh regrets that the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union countries, being guided by "double standards”, do not hide at all their disapproval of independence of Abkhazia. Moreover, according to the President, “some of them, first of all the USA, has put and continue to put open pressure upon the countries, wishing to recognize Abkhazia”.

07.07.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

A staff mobilization training that will finish on June 7 has begun in the Armed Forces of the republic.

The training theme is “Activities of  military administration bodies, formations, military units, military commissariats and mobilization of troops”, the acting Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Ankuab said.

The summer training period in the Armed Forces of Abkhazia began on July, 1.

In June a Defense Ministry commission had inspected all military units for the purpose of assessing their readiness for the summer training period. The commission had established that all military units were ready for the exercises.

07.05.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin urged Georgia to abstain from seeking outside assistance in resolving its dispute with the newly emerged states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

“There is no need to seek solutions on the side,” Putin stated, referring to US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s recent criticism of Russia’s “occupation” of Georgian territory.

“Some think that [the territory] has been occupied, while others think it has been liberated,” Putin added. “It is the subject of talks between the peoples of Georgia and South Ossetia. And they should conduct this dialogue without referring to third parties.”

The Russian premier has once again reiterated that “We did not start that war.”

“Responsibility is borne by those who started it. They should pluck up their courage and find a way to the hearts of the people whom they wounded. An agreement should be negotiated,” Putin stressed, Itar-Tass writes. “Russia, just like other members of the international community, can only be a guarantor,” he added.

The premier was speaking to journalists at the Second World War museum in Moscow, where he was shown projects of a memorial that is to be erected in the capital as a symbol of Kutaisi's Glory monument, which was demolished by the Georgian authorities.

Georgian opposition supports Putin's statements

Georgia's former PM and the leader of Movement for Fair Georgia Zurab Nogaideli said, Putin’s statement is “an important message for Georgia.”  The country should itself seek the path to the hearts of the people in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, he told journalists in Moscow on July 6.

Tbilisi should “return Abkhazians and Ossetians,” he said, adding that it's the only way to settle the conflict and unite Georgia. “Russia will be co-operating in this process, if our actions are responsible,” NewsGeorgia agency quoted him as saying.

Nogaideli has visited Moscow for the eighth time since October 2009 to meet Russian politicians and representatives of the Georgian diaspora.

Hilary Clinton supports Tbilisi

Meanwhile, on Monday, on the last leg of her tour to Europe and Caucasus, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton visited Georgia “to deliver a clear message” of support to Tbilisi.

“The United States is steadfast in its commitment to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States does not recognize spheres of influence,” she said at a joint media conference with President Mikhail Saakashvili, as quoted on the State Department’s website.

“We continue to call for Russia to abide by the August 2008 ceasefire commitment signed by President Saakashvili and President Medvedev, including ending the occupation and withdrawing Russian troops from South Ossetia and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict positions,” Clinton stated.

Washington’s relations with Saakashvili – once a favorite of the Bush Administration – chilled down after the change of power in the White House and the Caucasus conflict. Clinton’s visit and her rhetoric has become an encouragement for the Georgian leadership and an assurance that Tbilisi’s interests won’t be left aside as Washington “resets” relations with Moscow.

“Throughout the years, since the fall of the Soviet Union, American assistance has been decisive in protecting Georgian independence, helping our democracy to grow,” the Georgian leader said, as written on the US State Department’s website.

“This has been especially true in the recent critical period after the invasion of our country in 2008 in his statements defending our sovereignty by President Obama, the visit of Vice President Biden here last year, and your personal commitment to the end of the occupation of our country even a few days ago in Krakow, have been and are essential.”

07.05.2010  RT

Moscow insists that it is time to broaden interactive opportunities for all the parties to the Geneva talks on the Caucasus, Russia's permanent representative to the OSCE Anvar Azimov has said.

"It is time to expand the dialogue opportunities for all members of the Geneva discussions without exception," Azimov said, as quoted by Itar-Tass. "We believe that the OSCE (The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe), with its all-embracing approach to security, is a convenient platform on which the Abkhaz and South Ossetian sides could communicate their positions to the other parties,” he said, speaking in Vienna at the council of the co-chairs of the Geneva talks from the EU, UN and the OSCE.

The official suggested that “It may be possible to hear regular reports by representatives from Sukhum and Tskhinval under the auspices of the current presidency in the format of informal briefings for the delegations concerned.”

Such contacts, according to Azimov, “are needed for getting ‘first hand’ information to facilitate a better understanding of the existing concerns, interactive exchanges, and joint search for compromise solutions.”

The previous – eleventh – round of Geneva talks on security and stability in the Caucasus region, following the August 2008 conflict when Georgia attacked South Ossetia, ended in a deadlock. The parties failed to come to a compromise over a treaty that would guarantee the non-use of force by Georgia against the two republics.

Speaking on Thursday, Russia’s representative to the OSCE said that the lack of progress on the issue left the Abkhaz side disappointed.

“That is the reason why Abkhazia – in a special note – stated that they believe it would not be reasonable to conduct the next round Geneva discussions scheduled for July 27,” Azimov said.

He recalled that instead of yet another meeting “Sukhum suggested using the additional time to prepare a realistic draft agreement on the non-use of force, which could be considered at the next international meeting in Geneva next autumn.”

Since the August War, Geneva has been the main venue for the conflicting sides to try to find a compromise and bring peace and stability to the region. Speaking in Vienna, Azimov confirmed Moscow’s intention to continue taking part in the multilateral dialogue.

According to Russia’s representative, the main value of the Geneva meetings is their status.

“Currently it is the only format where representatives of the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia and South Ossetia, and also Russia, the US, the UN, the EU and the OSCE are involved on an equal basis," Azimov said.

07.02.2010  RT

 Russian government rendered humanitarian aid to Abkhazia

Sukhum, The Russian government has rendered humanitarian aid to Abkhazia. An IL-87 landed in the “Sukhum” V. G. Ardzinba international airport on Thursday, July 1.

The plane delivered 40 tons of humanitarian cargo – medicines, medical equipment, foodstuff, blankets. A spokesperson for the EMERCOD of the Republic of Abkhazia told Apsnypress, this aid was supposed to be distributed among the needy.

At the Sukhum airport the plane was met by Prime Minister Sergey Shamba, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev, the EMERCOD chief Lev Kvitsinia.

Up to 18 trucks with a new consignment of humanitarian aid are expected literally one of these days.

07.02.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, On Tuesday, July 6 the results of GDP of Abkhazia calculation will be discussed in the Presidential Administration.

The President, vice-president Alexander Ankvab, the Prime Minister Sergey Shamba, the Minister of Economy Christina Ozgan, the head of the State Statistics Department Z. Avidzba, representatives of the Parliament, the National Bank, the Academy of Sciences, the Abkhaz State University, the Center for Strategic Research, the Union of entrepreneurs of Abkhazia will participate in the discussion.

07.02.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President Sergey Bagapsh has presented state awards to a whole number of public and political figures who have contributed into formation and development of the republic

Sukhum, President Sergey Bagapsh has presented state awards to a whole number of public and political figures who have contributed into formation and development of the republic. The award presentation ceremony has been held today, on July 1, in the Presidential Administration.

The second class "Akhdz-Apsha" (“Honor and Glory”) Order was presented to: the Hero of Abkhazia Otar Lomia and the director of the Research Institute of Agriculture of the Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia Lesik Aiba.

The third class "Akhdz-Apsha" (“Honor and Glory”) Order was presented to the vice PM of the Government Alexander Stranichkin.

The President presented singer Zoya Anshba, the director of Sukhum medical college Irma Akirtava, the chief expert for the Institute of Pedagogics Syrma Agrba, popular schooling veterans Svetlana Sarsania, Alla Badia, Tina Arshba, Galina Madzhgaladze; a sphere of tourism veteran Adelaide Otyrba with the third class "Akhdz-Apsha" Order.

For contribution into the development of Abkhaz printing industry the President presented Zynaida Kove, Flora Feizba, Firuza Kapba, and Svetlana Iosava with the third class higher state award.

The director general of the resort of "Pitsunda" Valery Kirtbaia, the director general of “Solnechny” holiday hotel Rimma Ardzinba, the director of “Abkhazberegozashita” state-owned company Maxim Kharchilava, the chief of municipal department Zurab Amichba, the former director general of "Abhazstroi" Boris Arshba, the head of the department of agriculture of the Tkuarchal district administration Amiran Dzhindzholia are among the awarded with the third class “Akhdz-Apsha” Order.

A militia colonel Konstantin Adleiba and a member of the republic’s Council of Elders Akaky Bigvava are awarded with the third class “Akhdz-Apsha” Order.

07.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, Serious work on beatifying the territory around the cave of Abrskila, putting the cave itself in order will be done in the village of Otap of the Ochamchira district, President Sergey Bagapsh said today at a meeting with the "United Abkhazia” activists.

He called this place a unique nature object attractive both for local residents, and for numerous tourists coming to Abkhazia. “It is necessary to take children there, tell them the history of Abrskila whose name the cave bears”, the President believes.

Before the Patriotic War of the Abkhaz nation the Otap cave has been visited by numerous tourists.

07.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President Sergey Bagapsh to inspect personally construction of treatment facilities in Tkuarchal

Sukhum, President Sergey Bagapsh intends to familiarize himself with construction of treatment facilities and compliance with the arrangements reached by the management of "Tkuarchalugol" and the Government of the Republic, he said today at a meeting with the “United Abkhazia” activists.

The President called fair indignation of residents of some villages of the Ochamchira district at the river Aaldzga pollution as a result of coal mining.

At the same time he said the problem was being solved– the firm had delivered very good equipment, and now rock was not dumped in the slag-heap. And it will take time for the river to become purer.

The President promised to stop coal mining in case of further river pollution by coal.

Speaking about the situation in the city of Ochamchira, Bagapsh said that the country leadership allocated money for building a bread-baking plant, putting central streets of the city in a proper order.

A magnificent sports hall, a ministadium has been already built in Ochamchira, the district Recreation Centre is under repair, the President said.

07.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Delegation of Abkhazia led by President Sergey Bagapsh to pay an official visit to Nicaragua and Venezuela in the middle of July

Sukhum, In the middle of July a big delegation of Abkhazia led by President Sergey Bagapsh will pay an official visit to Nicaragua and Venezuela, Sergey Bagapsh said today at a meeting with the “United Abkhazia” activists in Sukhum.

According to him, the delegation is not unlikely to also visit Cuba. “I think, after these visits some more countries might recognize the Republic of Abkhazia”, the head of state said. “We do not force the process of recognition, but we do not stop working in this direction with African countries, the Middle East, Caribbean and South American countries”.

According to Bagapsh, “the USA and the European Union attitude towards Abkhazia is changing: today they say they do not try to return Abkhazia into Georgia. But they have another task: to tear Abkhazia away from Russia as soon and as far as possible”.

“We have chosen our strategic ally – Russia not for advantage-seeking reasons, but by our heart. Our ancestors have done it when they cast in their lot with Russia. Whether Americans like it or not, nobody will tear nobody away from anybody”, the President of Abkhazia stressed.

07.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Bagapsh: In big politics there are no absolutely independent countries. Russia is our strategic partner and ally

Sukhum, “In big politics there are no absolutely independent countries. Russia is our strategic partner and ally. We appreciate what this country» has done for Abkhazia”, President Sergey Bagapsh said at a meeting with the “United Abkhazia” activists.

As he said, “one might say that Abkhazia is as dependent on Russia, as Germany is on the USA”. He stressed the importance of the friendship, cooperation and mutual aid treaty, signed between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia, presence of Russian service men in Abkhazia promoting security and stability in the region.

Bagapsh told party activists about large investment projects implemented in Abkhazia with the help of Russia. It is a question of supplying Abkhazia with gas, laying a gas pipeline over the Black Sea bed from Tuapse to Sukhum and then to Ochamchira, projects of restoration of the railways and the Military-Sukhum road connecting the Southern shelter (Abkhazia) with the Northern shelter (Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia).

“We have been looking into the issue of building a highway connecting the North Caucasus with Abkhazia through Tkuarchal, but the complicated mountain landscape does not make it possible”, Bagapsh ascertained regretfully. The President is convinced that the putting into operation of a highway from Abkhazia to Karachay-Cherkessia will affect economic growth and turnover.

He called the project of grain re-export economically sound for Abkhazia; it will remove the problem of purchasing it for the republic. The Sukhum mill plant will start working at full capacity. The following year it will receive up to 500 thousand tons, and in a year - up to 1 million tons that will bring in up to RUB 250 mln into the budget.

Bagapsh informed about the possibilities of liquefied gas and bitumen transit, re-export of cargoes from Turkey and China to Russia.

“I am often asked how customs control will be carried out in this case? Russian border guards in ports will work jointly with the Abkhaz structures. Cargoes which go as transit cargoes to Russia will be examined by Russian border guards, and cargoes for Abkhazia by Abkhaz border guards and customs officers”, Bagapsh emphasized.

07.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Abkhazia will have to live under international law - Sergey Bagapsh

Sukhum, “Abkhazia is no longer as it has been before August, 2008 events. The international recognition of independence imposes heavy responsibility on us”, President Sergey Bagapsh said at a meeting with the “United Abkhazia” activists.

Abkhazia will have to live under international law. “All disputable issues including endless housing complaints must be settled as required by the law”, he said.

The head of state lays certain hopes on the judicial system reform, qualitative improvement of its work.

According to the President, he and other members of the government receive a lot of complaints about judges’ illegal decisions, officials’ utterly rude attitude, unsatisfactory work of law enforcement bodies, violations at the border, and insults to the people coming on vacation to Abkhazia.

The President also drew attention to violations at the Georgian-Abkhaz border. “The control check we have conducted has shown that money has been illegally taken from a man when he crossed the border on the river Ingur. Another shift has taken money from him when he came back”, Bagapsh said with indignation.

The President promised to establish order there till the end of his second term in office with support from his associates.

Touching upon the country’s budget, he said, the following year it would possibly increase for RUB 500 mln.

“We owe much to our people. Increase of the budget will give us the chance to increase their salaries, benefits and other social payments. First of all it applies to disabled veterans, orphans, mothers who have lost their sons. Our teachers’ salaries are inadmissibly low”, Bagapsh said. “At the expense of what can we boost salaries? Certainly, at the expense of the increase of the budget, at the expense of the development of economy, creation of industry, transit, re-export. And we have a lot of such programs.

07.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia