The Abkhaz-Abazin Diaspora of Western European countries ''Pro Abkhazia'' expresses deep condolences to the people of Abkhazia, Vladislav Grigorevich Ardzynba's family

The Abkhaz-Abazin Diaspora of Western European countries ''Pro Abkhazia'' expresses deep condolences to the people of Abkhazia, Vladislav Grigorevich Ardzynba's family in connection with his sudden death.

“It is an irreplaceable loss for each representative of our nation, for all those whom our history is dear to. The personality of the First President of Abkhazia - a leader, a fighter for independence, a great politician, a well-known scientist - is an example of ardent patriotism and selfless service to the people”, the Abkhaz-Abazin Diaspora of  Western European counties' condolences read.

At the discussions on security in Transcaucasia held in Geneva this Tuesday, Russia suggested a draft document on non-using force for Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The South Ossetian delegation agreed that Russia’s project will become the basis for future agreements on non-using force.

Conclusion of such an agreement is the main aim of the Geneva discussion that started after Georgia attacked South Ossetia and Abkhazia in August 2008. But Georgia categorically rejects signing such a treaty because it still views South Ossetia and Abkhazia as its breakaway parts, not as sovereign nations.

Head of Russian delegation at the Geneva discussions Grigoriy Karasin says that Russia has suggested an approximate text of a declaration about non-aggression against South Ossetia and Abkhazia that Georgia might have signed at the level of President or Foreign Minister and sent to UN Security Council’s Chairman. South Ossetia and Abkhazia could also have signed corresponding declaration and sent them to the SC’s Chairman.

UN, OSCE and EC have also suggested their draft declarations, but the South Ossetian delegation ruled them all out as “not reflecting the realities of the day”.

The Geneva discussions on security in Transcaucasia are held since October 2008 on an agreement between Russian and French Presidents reached soon after Georgia attacked South Ossetia, at that time an autonomous republic within Georgia. Taking part on equal terms are South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the US, UN, EC and OSCE. The only outcome of previous meetings, so far, is a document containing suggestions on mechanisms of prevention and settling incidents in Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Another round of discussions is planned for July 8.

03.31.2010  The Voice of Russia

Peaceful settlement in Transcaucasia remains an open question after the tenth round of talks on security in this region that were held in Geneva on Tuesday. The negotiations, organized by the UN, the EU and OSCE, attracted participants from Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Georgia, Russia and the US.

The main issue on the agenda of the Geneva talks-first held in 2008 soon after Georgia's invasion of South Ossetia-is to sign a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force. To be more exact- a few agreements between Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which proclaimed independence after the 2008 war. Georgia rejects joining such a treaty for it views South Ossetia and Abkhazia as its breakaway territories and not sovereign republics. Historically, Abkhazia and South Ossetia were not parts of Georgia, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union had the right to become sovereign nations. And this is what has been done-though after years of confrontation with Tbilisi.

This time in Geneva Russia offered a draft document on non-using force. Among other things, the Russian delegation suggests signing some unilateral declarations that would contain obligations on non-using force. When signed, these declarations would be submitted to the UN Security Council chairman in order to get extra guarantees of stable development of the peacemaking process in Transcaucasia.

Russia offers a flexible approach that would take into consideration the real state of affairs in the region and would make it easier to improve good neighborly relations between Georgia and the two republics. Unfortunately, Georgia was not ready for this which resulted in the lack of any progress in the Geneva talks, thinks Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy director of the Institute of the CIS countries:

"Since the official Tbilisi wants these territories back, Georgia now can demonstrate no other approach but the one implicating violence. They are opposed to negotiating with the leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and are trying to discuss the issue with Russia, which makes signing of the deal almost impossible. I think, a compromise will be a reality only after Georgia elects a new leader".

The lack of progress in the talks is discouraging for South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The South Ossetian representative for post-conflict settlement, Boris Chochiev, gave it to understand that his republic won`t take part in further discussion in Geneva unless an agreement on the non-use of force is signed. However, the next round of talks is scheduled for 8 June, when Russia's project is going to be discussed in every detail.

03.31.2010  The Voice of Russia

Russia has ratified agreements with South Ossetia and Abkhazia on cooperation on border control.

The documents were signed by presidents Dmitry Medvedev, Eduard Kokoity and Sergey Bagapsh in April 2009.

In addition, the presidents have signed agreements on cooperation between Russia’s Federal Security Service, Abkhazia’s State Security Service and South Ossetia’s State Security Committee.

According to the agreements, South Ossetia and Abkhazia give Russia powers to protect their state borders and, in Abkhazia’s case, to guard its marine space as well.

The documents also define the status and conditions on which Russia’s Federal Security Service border control bodies will be deployed in the Republics. As stipulated by the agreements, Russia is to deploy Federal Security Service’s border control administration on Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s borders with Georgia. The administration will also assist the Republics in training specialists for their border control bodies.

In response, South Ossetia and Abkhazia will provide the administration with premises, airspace and landing fields.

The agreements will stay effective only until Abkhazia and South Ossetia form their own border control bodies.

North Ossetian Senator Aleksandr Dzasokhov said the ratification was necessary to stabilize the situation in the region.

“Georgia is a constant source of destabilization,” he was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

At the same time, according to Dzasokhov, Russian tourists who are used to spending their holidays in Abkhazia will not be affected by the strict border regime.

Meanwhile, the Russian project on non-use of force by Georgia will form the basis for the next round of Geneva talks on security in the Caucasus region, reports Interfax.

It is hoped that the project will encourage Georgia to guarantee the non-use of force toward Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

In August 2008, Georgian troops attacked South Ossetia and destroyed part of its capital Tskhinval. Protecting the inhabitants of South Ossetia, many of whom have Russian citizenship, Russian troops entered the territory of the republic. After 5 days of military operations, Georgian troops were forced out of the region. Meanwhile, Abkhazia reestablished control over its territory. In late August, Russia acknowledged the independence of both Republics and signed agreements with them on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance.

03.31.2010  Russia Today

Non-aggression guarantees between Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia will be discussed on Tuesday during the regular round of Geneva consultations on South Caucasus.

The format of the discussions on security and stability in the South Caucasus was established after the five-day war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008.

Delegations from Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the United States and South Ossetia 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.

Boris Chochiyev, who represents South Ossetia at the talks, said his country would "put forward other proposals" if Georgia again refuses to provide detailed answers on the terms and date of a legally binding non-aggression treaty.

He gave no details on what "proposals" his country had prepared.

Chochiyev said that South Ossetia would also raise the issue of a recent bogus TV news report of Russian invasion into Georgia, which "paid damage to security in Transcaucasia... and dealt a serious blow to the Geneva discussions."

The Imedi TV channel sparked panic in Georgia with a broadcast that said Russian tanks had invaded the capital and the country's president was dead. The report used footage from the August 2008 conflict with Russia.

Russian deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin, who heads the Russian delegation at the talks, said the issue of the fake news report will "naturally be raised."

"We cannot just ignore this provocative move by the Imedi TV channel, because clearly it is an ill-considered provocation, aimed mainly at the domestic population, which is being artificially held in the state of emotional stress," he said.

03.30.2010  RIA Novosti

Russia will lend 700 million rubles ($24 million) to Abkhazia's central bank, extending its policy of bankrolling, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Friday.

The money will be lent on favorable conditions and comes after Moscow earmarked more than 10 billion rubles ($350 million) in cash to aid Abkhazia between 2010 and 2012, Putin said during talks with Abkhaz president Sergei Bagapsh, RIA-Novosti reported.

With much of its territory in ruins since a vicious war with Georgia in the early 1990s, Abkhazia is heavily dependent on outside assistance. Moscow recognized the republic as independent following an August 2008 war that broke out after Georgia unsuccessfully tried to retake South Ossetia by force.

At talks in Putin's Novo-Ogaryovo residence Friday, Putin said both sides have signed 34 agreements and were preparing another 30. Among the most important was a treaty about the stationing of Russian military bases that was signed in February, he said.

Also Friday, the State Duma ratified an agreement that allows Russia to guard the borders of both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, RIA-Novosti reported. The agreement was signed in the Kremlin in April 2009.

03.29.2010  The Moscow Times

The next, tenth, round of international discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia is scheduled to be held in Geneva on March 30. They have been conducted since October 2008 on the basis of the agreement between the Presidents of Russia and France, reached after the tragic events of August 2008 in South Ossetia. Taking part in the Geneva meetings on an equal footing are the delegations of the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, the Russian Federation, the United States, the Republic of South Ossetia, as well as representatives of the EU, UN and OSCE. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs/State Secretary Grigory Karasin will head the Russian delegation.

Of paramount importance are the issues of security and stability in the border areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia with Georgia, which are discussed in the first working group. Tbilisi’s bellicose fantasies, which climaxed with the public provocation of the Georgian Imedi television company on March 13 this year, only confirmed the need for legally binding nonuse of force obligations on the part of Georgia. The peoples of Abkhazia, Georgia and South Ossetia haves long ago earned the right to peaceful life and security assurances.

The Geneva discussion will unavoidably include assessment of Georgia’s so so-called State Strategy on Occupied Territories, which emissaries from Tbilisi are currently trying to present in the international arena as an indication of their “peace-loving” intentions.

Geneva discussions need sensible and flexible approaches which would take into consideration the real situation in the Caucasus and facilitate developing good neighborly relations between Georgia, and Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

As always, reviewing the current situation on the Abkhaz and South Ossetian borders with Georgia, with emphasis on security and confidence building measures will be high on the agenda. The Russian side plans to support increasing the efficiency and dynamics in the work of the joint incident prevention and response mechanisms in the region, providing direct contact between the parties “in the field.”

The panel on humanitarian issues will continue to seek a comprehensive solution to the problems of refugees and displaced persons that is acceptable to all sides, with emphasis on ensuring voluntariness, safety and a respectful attitude to this process.

03.26.2010   Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russia Federation Information and Press Department

Sukhum, The next-generation passport books will be available in two months, said Abkhazia’s Prime Minister Sergei Shamba Tuesday at the press conference in Sukhum.

Sergei Shamba said that the next-generation passport books were to be in circulation in accordance with last year’s agreement, signed with Russia on border crossing. In particular, under the agreement Abkhazian citizens can cross the border with any passport with special emphasis on data protection provisions, providing the highest degree of security.

Prime Minister said that Abkhazian travel passports for a trip to Russia will also be issued. “We’ve already contracted to produce in Russia these travel documents, which will be available in two months,” he told journalists.

Referring to passports for internal circulation, Abkhazian Prime Minister said that there is not a need to replace them, as the existing internal passports provide full voting rights.

03.24.2010  Aysor

Small businesses development is one of top priorities of the state policy which has been built into the Government's strategy, the Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba declared in “Ainar“ Abkhaz media club.

Shamba said that the Comprehensive plan of socio-economic development of the Republic of Abkhazia for 2010-2012 developed together with the Russian Government did not provide for assistance to small businesses.

The Government of Abkhazia, despite it, intends to render assistance to small businesses by means of creating flexible bank crediting system.

Shamba said that for a long time Russian and Abkhaz Ministries of Finance had been holding consultations regarding financing and development of Abkhaz banks.

According to the Prime Minister, it is finally agreed that RUB 700 mln will be allocated for ten years at 2,5 percent interest. For the first five years, Abkhazia is freed from payment of interest, Shamba specified.

“This money will be spent on the development of the republic's bank system, and in turn we want local banks to be able to give for the projects of small businesses development at reasonable interest for example 8 percent”, Sergey Shamba said.

03.23.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Shamba: The Leadership is interested in the international organisations activity, but taking into consideration

The Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba declared that the republic's leadership is interested in the international humanitarian organisations activity, but taking into consideration the recognition of the republic's independence. He said it at a news conference in Sukhum organized by “Ainar“ media club.

At the end of 2009 the leadership of Abkhazia offered the UN agencies and other international organisations to sign a memorandum which would take the recognition of the republic's independence into consideration, as well as would provide for terms of continuation of their work in Abkhazia.

“This problem advances with difficulty. Abkhazia is for presence of international humanitarian organisations, but after all we want them to make a step towards realities, and we will insist on it”, the Prime Minister said.

03.23.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Money allocated to Abkhazia from the Russia budget for socio-economic development will be audited by a Russian structure like the one that works in South Ossetia

Money allocated to Abkhazia from the Russia budget for socio-economic development of the republic will be audited by a Russian structure like the one that works in South Ossetia, the Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba said at a news conference organized by “Ainar” media club.

RUB10 bln from the budget of the Russian Federation will be allocated for socio-economic development of Abkhazia within three years.

The Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation plans to create a managing  directorate which will audit how the means allocated to Abkhazia from the Russian budget are spent, fix executors of projects, announce tenders and so on.

Shamba said that a Russian-Abkhaz intergovernmental commission  had been created. It will have meetings once a quarter, the next one will be held on March 27 in Moscow.

He drew journalists' attention to the previous years' scheme of allotting and auditing the expenditure of Russian financial aid in the republic. “When money was allocated  to Abkhazia from the  Russian Ministry of Finance, this process was controlled here jointly. There was a representative from the Russian side who dealt with it. That activity was  also co-ordinated by the Security Council. It was transparent and controllable”, Shamba emphasized.

The Prime Minister stressed that the previous years the Government of Abkhazia had reported for every penny spent, and the Russian leadership had no claims regarding the expenditure of Russian money in the republic. Moreover, socially important projects had been restored in addition on saved money.

Shamba said that for the time being Russian colleagues have doubts about the expediency of creating an auditing structure in Abkhazia that already works in South Ossetia. This issue, among other subjects, will be discussed on March 25 in Moscow at a meeting with the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh.

Shamba emphasized that the projects specified in the comprehensive plan of socio-economic development of the republic, developed together with the Russian Government, are planned for three years. “All kinds of equipment, medical equipment, buses, i.e. everything is painted and nobody conceals anything from anybody”, Shamba stressed.

03.23.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh leaves for Moscow on a working visit

Today the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh leaves for Moscow on a working visit.

During this visit the President is to have meetings in the Government of the Russian Federation. Sergey Bagapsh will discuss the issues of prospective development of Abkhaz-Russian cooperation in a number of directions, including those of socio-economic, communication and defensive character.

The visit of the head o the state will last for a week.

03.23.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 New georgian strategy for “Occupied territories” is another propaganda action - Russia’s envoy to OSCE

Anvar Azimov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to OSCE, called new Georgian “State strategy for occupied territories” another propaganda action of the current Georgian leadership. He spoke today at a special session of OSCE permanent council where this document had been presented.

"After reading this document”, Russian envoy said, “it becomes obvious that it is a question of another propaganda action of the current Georgian leadership, called to try to somehow amortize destructive consequences of their policy in the region, especially after August, 2008 tragical events".

Instead of apologizing openly for committed atrocities, the Georgian leadership continues ignoring persistently the opinion of Abkhazs and South Ossetians, their legitimate interests, the Russian diplomat ascertained.

"Restoration of trust to Georgian authorities lost for years of Tbilisi’s confrontation with Tskhinval and Sukhum”, Russian Federation’s envoy emphasized, “should be started not with "strategy" and "plans ", but with learning lessons from the past mistakes and the recognition of new political and legal realities in the region. The sooner it happens, the faster stability and atmosphere of true cooperation will be established in the Southern Caucasus.

In conclusion Anvar Azimov once again confirmed Russia’s position of principle which is shared completely by the leadership and the population of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. "The decision of the Russia Federation to recognize the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia is final, irrevocable and irreversible. This is the only possibility to guarantee survival of Abkhazs and South Ossetians in the conditions of ceaseless attempts of the current Georgian authorities to exterminate these nations physically, to preserve their national identity, the right to peaceful life in the historical land of their ancestors", the diplomat declared.

03.19.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Shamba held new cabinet’s first meeting

Sergey Shamba held the first meeting of the new Cabinet on Friday, March 19.

The Government approved draft budgets and lists of members of staff and budgets of expenditure of the republic’s state off-budget funds.

The budget of the Pension Fund of the Republic of Abkhazia for 2010 (with the demand balance for January 1, 2010) makes RUB 576, 32 mln in revenue, RUB 426, 9 mln in expenditure.

There are 33 jobs in the list of staff of the Pension Fund; the annual payroll fund is RUB 1, 1 mln.

The budget of the Obligatory Medical Insurance Fund for 2010 makes RUB 23, 03 mln in revenue and expenditure.

There are 15 jobs in the Fund with the annual payroll fund of RUB 568 thousand.

The budget of the State Fund of assistance to employment of the population according to the approved draft makes RUB19, 63 mln in revenue and expenditure. There are 23 jobs in the Fund’s list of staff; the annual payroll fund is RUB 795, 7 thousand.

The Government approved the budget of the Road Fund for 2010 of RUB 22, 3 mln and the list of staff (9 jobs) with the annual payroll fund of RUB 317, 3 thousand.

There are 18 jobs in the list of staff of the Repatriation Fund of the Republic of Abkhazia for 2010; the annual payroll fund is RUB 846 thousand.

The budget of the Repatriation Fund for 2010 approved by the Government makes RUB 82, 06 mln in revenue and expenditure.

According to the Chairman of the State Repatriation Committee Anzor Mukba, literally in a month they’ll start building two-storied 12-apartment houses for repatriates for 132 families in the settlement of Machara of the Gulripsh district on the Repatriation Fund’s means.

The budget of the State Ecological Fund makes RUB 16, 9 mln.

There are 15 jobs in the Fund; the annual payroll fund is RUB 456 thousand.

The budget of the Social Security and Labor Protection Fund for 2010 makes RUB 51, 4 mln. There are 22 jobs in the Fund; the annual payroll fund is RUB 771 thousand.

The Cabinet approved Forest Fund and the volume of reforestation for 2010.

The Forest Fund in reforestation cutting makes 38943 cubic meters with 34270 cubic meters of liquid timber, including 27414 cubic meters of strength timber and 6856 cubic meters of firewood.

03.19.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President charged appropriate structures to start complex improvements of territiry where monument to muhajirs to be installed

President Sergey Bagapsh charged the Sukhum city administration, "Abkhazstroi" state-owned company and the capital’s department of architecture and construction to start complex improvements of the territory where a monument to Muhajirs will be installed.

The monument will be installed on the Quay of Muhajirs where a stone was laid back in 1991.

On March 12 a bronze sculpture of a well-known Abkhaz artist Gennady Lakoba pronounced the best in a monument to Mujajirs contest was delivered from Belarus to Sukhum.

Today President Sergey Bagapsh, the Minister of Culture Nugzar Logua, Sukhum mayor Alias Labakhua, a Doctor of Biology, professor Sergey Bebia, the capital’s department of architecture and construction chief David Eshba, the director of “Sukhumstroi” unitary enterprise Ruslan Tvanba, sculptor Gennady Lakoba visited the place where the monument will be installed.

Bagapsh charged architects and builders to fix with the monument’s author the exact place of installation, and the capital’s landscape gardening department with a project of arrangement of green spaces of the territory.

“In September when the work is finished, townspeople and guests of Sukhum can lay flowers to the monument that will, undoubtedly, blend harmoniously with the capital’s architectural ensemble”, the Minister of Culture of Nugzar Logua said.

In the 19th century after the Russian-Caucasian war thousands of Abkhazs left the historical Motherland and found a place of refuge in the Middle East countries. Abkhaz Muhajirs’ descendants live in 50 countries of the world. The most numerous Diaspora is in Turkey.

03.19.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, Moscow's Kuzminki court begins trial on Thursday of former police officer Anver Ibragimov, accused of beating up an native of Abkhazia to death in southeastern Moscow.

The court will hold a preliminary hearing in camera, in accordance with the Russian legislation. It will rule on procedural issues and set the date for hearings on the merits.

Ibragimov was charged with inflicting grave harm to health which resulted in the death by negligence.

Investigators said in the evening of November 23, 2009, three police officers who were returning from work, met two men whom they did not know at a round-the-clock shop. Ibragimov was clad in police uniform. He was in a state of alcoholic intoxication and in the performance of his duties, and began to beat up the men, who were natives of Abkhazia.

One of the men later died in a drugstore of his injuries.

The Moscow police chief fired all the there officers, as well as Colonel Vladimir Domashev, the commander of the regiment in which the trio served. Director of the city department of the Investigations Committee under the Prosecutor General's Office (SKP) Anatoly Bagmet told Tass that a criminal case might be opened against Ibragimov's two colleagues for doing nothing to stop the beating.

03.17.2010  Itar-Tass

Sukhum, Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh has appointed a special representative to international talks on security in the Caucasus, the presidential office said on Wednesday.

Vyacheslav Chirikba will head an Abkhazian delegation at talks in Geneva due to start later this month.

The format of the discussions on security and stability in the South Caucasus was established after the five-day war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008.

Delegations from Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the United States and South Ossetia participate in the Geneva meetings on an equal footing.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in late August 2008.

The only other countries to have recognized their independence are Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru, the world's smallest island nation.

03.17.2010  RIA Novosti

The United Nations is sparing no effort to continue the Geneva discussions on security in the South Caucasus. Speaking at a meeting with Abkhazia’s President Sergei Bagapsh in Sukhum the new UN representative for Georgia Antti Turunen described as successful the five-party talks to prevent any incidents in the Gal District in Abkhazia and the Zugdidi District in Georgia.

Sergei Bagapsh said he was prepared to participate in further discussions for security in the region but pointed out that none of Abkhazia’s proposals so far had met with support.

The Geneva discussions have been on since October 2008, following the agreements between the presidents of Russia and France in the wake of the tragic events in South Ossetia in August 2008. The participants include Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Georgia, Russia, the United States and representatives of the EU, the UN and the OSCE. Russia insists on legally binding agreements on the non-use of force between Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

03.17.2010  The Voice of Russia

A delegation of the Republic Abkhazia continues its visit to Latin American countries, the press-service for the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Abkhazia said.

From March 8 till March 12 the Abkhazia's delegation was in Bolivia where it had meetings in the National Assembly, the National Chamber of Commerce, as well as with the representatives of the country's diplomatic corps.

During the meetings, a wide range of questions connected with the process of establishing interaction and developing cooperation between the sides was discussed.

As a whole, all meetings were held in a warm friendly atmosphere. The Bolivian side regarded with favor the issue of the recognition of Abkhazia's independence, - the Abkhaz MFA's message for mass-media says.

03.17.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh met with the UN Special Representative, a co-chairman of the Geneva talks on security in Transcaucasia Antti Turunen

Today the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh met with the UN Special Representative, a co-chairman of the Geneva talks on security in Transcaucasia Antti Turunen.
 

“We've always been on good terms with all UN Mission's representatives. I would like to thank Mr. Johan Verbeke (Turunen's predecessor – Apsnypress) through you, I couldn't do it earlier, for the big job he did  in Abkhazia. I'm ready to answer all the questions that are interesting for you”, the head of the state said welcoming A. Turunen.  
 

Antti Turunen congratulated Bagapsh on the beginning of his second term as President, wished success in work and told about the purpose of his visit.  
 

“The purpose of my visit is to familiarize myself with the situation in Abkhazia and to hear your assessment of the Geneva process. We do our best for the discussions to continue”, the  UN representative said.
 

According to him, “the mechanism on incident prevention in the Gal district works successfully"."We are glad that you keep supporting the United Nations actions even after the Mission has left the territory of Abkhazia”, Turunen emphasized.  
 

“The Secretary General has extended the work of the team that takes part in the Geneva discussions”.
 

He told the President that two more experts - on military and police issues were added to the group of UN representatives working in the region. And Turunen expressed hope of continuation of successful work aimed at reaching security in the region.  
 

“The leadership of Abkhazia supports the Geneva discussions, and we intend to continue participating in them”, Sergey Bagapsh said.  
 

According to Bagapsh, “the Geneva discussions are necessary for solving security problems, non-renewal of hostilities, opening of some economic corridors”. “But meanwhile, our proposals  are not met with support”, the President ascertained.
 

“Despite numerous promises to help Abkhazia in carrying out small economic projects, in practice we face economic sanctions”, Bagapsh said and cited as an example the case when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland had denied the Abkhaz mobile operators the right to purchase equipment from "Nokia" firm.
 

“It is a business project of a private company. It's not about politics. If economic sanctions are henceforth applied to commercial structures which are not connected with politics, we will think of expediency of participating in the Geneva consultations”, the President added.  
 

“These are not exactly the problems you have arrived to discuss, but I couldn't but tell you about them as our participation in the Geneva discussions depends on their resolution. What to meet for, if our population and its business suffers then?”, Bagapsh stressed.
 

“We do not ask for the recognition, opening of communications, investments and so forth, at the same time, we consider it expedient to continue with some economic projects which have been carried out in Abkhazia with support from the Mission since 2006”, Bagapsh said.

03.17.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Prospects of the next round of Geneva discussions scheduled for the end of March were discussed at a meeting with the UN representative, a co-chairman of the Geneva discussions Antti Turunen and  the Abkhazia's deputy Defense Minister Garri Kupalba and the President's Plenipotentiary in the Gal district Ruslan Kishmaria.

Garri Kupalba and Ruslan Kishmaria will participate in the 10th round of the Geneva discussions.

Antti Turunen said the United Nations was interested in continuation of the Geneva discussions. The UN representative emphasized that those discussions are a good platform for developing ideas. The UN diplomat expressed hope that not only the issues of security in the region, but also humanitarian ones would be discussed within the framework of the discussion. Antti Turunen asked the meeting participants to present their proposals and wishes.

Garri Kupalba proposed that the organizers of the Geneva consultations and their participants, having defined a meeting's format, should adhere to the agreed agenda.

Kupalba said that at the previous meeting the Georgian side had deviated from discussing the issue of development of international guarantees of non-renewal of military operations between Georgia and Abkhazia. Kupalba also drew the UN representative's attention to the problem of Abkhaz citizens' entry to the EU countries.

The deputy Defense Minister believes that “prospects of meetings on security depend on impartiality and objectivity of its organizers”.

The President's Plenipotentiary in the Gal district Ruslan Kishmaria said that recently the position of the United Nations and some other international organisations in the relation to Abkhazia had begun to change a little. According to Kishmaria, their desire to cooperate with Abkhazia testifies to it.

At the same time, he said, some European Union countries, tried to talk to Abkhazia from the position of strength, putting political and economic pressure upon it.

“Today Abkhazia is an independent state recognized by Russia and other UN member states. I believe, Georgia should also recognize this reality and carry on a dialogue with Abkhazia as equals, otherwise, meetings on settlement of Georgian-Abkhaz mutual relations will have no prospect”, Kishmaria said.

The President's Plenipotentiary in the Gal district considers it important to sign an agreement between Abkhazia and Georgia on international guarantees of non-renewal of hostilities. In  his opinion, signing of this document will promote cessation of tension and security in the region as a whole.

Kishmaria emphasized that the recent scandalous incident in Georgia connected with “Imedi” TV channel's “special report” about Russian troops' intrusion into Georgia, had led to the panic among the population living in the frontier districts.

“That night many citizens began to move from the Zugdidi district to their relatives in the Gal district of Abkhazia”, he said. According to Kishmaria, that provocative action was made to justify continuation of Georgia's militarization.

“Unfortunately, the international community not recognizing independence of Abkhazia, doesn't want to see the steps we take, including the fact of unilateral return of Georgian refugees in 1999. There is no fact when Abkhazia would provoke the situation in the zone of Georgian-Abkhaz conflict”, Kishmaria stressed.

The UN representative Antti Turunen thanked the meeting participants and said he would take into consideration what he'd heard.

03.17.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Scientific conference dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Abkhazia’s entry into the Russian Empire was held in the MGIMO

A scientific conference on “Russia-Abkhazia: 200 years of friendship and mutual relations” dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Abkhazia’s entry into the Russian Empire was held in the MGIMO of the MFA of the Russian Federation.

The plenary session of the conference was opened by the MGIMO first pro-rector Alexey Bogaturov. He greeted the conference participants and called upon the Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba, being on a working visit in Moscow, to speak.

Shamba gave a report on “Russia and Abkhazia: the history and the present”. In his report he dwelt in detail upon the events which had become significant for both Abkhazia and Russia.

Answering journalists’ questions about the prospects of relations between Abkhazia and Georgia, the Prime Minister said: “We’ve always strived to find a compromise settlement at negotiations. But Georgia never had a desire to make a compromise. We are neighbors, and we need good-neighbor relations. But adequate people must come to power in Georgia.

In turn the director of the Russian MFA 4th department of the CIS Andrey Kelin told about the Russian-Abkhaz relations at present. He pointed to the fact that today's relations between the countries are rapidly developing, “34 agreements have been are already signed, and there will be more than 50 of them”.

Kelin emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation is a coordinator that carries out the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev’s instructions on the aid program to South Ossetia and Abkhazia. According to him, at the moment “the main emphasis is place on Abkhazia’s security”, then “the economic phase, important for the development of the state opens up”.

“We have to create an attractive peculiarity for private investments. The idea is to start the internal motor – a business factor of Abkhazia”, he said.

According to Kelin, in the political sphere the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation promotes international recognition of Abkhazia. “This is a long-term work”, he added, reminding that the Soviet Union had been recognized for many years.

The plenary session was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Abkhazia to the Russian Federation Igor Akhba, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation Dmitry Medoev, representatives of Russian public organizations and the Abkhaz Diaspora.

Russian historians, ethnographers, political scientists Alexander Krylov, Anna Broido, Alexander Skakov, Lubov Soloveva, Alexander Kadyrbaev, Azhdar Kurtov gave reports at the conference.

A big group of Abkhaz scientists the director of the Abkhaz Institute for humanitarian researches Vasily Avidzba, the deputy head of the AGU chair of history, archeology and ethnography Antonina Khashba, this chair’s senior lecturer Soslan Salakaya, an ethnologist Taimuraz Achugba, as well as the President of the World congress of the Abhaz-Abazin people Taras Shamba, a writer Denis Chachkhalia participated in the conference.

The reports of the conference participants will be published in a brochure.

The “Russia-Abkhazia: 200 years of friendship and mutual relations” scientific conference was organized by the MGIMO Institute of International Researches and the Center of Caucasian researches to the MGIMO, Tatyana Gulia, an advisor for the Abkhaz Embassy to Russia told Apsnypress.

03.16.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

A sculpture of a well-known Abkhaz artist Gennady Lakoba which won a monument to Mujajirs contest was delivered from Belarus to Sukhum, the Minister of Culture of Abkhazia Nugzar Logua said.

The artist lives in Belarus, and he carried out the works there.

In 2008 a state commission for holding an open contest chaired by the First Vice PM of the government Leonid Lakerbaya was created. Following the contest results on June 16, 2009, the jury selected five compositions, including works of the Turkish Diaspora representatives; Amiran Adleiba and Tamara Lakrba; Miron Khagba; Ruslan Kaslandzia and Svetlana Shamenkova; Gennady Lakoba.

According to the jury, Gennady Lakoba's sculpture reflected the Mujajirun tragedy the most strikingly.

“The artist then promised that he would finish working on the original monument to Mujajirs within half a year. He met the deadline”, Logua said. According to him as soon as the weather clears up, the builders of "Abhazstroi" state-owned company will start architectural works on the place where the monument will be installed.

In the 19th century after the Russian-Caucasian war thousands of Abkhazs left the historical Motherland and found a place of refuge in the Middle East countries. Abkhaz Mujajirs’ descendants live in 50 countries of the world. The most numerous Diaspora is in Turkey.

A stone was laid on the Sukhum quay on May 31, 1991 where a monument to Mujajirs was to be installed. But for different reasons, the monument hasn’t been created till today.

03.16.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Prime Minister Sergey Shamba left for Moscow on a working visit.

In the Russian capital the head of the government will discuss the issues of socio-economic cooperation between Russia and Abkhazia.

03.15.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

In the Park of Glory in Sukhum wreaths and flowers were laid to the Memorial of the lost in the 1992-1993 Patriotic War of the Abkhaz Nation.

17 years ago, on March 15-16, 1993 a military operation to liberate the Abkhaz capital - Sukhum from the State Council of Georgia's troops was launched. Up to 400 soldiers of the Abkhaz army were lost, about a thousand were wounded, 70 were reported missing in the failed attempt to liberate Sukhum.

The ceremony was attended by war veterans, the President Sergey Bagapsh, the Vice-President Alexander Ankuab, PMs, members of the government, servicemen, public organizations representatives, schoolchildren.

03.15.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum. The republic’s president, Sergey Bagapsh, calls the attitude of the EU towards his country illogical. He expressed his concerns at a meeting with EU Ambassador for Southern Caucasus Peter Semneby.

Bagapsh pointed out that Europe contradicts its own proclaimed principle of distinguishing political issues from economic ones.

As an example, Bagapsh drew on the incident when Finland’s Foreign Ministry banned the company Nokia from buying mobile communication equipment for Abkhazia.

“Everybody has to understand that Abkhazia has to live and develop, develop its business. We’ll try to protect the people who work in Abkhazia and make investments in the republic”, said Sergey Bagapsh as reported by information agency Interfax.

The president said that the republic would have to turn to other business partners in the Middle East and China for the purchase of the necessary equipment.

In its turn, Semneby said that as a result of heated debates all the countries, members of the EU, have agreed on a certain policy towards Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia. This policy involves non-recognition of the republics’ independence but implies communication and development of ties with the countries. He stressed that these measures are not part of a pro-Georgian policy.

In January, Georgia approved a new strategy towards Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia. The program “Participation through cooperation” involves measures of peaceful re-integration of the republics’ population into Georgia. The strategy was highly praised by Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, however, skeptically received by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and called overdue.

Abkhazian President ruled out the possibility of discussing this new strategy.

Other issues concerning Abkhazian relations with the international community were raised at the meeting of the EU ambassador with the country’s prime minister, Sergey Shamba, reports information agency RIA-Novosti.

Thus, they spoke about the relaxation of rules on obtaining the Schengen visa for Abkhazians. The PM referred to the cases of refusal to issue Schengen visas for Abkhazians as the process “hindering the freedom of movement” and “undermining establishing direct contacts with the outer world”.

Another question raised was the presence of international humanitarian organizations in the country. The PM said that too much of a political focus along with pressure from Georgia are the factors getting in the way of the successful operation of these organizations in the area.

03.13.2010  RT

 MFA of the Russian Federation: Georgia's strategy on Abkhazia and South Ossetia has appeared too late

New Georgia's strategy in relation to Abkhazia and South Ossetia has appeared too late and can hardly change anything, nevertheless, the document is worth studying, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrey Nesterenko said Thursday.
 

The strategy called "Engagement through cooperation" was approved by the Georgian government on January 28. According to Nesterenko, both Russia and the EU took due notice of this document. The day before the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy baroness Catherine Ashton said that the European Union welcomed the new strategy of Tbilisi in relation to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
 

"It is a pity that the blueprint has appeared so late. Had it been advanced three or four years ago, it, as they say, would have been priceless. The Georgian leadership then had other things on their minds than “engagement” and “cooperation,” though. They were busy maintaining the suffocating siege of the republics and systematically preparing for a military attack on them", Nesterenko's comments posted on the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's site say.
 

According to the diplomat, "now all kinds of “strategy,” no matter how “beautiful” they are, can hardly change anything radically".
 

"Yet the document in question is worthy of attention as a sign of the apparent (if belated) realization of the futility of the methods of war and violence. The main thing is that this “enlightenment” of official Tbilisi should be sincere, not feigned", Nesterenko emphasized.

03.12.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey SHamba: We’ll do everything for Europe to understand that Abkhazia is a reliable and up to european standarts partner and neighbor

Mutual relations between Abkhazia and the European Union were discussed during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba and the EU Special Representative for the Southern Caucasus Peter Semnebi.
 

Semnebi, first of all, expressed condolences in connection with the death of the First President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzynba, calling him “a man of principle”
 

“We got acquainted with him almost 18 years ago in Gudauta. I cannot say that I knew him well, but I communicated with him thoroughly enough to have a clear perception of him as a man of principle. That’s why I had personal respect for him and it was an emotional moment for when I heard about his death”, Peter Semnebi said.
 

“Our society has apprehended this loss deeply tragical. In the hardest time Vladislav Ardzynba took big responsibility upon himself, and it undermined his health. Everybody felt hurt that he had gone so unfairly and early. But this is destiny and there's nothing to be done. Life goes on and we face new cares and new affairs, and they need to be solved”, Sergey Shamba said and thanked Peter Semnebi for the words of sympathy.
 

Then Semnebi told about “long enough discussions” among European Union member countries how to deal with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “At the end of last year we have reached an agreement on the non-recognition of these republics, but at the same time on a dialogue and development of relations with them and so on. This is, in my opinion, progress since this position means a balanced policy”, Semnebi said.
 

The Prime Minister thereupon asked Semnebi, whether the situation with issuing visas to citizens of Abkhazia had changed.
 

Semnebi called this question "legitimate", and said that it had also been touched upon during the discussions of the EU countries-participants. “I cannot give any promises or forecasts so far, but the fact that this problem is defined as a necessary and integral part of the policy in relation to Abkhazia and South Ossetia is important. We will discuss this issue further. Any discussions on this subject will be long and complicated enough”, Semnebi said.
 

The Cabinet’s head emphasized that the decision on “the non-recognition, but development of relations between Abkhazia and the EU” loses meaning if this problem isn’t solved. “It can be considered as an attempt to support the Georgian project having no prospects. If we speak about development of relations, it should be a two-way traffic –we should come to you like you come to us”, Shamba said. “We should have direct contacts; otherwise it will be support to the so-called Jakobashvili’s plan”.
 

In turn Peter Semnebi said that the EU supported development of relations in different directions. “We are convinced that the Georgian strategy contains many interesting elements. However, only the general outline of this strategy is ready now. If the Georgian action plan coincides with our purposes, we will be ready to support these moments”, he said.
 

Sergey Shamba declared that “the Georgian strategy” is a priori unacceptable for Abkhazia, since the preamble to the document says that the purpose is reintegration of Abkhazia in Georgia.
 

Sergey Shamba called the fact that a number of European countries refuses to issue visas to citizens of Abkhazia “a purely political decision”.
 

The head of the government is certain that Europe will take into consideration that Abkhazia has established itself as a state. “We do all we can to prove that there are no reasons to make us a rogue country in the European community”, Shamba said. “We have held presidential elections recently. Unlike Georgia which is considered a democratic state in Europe, power changes hands stably and traditionally by a democratic process. There were a lot of observers here who said that the elections were held democratically”.
 

According to Shamba, there is the independent and opposition press in Abkhazia which criticizes toughly the authorities, unlike Georgia, there is no political prisoner in Abkhazia, i.e. there is no ground for ignoring in future.
 

“We’ll do everything for Europe to understand that Abkhazia is a reliable and up to European standards partner and neighbor”, Sergey Shamba declared.

03.12.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 PM met with EU delegation

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba met with a European Union delegation headed by an ambassador, the EU Special Representative for the Southern Caucasus Peter Semnebi.
 

During the meeting Sergey Shamba voiced clearly the Abkhaz leadership's position, saying that the Abkhaz party was not going to discuss the document on the occupied territories proposed by the Georgian party and containing unacceptable wordings, the press-service for the Abkhaz MFA told Apsnypress.  
 

At that the Prime Minister said that the issue of simplification of the procedure of obtaining Schengen visa by the citizens of Abkhazia is becoming more urgent for the Abkhaz party. “The cases of purposeful entry refusals for the citizens of the republic raise difficulties for free movement of Abhazia's citizens and prevent from establishing direct contacts with the outer world”, Shamba added.  
 

Sergey Shamba also emphasized that the government of Abkhazia planed to start issuing Abkhaz passports for travel abroad which would be up to modern international standards, and expressed hope that the European Union countries would recognize this document.
 

Discussing the situation in the Gal district, Sergey Shamba said that the government of Abkhazia would carry out projects on socio-economic rehabilitation of the region.
 

The EU Special Representative Mr. Semnebi was interested in the Abkhaz party's opinion regarding opening of railway communication through the river Ingur.
 

Sergey Shamba said that Abkhazia's transit location is favorable not only to the republic's communications development, but those of the region as a whole; in this connection, this  issue should be discussed by all concerned parties.
 

Discussing the issue of international presence in the territory of Abkhazia, Sergey Shamba declared that excessive politicisation of this issue, as well as Georgia's authorities pressure interfere with humanitarian organisations activity in the territory of Abkhazia. At the same time, the Memorandum proposed to the international humanitarian organisations by the Abkhaz party is the most acceptable intermediate form for further cooperation, Shamba said.

03.12.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Today the President Sergey Bagapsh met with the EU Special Representative for Southern Caucasus Peter Semnebi being in Sukhum on a working visit.
 

At the beginning of the meeting the EU Special Representative expressed condolences to the President of Abkhazia in connection with the death of the First President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzynba. "I’ve met with him time and again and had a profound respect for him. A wonderful man has died", Peter Semnebi said. Sergey Bagapsh thanked the diplomat for his warm words in the memory of the First President.
 

"We are happy to welcome you back here”, the head of the state said. “I understand that your visit is connected with some issues which we have to discuss. We have a lot of issues to discuss, starting from negotiations in Geneva, all those statements which we hear today from the part of Georgia in relation to Abkhazia".
 

Speaking about the new strategy adopted by the Georgia’s Parliament, the President of Abkhazia excluded the possibility of discussing this document by the Abkhaz party. At that the head of the state said that absence of logic in the European Union’s position arouses surprise. On the one hand Europe, supporting differentiation between political and economic problems, interferes with realization of economic projects. Bagapsh told the Special Representative about the recent case when the MFA of Finland prohibited Nokia from selling mobile communication equipment to Abkhazia.
 

"But everybody should understand that Abkhazia should live and develop, develop its business. We will try to protect people who work in Abkhazia today and invest money into the republic", Bagapsh emphasized.
 

He expressed bewilderment that a Georgian Parliament’s decision on the occupied territories was legal for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, and asked the question: "If the Russian Parliament takes a similar decision, will the EU implement it?"
 

"So we’ll try to find other partners in the Middle East, China and we will bring the necessary equipment from there. Money is paid for that. It’s business where private firms are involved”, the President stressed.
 

Peter Semnebi congratulated Sergey Bagapsh on his reelection for the second term in office.
 

The EU representative said that the European Union continued to give a lot of attention to the situation in the Caucasus, including in Abkhazia. The European Union member countries had discussed it a lot.
 

"As a result of those discussions all EU countries have agreed on the policy in relation to Abkhazia and South Ossetia which on the one hand, implies non-recognition of independence, but implies development of a dialogue, relations. Another part of this policy implies non-recognition without a dialogue”, Semnebi said recognizing dual nature of the European Union’s policy in relation to Abkhazia”. But this is a policy which doesn’t answer our purposes - it leads to isolation".
 

He expressed opinion that "both parts of the policy are necessary" as "a dialogue without a clearly defined formal side will limit our opportunities, and each step could be wrongly interpreted".
 

The Special Representative added that, "the EU policy is not a part of any Georgian policy". "But if Georgia is inspired by our terminology and some parts of the measures we propose, we will be, of course, glad of it", he said.

Mr. Semnebi declared that the European Union was ready to offer advice of independent experts who had worked earlier with Abkhazia’s problems which will be useful for formulating concrete measures and steps.

03.12.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 President discussed prospects of political and economic development of Abkhazia with Potsdam University Professor Dieter Boden

Sukhum, The President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh discussed prospects of political and economic development of Abkhazia with the Potsdam University Professor Dieter Boden. The President’s adviser on international affairs Vyacheslav Chirikba also participated in the meeting.

In 1995-1996 Dieter Boden was the head of the OSCE Special Mission in Georgia, and in December, 1999 was appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on the Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict and worked in this position for two years and a half.

“We are happy to welcome you back. The United Nations Mission has worked in the republic throughout many years, and the people working for it, knew the region’s problems, promoted dialogue establishment, knew fine points of the situation, however the United Nations leadership decided to wrap up the Mission, but this decision is theirs.

The leadership of Abkhazia was for preservation of the UN Mission, for continuation of the dialogue, but taking into consideration the existing realities”, Sergey Bagapsh said, welcoming the German diplomat. He pointed to the UNO role in the zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict in strengthening peace and stability in the region.

“In a stable situation, we are ready to carry on a dialogue with any international structure that wants to talk to us as a recognized, independent state, not considering Abkhazia as a part of Georgia”, Bagapsh emphasized.

In August, 2008 Russia recognized independence of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia.

As to the EU and OSCE Observer Missions, Bagapsh reasserted the impossibility of their presence in the territory of Abkhazia. “They should be where the military threat really comes from – in Georgia”, the President said.

At the meeting with Dieter Boden Bagapsh raised the problem of Abkhaz citizens’ entry into some EU countries. He specified that either the refusal reason was not given, or people were recommended to apply for a visa to the Embassy in Georgia which the citizens of Abkhazia have nothing to do with. “There was a case when a visa was refused to a seriously ill young man, though later this problem was solved”, Bagapsh said. “Such attitude towards us causes our society’s negative attitude to the EU countries where human rights are a priority”.

At the same time he added that Abkhazia wanted to be a part of the European community.

Sergey Bagapsh told Dieter Boden about measures for strengthening the state border of the Republic of Abkhazia with Georgia, about the agreement with the Russian Federation on joint efforts in the state border protection aimed at promoting security for the republic’s population. Bagapsh pointed to the Russian Federation’s role as the main security guarantor in this region and the main economic partner of Abkhazia.

Speaking with the German diplomat Bagapsh also touched upon the Geneva discussions. “Abkhazia will continue this dialogue taking into account the "Medvedev-Sarkozy" agreement”, the head of the state said.

Sergey Bagapsh said that his adviser on international affairs Vyacheslav Chirikba would be appointed President of the Republic of Abkhazia’s special envoy to the Geneva discussions. At the same time the President declared that he did not see the settlement prospects.

03.11.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, A neurology unit opened after major repair in the Sukhum second clinical hospital.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health Care Zurab Marshania, Sukhum Administration head Alias Labakhua, the general director of "Abhazstroi" state-owned company Boris Arshba, doctors.

“Builders did a very good job. The President Sergey Bagapsh kept an eye on the repair. The state budget financed it what allowed to make the unit quite modern, especially as far as the equipment is concerned”, Alias Labakhua said.

The unit is equipped with modern medical equipment. Now doctors have an encephalograph with long monitoring, an electromyography for seriously ill patients, an ultrasonoscope, electric suction devices, monitors for each patient with a central panel, a glucometer and many other things. There is also a laundry, a cafeteria and a kitchen there. The heating and water supply systems, electric wiring have been completely reconstructed.

“Unfortunately, we still have problems with personnel”, Irina Ashuba the neurology unit head admits. “Modern medical equipment requires corresponding knowledge. We will learn, train personnel”.

According to the Minister of Health Care Zurab Marshania, a wonderful young team works in the only neurology unit in Abkhazia. “Our task is to raise the level of their skills”, he added.

The unit has been under repair for about a year.

03.11.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, On March 11 in first half of the day Dieter Boden met with the President Sergey Bagapsh and the Vice-President Alexander Ankuab.

Within the framework of his informal visit the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict Dieter Boden delivered an open lecture on international problems on the Abkhaz State University invitation.

As to the meeting with the deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Daur Kove, according to the press-service, the region’s urgent problems were discussed during the meeting.

Mr. Boden said that, despite his primary activity as a scientist-teacher, he continued taking an interest in the region’s destiny and watched closely the processes on the Southern Caucasus.

Touching upon the issue of the Geneva discussions, Mr. Boden said that in spite of the fact that little progress had been yet achieved in the course of the discussions; nevertheless, the Geneva format remained the most important forum to discuss common problems. “In spite of the fact that each participant of the Geneva discussions aims at nonrenewal of hostilities, all parties adhere to their vision of the problem resolution”, the deputy Foreign Minister declared.

The MFA international department head Lana Agrba said that the main goal of the Geneva consultations was to sign an agreement on the non-use of force, and this document must become the basic legal guarantor of stability in the region.

Mr. Boden said that forming a legal foundation for strengthening relations between the parties it was also important to take into consideration the agreements that had been concluded earlier. It was also mentioned that international guarantors continued to play an important role in strengthening trust.

Mr. Boden was also interested in the situation in the Kodor Valley.

The international department chief said that ICRC continued to render humanitarian aid to the valley’s residents.

Daur Kove stressed that it was very important for the Abkhaz society to maintain relations with Europe in cultural, educational and academic spheres. “Solving a problem connected with the destiny of Abkhazia, it is also important to listen to the Abkhaz side’s opinion”, the deputy Minister said, discussing the cases when citizens of Abkhazia had been refused Schengen visas. Mr. Boden also stressed the importance of solving daily problems while the political settlement was still being delayed.

Discussing the recent document on the problem resolution prepared by Georgia, Dieter Boden said that, despite some unacceptable wordings, the document, nevertheless, contained some interesting remarks. Daur Kove emphasized that the parties’ political will continued to remain an important component of establishing solid relations between the conflicting parties. Until there’s no will, no such documents will help reestablish trust.

Closing the meeting, Mr. Boden pointed to the importance of such meetings which allow to get to know the daily problems and the conflict parties’ opinion in detail, as well as to give corresponding information to other people and institutions interested in resolving the region’s main problems.

03.11.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Daur Kove met with the Potsdam University professor Dieter Boden in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

In 1995-1996 Dieter Boden was the head of the OSCE Special Mission in Georgia, and in December, 1999 was appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on the Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict and worked in this position for two years and a half.

Welcoming the scientist, Daur Kove said that Dieter Boden was a well- known person in Abkhazia. “You known well enough the problems of our region since you were engaged in their resolution, being a UN Special Representative”, Kove said. “Today after a long absence, you are again in Abkhazia, and we are pleased to welcome you back”.

The deputy Foreign Minister said regretfully that Boden’s visit concurred with sad events connected with the death of the prominent statesman, the First President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzynba.

The meeting participants paid last respect to the National Hero Vladislav Ardzynba by a minute of silence.

Dieter Boden said at the meeting that this time he had arrived in Abkhazia as a scientist. “Certainly, I remember very well the time when I worked here as a UN Special Representative. I cannot but take a further interest in your destiny and the Caucasian region in general. It’s not only my interest, but many Europeans in general. Today this interest is stronger, than ever”, Boden said.

“We all know that the problems remain. We all want this region to be able to live in solid and complete peace, and consider me your well-wisher as far as this is concerned”, the former head of the UN Mission in Georgia added.

Dieter Boden called "rather interesting" the meeting with the Abkhaz State University students which had also taken place today. Then the meeting was held behind closed doors. It was also attended by the MFA international department chief, a participant of the Geneva discussions on security in Transcaucasia Lana Agrba and the chairman of the Coordination Commission Zurab Lakerbaya.

After the meeting in an interview Dieter Boden expressed regret that he hadn’t been there for 7 years. “At the same time I’m happy to come back here on the invitation of the University rector, and today we had a wonderful meeting with the students who stroke me”, Boden said.

“I’ve worked here, and now arrived as a private person already, as a scientist to listen, to understand the situation and to tell other people about it. I want to make my modest contribution to your going out of the existing problems and the Caucasus becoming a stable region”, the scientist said.

Speaking about the First President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzynba, the former UN official said: “We have met several times, and I can tell you that it’s always been a frank and open exchange of opinions. I cannot tell you that we have agreed on every issue, but we respected each other very much. I respected his honesty and openness very much. I know that in his time he made his contribution to find a solution of the problems”.

03.11.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Brussel, The European Union welcomes Georgia's new policy on South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the EU foreign affairs chief said on Wednesday.

Georgia's new strategy for the return of the two tiny republics stresses the need for "peaceful and diplomatic methods" and was approved by the government on January 28.

Catherine Ashton also welcomed Tbilisi's intention to engage in talks with the two republics, which split away from Georgia during in the early 1990s and were both recognized by Russia in 2008.

Russia's recognition followed an attack by Georgian forces on South Ossetia.

03.10.2010  RIA Novosti

 Abkhazia’s first president buried in his hometown

Sukhum, Abkhazia’s first president Vladislav Ardzynba was buried at the Gumista Battle memorial cemetery in his hometown, Eshera, on Tuesday. The Gumista River, which was the frontline in the armed conflict of 1992-1993, can be seen from there.

Thousands of residents of Abkhazia visited Sukhum to bid farewell to Ardzynba.

The ex-president, 64, died at the Moscow Central Clinic early in the morning of March 4. Abkhazia had three days of morning on March 7, 8 and 9. State flags were down half-mast, and all amusement TV and radio programs were cancelled. Instead, the channels screened documentaries about the first president who led the republic at the most difficult times. The ex-president’s portraits were on display at all plants, organizations and schools, and live flowers were laid.

Russian Ambassador to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriyev regretted that he had not met with the great person, “who served his country at the crucial moment.”

South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity presented his condolences. “The life of hero and patriot Vladislav Ardzynba will be an example for the next generations. Ardzynba led the country to victory at the most severe moment. The unity of people and the prosperity of Abkhazia would be the best way to remember him,” Kokoity said.

03.09.2010  Itar-Tass

 “Friends of Abkhazia” in Estonia condole with the people of Abkhazia in connection with Ardzynba's death

Apsnypress received a telegram of condolences from Estonia signed by Kalmer Saar in connection with the death of the National Hero Vladislav Ardzynba.

“On behalf of all friends of Abkhazia in Estonia accept our most sincere condolences to the Abkhaz nation in connection with the death of First President Vladislav Ardzynba”, the telegram says.

03.08.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Condolences in connection with the death of First President Vladislav Ardzynba were sent by Lord Everberry (London, Great Britain).

“I was very much grieved by the news about Vladislav Ardzynba's death, and I would like to give my heartfelt condolences to his family”, Lord Everberry’s condolences say.

03.08.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Chairman of the Republican People’s Party of Turkey Deniz Baykal is deeply shaken by the news about the death of the First President of Abkhazia, the National Hero Vladislav Ardzynba, says the telegram Baykal sent the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh.

According to Baykal, “Vladislav Ardzynba will forever remains in the people’s memory, he has a special place on the pages of Abkhaz history forever”.

“I grieve together with you. I ask you to give my deepest condolences to Vladislav Ardzynba's family”, the Chairman of the Republican People’s Party of Turkey Deniz Baykal’s telegram says.

03.08.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

By Eric Walberg, Will there be another war in the Caucasus? This is a smoldering issue on more than one front, finds Eric Walberg, in the first of a two-part analysis of the spectre of conflict in this crucial crossroads

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world expected a new era of peace and disarmament. But what happened? Instead of diminishing, US and NATO presence throughout Europe, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Central Asia rapidly increased, and the world experienced one war after another -- in the Caucasus, Yugoslavia , Iraq and Afghanistan , each one hotter and more horrible than the last. And we are far from seeing the end to the savagery now unleashed by the anti-communist jinni.

Though a pokey backwater for the past millennium, the south Caucasus is now a key battleground, the “critical strategic crossroads in 21st century geopolitics”, writes analyst Rick Rozoff, the focus of ambitious energy transit projects and a military corridor reaching from Western Europe to East Asia, controlled (or not so “controlled”) from Washington and Brussel.

Surely peace in this vital region should be a paramount goal for both Russia and the West, for their own reasons -- Russia because, well because it is there and its cultural and economic links are vital to Russia ’s well being. The US, if only to benefit economically, since peace everywhere is a boon to economic well being and logically should be blessed by the world’s superpower, whether or not it is a benevolent one.

But this logic has been betrayed -- egregiously, in the case of US abetting Georgia in its disastrous war against Russia in 2008, less obviously in likely covert US and other involvement in Chechnya and its neighbours, as well as in the Armenia-Azerbaijan stand-off over Nagorno Karabakh.

Topping the list in recent times are Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where firebrand Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili struts and threatens, running from one NATO gathering to another, embracing one US military envoy after another, as he shakes his fist at his northern nemesis and vows to retake his breakaway territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia, now fully fledged republics. This pits a NATO hopeful against a NATO foe, and despite the fact that NATO expressly forbids membership to any country with disputed borders, it continues to vow that Georgia will soon be a full member, a project that can only mean war with Russia.

US encouragement for Saakashvili in his failed 2008 war with Russia was, to put it mildly, an embarrassment for the US and should be a warning to politely distance itself from further abetting a dangerously unpredictable character. Despite the likelihood that Saakashvili’s extreme pro-West policies will be reversed by a future government, the US navy is conducting war exercises at this very moment with Georgia in the Black Sea, and the Pentagon is preparing to build three military bases in Georgia and dispatch of up to 25,000 US servicemen to the country by 2015. It seems the embarrassment is also a “window of opportunity”, a chance to put facts on the ground which a future government would find very difficult to change.

Georgia is a tempting morsel for other reasons. US special envoy to AfPak Richard Holbrooke just last week visited Georgia to arrange transit of arms to his killing fields via Georgia. Saakashvili offered Georgia’s Black Sea ports Poti and Batumi as docks for military supply ships and the country’s airports as refuelling points for cargo planes. “The route to Afghanistan is already used extensively, because almost 80 per cent of cargo which is not going through Pakistan is going through Georgia, and only 20 per cent through Russia,” boasts Alexander Rondeli, president of the Georgian Foundation for Security in International Studies.

Saakashvili is pursuing a propaganda campaign aiming to destabilise the region through direct and indirect provocation of Russia and support of terrorists with the tacit approval of Washington and Brussels. He has launched a Russian-language TV station First Caucasus beamed into South Ossetia, much like Reagan’s TV Marti set up in 1985 for Cubans. He has also reached out to Abkhazians and Ossetians to try to convince them to subvert their current governments and join Georgia.

The idea, according to analyst at the Strategic Cultural Foundation Nicolai Dimlevich, is to foment instability throughout the Caucasus and in Transcaucasia and then call for all the zones of conflict to be passed into UN, EU and/or NATO hands for safekeeping, since Russia would be proven to be incapable of ensuring the security of local populations. In this scenario, the US and NATO “benefit” from war in the region, as it is an opportunity to weaken Russia and extend control over the region. Terrifying thoughts, but unfortunately perfectly “rational”.

The failed war against Russia in 2008 also left behind storm clouds in Saakashvili’s own Tbilisi , where opposition to his reckless political gambits has hardened. Even as Saakashvili blusters, key Georgian opposition figures have been visiting Moscow since late last year, disowning their president’s plans. “We are prepared to receive those, who come not for fighting and trickery, but for making some changes,” Russian Deputy Minister Gregory Karasin told reporters in Geneva recently. Karasin quoted Georgian parliament’s ex-speaker, current leader of the Democratic Movement-United Georgia, Nino Burjanadze: “When Saakashvili made a decision to wage war in summer 2008, I am quoting her ‘he intended to make Russia bend on its knees and to cause tension in relations with Russia, but Saakashvili lost the war and put the country in a tragic situation.’ We want to have open and pleasant relationship with Georgia.”

Former Georgian prime minister Zurab Noghaideli was received by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in December, the first time that the Russian leader openly met with a Georgian opposition leader. He openly advocates cooperation between his Movement for a Just Georgia and United Russia, and has developed close ties with the Union of Georgians in Russia. Noghaideli has repeatedly stated that without a radical change in Georgia’s foreign policy priorities his country’s “destruction will continue”, warning that “there is danger of Georgia’s further dismemberment” if Tbilisi’s current course continues.

“Saakashvili understands that his rule is in danger, and therefore he is prepared to plunge the country into a new war. He prefers to be a president banished from Georgia by Russia than to be banished by his own people,” said Burjanadze, condemning the TV station beamed into Ossetia which features a talk show hosted by the late Chechen rebel leader Dzhokhar Dudayev’s widow. Giorgi Khaindrava, a former Cabinet member and now an opposition leader, said. if the channel devotes coverage to the insurgency in Russia’s north Caucasus, Putin may declare it a terrorist threat and use force to shut it down. “This isn’t just fantasy. It could happen.”

The entire spectrum of Georgia’s politicians agree. Conservative Party leader Kakha Kukava says, “ Russia doesn’t have any strategic plan towards Georgia nowadays. It is in Saakashvili’s interests to provoke Russia and attract international attention to obtain support.” Even “some of the people close to President Saakashvili may also agree, but they can’t say so openly because they’re afraid of him,” asserts Noghaideli.

Perhaps Saakashvili’s bluster is just hot air. But the war exercises with the US and the planned US bases aren’t. Nor is the fact that the south Caucasus has become a transit route for drugs to Europe and Russia. Russian Federal Drug Control Service head Viktor Ivanov said last week that the ports of Batumi and Poti are “the main ones in drug trafficking, and the Georgian city of Kabuleti is one of the key points of trafficking of Afghan heroin.”

Only Saakashvili seems to think it’s possible to reunite the two breakaway regions with Georgia any time soon. For better or worse Abkhazia is ever more securely tied to Russia , as confirmed by President Sergei Bagapsh’s visit to Moscow last month to commemorate 200 years since Abkhazia was absorbed into the Russian empire. Though not Moscow’s favourite in the 2004 elections, Bagapsh has agreed to establish a joint military ground force for the next 49 years and to upgrade an existing Russian base at Gudauta, where 1,700 Russian troops are presently stationed. He also proposed that Abkhazia join the Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan Customs Union even though neither Minsk nor Astana has recognised Abkhazia as a sovereign state. Ironically, says analyst Sergei Markedonov, if even a half dozen European countries were to recognise Abkhazia, “maybe Bagapsh would favour European integration.” Carnegie Moscow Centre analyst Alexei Malashenko suspects that Turkey may set things in motion. “Turkey is ready to establish special relations with Abkhazia.”

The mouse’s defeat in 2008 also was an important incentive for Ukrainians to turn against their Orange revolutionaries last month. Incumbent Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich is merely expressing the will of the people when he dismisses any future move to join NATO and tones down the anti-Russian rhetoric. When Saakashvili goes, a similar move will surely take place in Georgia, as a future president tries to repair relations with Russia, though -- hopes the Pentagon -- leaving by-then existing US bases in place.

March 8, 2010  Al-Jazeerah & ccun.org

 Accociation of the Abkhaz-Abazin Diaspora in Europe "Pro Abkhazia" expresses deep condolences to the people of Abkhazia, Vladislav Grigorevich Ardzynba's family

Accociation of the Abkhaz-Abazin Diaspora in Europe "Pro Abkhazia" expresses deep condolences to the people of Abkhazia, Vladislav Grigorevich Ardzynba's family in connection with his sudden death.

“It is an irreplaceable loss for each representative of our nation, for all those whom our history is dear to. The personality of the First President of Abkhazia - a leader, a fighter for independence, a great politician, a well-known scientist - is an example of ardent patriotism and selfless service to the people”, the Abkhaz-Abazin Diaspora of  Western European counties' condolences read.

03.05.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, Andrei Fedyashin, Britain and Argentina have renewed their unhealthy diplomatic exchange over the ownership and sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, which Argentineans call the Malvinas.

Britain and Argentina waged a 70-odd day war over the islands in 1982. Now all self-proclaimed republics - both recognized and unrecognized - cite the Falklands to support their cause.

London claims that Abkhazia and South Ossetia were illegally torn from Georgia (along with their inhabitants), whereas the Falklands are legally British territory and are populated exclusively by British people.

Britain retains control of the islands and finds it very unpleasant when the Falklands question is raised because it reminds the world about Britain's complicated colonial past and the British about their glorious imperial past. But beyond this, the Falklands issue prevents the world from seeing Britain's position in the recent disputes over self-proclaimed republics - be they recognized or unrecognized - for what it is.

The Foreign Office's attitude can be summed up as follows: It would be great if the Falklands remained the property of the Crown, and it would be better still if nobody remembered that they exist.

Tensions between the countries flared up again when the British oil company Desire Petroleum started drilling exploration wells some 60 miles north of the archipelago's administrative center, Port Stanley.

Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner reacted immediately, denouncing the move as a violation of UN resolutions on the Malvinas/Falklands, which call on both countries to renew sovereignty negotiations and abstain from taking unilateral measures, and evidence of a lingering colonial attitude, among other things.

Diplomatic relations between Argentina and the U.K. were cut off after the Malvinas/Falklands War, but were renewed in the early 1990s.

According to geological surveys carried out in 1998, there could be 60 billion barrels of oil in the area around these southern islands. Desire Petroleum's own studies have confirmed close to three billion barrels of oil.

The Falklands issue is more than just a colonial anachronism. They are like an ulcer in today's global body politic, which has become inflamed again and again.

The ulcer is usually aggravated by one side in the Falklands dispute for internal political gains.

This time President Kirchner is responsible for the relapse. Kirchner faces a tough election next year, with Argentineans growing increasingly unhappy with the Kirchners (before Cristina, the president was her husband Nestor, who is currently his wife's chief adviser). Both Argentina's economy and Cristina's popularity have slumped, and there have been numerous scandals regarding the couple's questionable business deals.

Drawing public attention to the Malvinas was a primitive but effective move, as 80% of Argentineans think the islands have been taken from them illegally, which is actually true: the British snatched the islands from Argentina in 1833.

The Falklands resurfaced as a political issue in the spring of 1982 when Argentina declared that the Malvinas were Argentinean territory. Before that, many British people did not even know that they had a dependent territory so far from home.

The campaign for the return of all Argentinean land (the Argentineans also claim South Georgia some 1,200 miles east of the islands) was launched by Constantino Davidoff, an Argentinean scrap-metal merchant of Russian descent, who landed without permission at Leith on the island of South Georgia on December 20, 1981, and hoisted the Argentinean flag above the manager's house.

The British dispatched half of their Falklands garrison to South Georgia. Argentina responded by invading and occupying the islands.

Britain and Argentina fought a war over a territory located 14,000 miles from Britain and some 300 miles from Argentina. It was the most bizarre colonial war of the 20th century.

The war saved British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and ensured the political demise of Argentinean dictator Leopoldo Galtieri.

In 1982, Britain experienced a period of national revival and unity it had not seen since WWII. Thatcher's popularity, which had been hovering near zero, soared as a result of the Falklands War, which put an end to the military dictatorship in Argentina. But the restoration of democracy did not ease tensions.

The Falklands dispute is extremely complicated, but there is a solution. For decades now, British experts on international law have been calling it a 19th-century colonial relic. Britain must grow up and give back the islands, they say. The Falklands' sovereignty could be transferred to Argentina, which would then lease the islands to Britain.

This would satisfy Argentina's territorial claims, while also respecting the interests of the islands' population of British settlers.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.

03.05.2010  RIA Novosti

Condolences. Vladislav Ardzynba was a distinguished academic, an eloquent advocate of both Abkhazian rights in particular and minority rights in general, an inspiring war-leader, a patriotic politician and president, with whom Tbilisi could actually have worked, if only Georgia had been led by politicians of true worth and noble vision. His passing will be mourned by all Abkhazians across the world, but his permanent place in Abkhazia's pantheon of heroes is assured and unchallengeable...

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Condolences

It was with a great sense of loss that Zaira and I learnt today of the sad, if not altogether unexpected, death of Vladislav Ardzynba in Moscow at the age of 64.

Vladislav Ardzynba holds a unique place in the history of Abkhazia. Having come to prominence in his homeland as an academic (specialising in Hittite), he took over from Prof. Georgij Dzidzarija as Director of the Research Institute. Quickly he found himself involved in politics when elected to Mikhail GorbachКv's new Palace of People's Deputies, where he achieved national prominence across the entire Soviet Union for his eloquent articulation of the problems facing that vast state's ethnic minorities and their hopes for the future. He was naturally most concerned to achieve justice for his own Abkhazian nation, and in the turbulent days when the USSR was heading for disintegration and an ugly chauvinism was on the rise in Georgia,this speedily put Abkhazia on a collision-course with Tbilisi. When Vladislav assumed the chairmanship of the Supreme Soviet, he became the focus of verbal attacks from Georgian nationalists, attacks which continued to the day of his death, when in some early obituary-announcements it was libellously stated that he 'orchestrated a massive ethnic cleansing campaign'.

It fell to Vladislav to lead the defence of Abkhazia when it was treacherously invaded by the troops of Georgia's State Council under the chairmanship of Eduard Shevardnadze on that day of infamy, the 14 August 1992. After 14 tragic months, Abkhazia was finally liberated on 30 September 1993. And under Vladislav's leadership, then still based in its wartime home of Gudauta, a leaflet was prepared for distibution in the areas that had been under Georgian occupation during the war urging Abkhazians there to show magnanimity and not to engage in acts of vengeance against either Georgian soldiers laying down their arms or members of the civilian population. But the Caucasus is the Caucasus, and in those days of panic and rumour the majority of the local Mingrelians, Georgians and Svans elected to leave south-eastern Abkhazia before the arrival of the victors. Abkhazia then found itself subjected to years of embargo, as the world tried to punish it for having had the audacity to defeat Shevardnadze's Georgia. And it was Vladislav's destiny to steer a difficult course during those years of pressure in order to prevent the restarting of hostilities with Georgia, to avoid making concessions in the internationally sponsored negotiating process that would be unacceptable to the Abkhazian people, and to avoid causing excessive annoyance to Moscow, which most commentators now conveniently forget was by no means well-disposed to Abkhazian aspirations under the presidency of Boris Yeltsin and Shevardnadze's protegИ as Russian Foreign Minister Andrej Kozyrev; the same was true under Kozyrev's successor, Tbilisi-reared Evgenij Primakov, who had once been Vladislav's superior in the days when they both worked at Moscow's Oriental Institute. In 1994 Vladislav supervised the promulgation of a new Constitution for Abkhazia and became its first president.

Finally exasperated by Tbilisi's stonewalling in the negotiations, Abkhazia formally declared independence in 1999. This year also saw Vladislav elected to serve his second and final term as president; he additionally pushed through a very sensible spelling-reform. However, he was not destined to see out that second term blessed with the good health and irrepressible energy that had characterised his preceding years. Whatever the cause, a cruel degenerative illness began to take hold, which led to his being seen less and less in public and ultimately to total withdrawal and the passing of presidential responsibility to his replacement, Raoul Khadzhimba, who nevertheless worked closely with Vladislav behind the scenes.

Though by then confined to a wheelchair and able only to speak very indistinctly, Vladislav had the good fortune to live to see Abkhazia first regain control over the one area that had remained in Georgian hands after the war, the Upper K odor Valley, on 12 August 2008 and then be recognised by Russia on 26 August 2008 it was shortly thereafter that we met for the last time, when we were able to congratulate each other on that momentous event, an event he met with the words: 'The dreadful times have passed; now the difficult times begin.' It is now the responsibility of others to guide Abkhazia's ship of state through the choppy seas into the calm waters that should come from universal recognition and Abkhazia taking its rightful place as a full member of the family of nations.

Vladislav Ardzynba was a distinguished academic, an eloquent advocate of both Abkhazian rights in particular and minority rights in general, an inspiring war-leader, a patriotic politician and president, with whom Tbilisi could actually have worked, if only Georgia had been led by politicians of true worth and noble vision. His passing will be mourned by all Abkhazians across the world, but his permanent place in Abkhazia's pantheon of heroes is assured and unchallengeable.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Abkhazian people, the Abkhazian Government, and, on a more personal note, to Vladislav's widow, Sveta, his daughter, Madina, and the whole of his family.

Zaira and George Hewitt (UK)

Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Sergei Bagapsh on his birthday. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction at the close and trusting nature of their contacts and the steady development of the friendly bilateral interstate ties, a landmark moment in which was the recent official visit of the President of Abkhazia to Russia.

President Medvedev pointed out that today is marked by mourning the news of the passing of the first President of Abkhazia, Vladislav Ardzynba. Dmitry Medvedev expressed his sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sergei Bagapsh and the people of Abkhazia.

03.04.2010  Official Web Portal of the President of Russia

Sukhum/Mocow, After a long struggle with cancer, Vladislav Ardzynba died at 64 years of age. On behalf of all UNPO Members, UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin expresses his deepest condolences to the families, relatives and colleagues of Vladislav Ardzynba.

Below follows an obituary of Vladislav Ardzynba (14 May 1945 – 4 March 2010)

Vladislav Ardzynba was an Abkhaz politician and the first president of Republic of Abkhazia.

Born in the village of Lower Eshera in the Sukhum District, he graduated from the Sukhum Pedagogical Institute’s Historical Department and received a doctorate degree at Tbilisi State University. In 1987, after 18 years of working experience in Moscow, he returned to Sukhum as Director of the Abkhazian Institute of Language, Literature and History. Furthermore, he was also elected Deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union.

On December 4th, 1990, Vladislav Ardzynba was elected Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia. He was elected president by the Abkhazian parliament in 1994 and won the first direct polls on October 3rd, 1999, where he was re-elected as the president of Abkhazia. Under his leadership, Abkhazia tried to strengthen the economy, create links with the international community and promote the rightful self-determination of the people of Abkhazia. In 2003 his health seriously deteriorated and as a consequence was forced to resign the presidency of Abkhazia in 2004.

Vladislav Ardzynba dedicated his life to the struggle of Abkhazia for self-determination and freedom and passed away on Thursday, 4th March 2010 after a longstanding battle with cancer in Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital.

03.04.2010  UNPO

Novorossiisk, The Russian Black Sea Fleet practiced an amphibious landing of troops on the coast of Abkhazia as a nearby NATO vessel observed, a Russian Navy source said on Wednesday.

He said the drills, involving a dozen warships, were conducted on February 27 in close cooperation with the coast guard forces of the republic of Abkhazia and were watched by a U.S. coast guard vessel.

"During the drills, the USS John Hall was in this area of the Black Sea," the source said, adding that the U.S. vessel was officially conducting joint drills with Georgian Navy coast guards vessels.

"However, the main task of the American vessel in the Black Sea was not the practice of Georgian-American interaction on the sea, but in tracking the drills of the Black Sea fleet," the source added.

Last month, the presidents of Russia and Abkhazia signed a deal allowing a Russian military base in Abkhazia for 50 years to "protect Abkhazia's sovereignty and security, including against international terrorist groups."

Georgia, which fought a five-day war with Russia over the republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in August 2008, has fiercely criticized the plans for the base in Abkhazia, which it considers part of its territory.

Russia's military buildup in the region since the armed conflict has also been condemned by the West as running counter to international law and contravening the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement signed by Russia and Georgia in the wake of their August 2008 conflict.

03.03.2010  RIA Novosti

Sukhum, The Vice-President Alexander Ankuab held a working meeting dedicated to restoration works in the S. Chanba’s Abkhaz State Drama Theatre, the Russian Theatre, the State museum and the Republican hospital.

The Minister of Culture Nugzar Logua, the deputy Finance Minister Vladimir Delba, the chief of “Sukhumstroi” unitary enterprise of "Apsnyrgylara" state-owned company Ruslan Tuanba, the Construction department (SMU-1) chief Vadim Ladaria, the head physician of the Republican hospital Lev Achba attended the meeting.

Alexander Ankuab was interested in the progress of restoration works.

Builders have already built on the third floor of the museum, having preserved the architectural look of the building being a capital’s historical and architectural value. Installation of the building’s new roof is being finished.

According to the Minister of Culture Nugzar Logua, experts from Moscow and Volgograd will be invited to arrange museum expositions. “They will be working here together with local experts”, he said.

Nugzar Logua said that all works in the museum were agreed with its management, and there were no censures.

According to Ruslan Tuanba, plastering inside the building will take ten days. “The next is to install CCTV, fire alarm system, water supply system, heating system. Besides, on the first and second floors the old plaster will be broken off and the new one will be made”, Tuanba said.

Rub 27 mln have been spent on the State museum repair.

The Vice-President Alexander Ankuab warned the builders about the necessity to do everything qualitatively.

Builders also told the Vice-president about the progress of the Abkhaz and Russian drama theatres repair.

SMU-1 chief Vadim Ladaria told about the restoration works in the Republican hospital. According to him, the major part of works has been already finished.

The Republican hospital was put into operation in 1964. Since then the building has never been majorly repaired. During the post-war years the left unit of the hospital has not functioned.

According to builders, re-planning of hospital units has been already finished; the new brickwork has been done. Fencing in of the hospital’s territory is being finished.

New wiring has been already laid in the building, repoussage windows and doors have been installed. The power cable has been laid to the hospital; the hospital has been equipped with independent electro- and water supply systems. All wires go under the casement ceilings made by a French technology.

According to Vadim Ladaria, during the reconstruction the architecture of the building has been changed - the fourth floor where there will be a conference hall with an area of 160 sq. m. has been built on.

The situation with bathrooms and ventilation was catastrophic in the hospital. Besides, the medical staff experienced inconveniences because of the fact that surgery units were straggling in different buildings and floors.

According to Lev Achba, after the repaired unit is put into operation, restoration of the old building is likely to begin.

The issue of placing a nutrition unit in the hospital was also discussed. Alexander Ankuab expressed opinion that it would be expedient to build a canteen for medical staff in the hospital’s courtyard. “It will be more convenient: the staff will have a chance to walk in the park after a hard day”, he said. “As to the nutrition unit for patients it should be placed inside the building, and a powerful exhaust system should also be installed", the Vice-President added.

After the repair there will be a united medical centre equipped with the newest medical equipment there. The project is to be put into operation during half a year.

03.03.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych gave a strong hint on Tuesday that he may not recognize the independence of the republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"I said before that we are against a politics of double standards," Yanukovych said, referring to Kosovo, which unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in February 2008.

"It was already obvious back then that ... frozen conflicts would only get worse. Another perfect example is South Ossetia," he added, as quoted by the Ukrainskaya Pravda newspaper.

"It's my view that we must yet again underline that international law should apply to all without exceptions," he went on, saying that the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was "not currently on the agenda."

However, before his victory in February's polls, Yanukovych's Party of Regions called on then president Viktor Yushchenko's pro-Western administration to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Yanukovych also said Ukraine should recognize the republics after Russia's five-day war with Georgia over South Ossetia in August 2008.

Russia recognized the two republics' independence shortly after the war with Georgia, which began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia. Only Nicaragua, Venezuela and the tiny Pacific island state of Nauru have followed suit. Western powers have condemned Russia's move.

Many experts believe that Yanukovych, seen as pro-Russian during the election campaign, will "disappoint" Moscow, pledging friendship with the Kremlin while still trying to pursue Yushchenko's bid to take Ukraine into NATO and the EU.

Analysts have pointed out that Yanukovych has already snubbed Russia, making his first official trip abroad to Brussels, location of the EU headquarters, rather than Moscow after he was sworn in as president.

03.02.2010  RIA Novosti

Buenos Aires, Abkhazia is interested in establishing diplomatic relations with Argentina and opening three embassies in Latin America [Nicaragua, Venezuela, Argentina], said Maxim Gunjia, Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, head of the delegation, visiting Latin America.

He stated the purpose of the visit was expansion of political and economic relations with regions' countries.

"We hope to develop trade relations with all the countries of Latin America," Gunjia noted.

"In particular, serious partners in business can be Nicaragua, Argentina, Equador, Venezuela".

He added that the Abkhazian delegation held a number of meetings in Argentina with representatives of political and public circles.

The Minister noted the warm welcome given to the delegation. "No-one assured that Argentina won't recognize Abkhazia, therefore we have hope that Argentina will be the next Latin American country to recognize Abkhazia".

03.02.2010  APSUAA RIBJI

 Finn Takes Top UN Post

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Finnish diplomat Antti Turunen as his representative for Georgia. Turunen’s appointment to the post makes him Finland’s highest ranking UN official at the moment, Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb said on Monday.

Turunen succeeds Belgian Johan Verbeke in the post, which co-chairs so-called Geneva discussions on conflicts in Georgia along with the EU and the OSCE.

In his new job, Turunen will coordinate discussions with the parties to the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict and key stakeholders, including the United States, Russia, Germany, France and the UK.

"The UN has a central role in resolving the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict," the foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to Georgia's Russian-backed rebel region, which together with South Ossetia was the focus of a bitter Georgia-Russia war in 2008.

Conflict between the two neighbours erupted in August 2008 when Russian forces poured into Georgia to repel a Georgian military attempt to retake South Ossetia.

Russia later mostly withdrew to within South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Moscow recognised as independent states, a move so far followed by only a handful of countries.

Turunen has headed Finland's permanent mission to the OSCE since 2007, and previously held positions with the foreign ministry, which he joined in 1985.

03.01.2010  YLE

 We should rely not only on aid from outside but also on our own resources - Sergey Bagapsh

Sukhum, “We should rely not only on aid from outside but, first of all, on our own resources”, the President Sergey Bagapsh said at the new Cabinet’s first session which was held on Tuesday, March 2. The head of the state congratulated all on their appointment and wished them success.

According to Bagapsh, increase of efficiency of state administration bodies, heads of city and district administrations must become the Cabinet’s and the country leadership’s priority.

“You are the people with whom we have been already working for five years. During this time you have developed as specialists. I don’t like to throw away specialists. Over the past years we all had to close gaps in the legislation and the budget. Today we are on a new stage of development, I ask you to take it into consideration”, the president said, addressing members of the government.

Sergey Bagapsh gave ministers and vice PMs in charge of them a month to prepare "serious, well-founded plans for the development of the ministries”. “First of all, it is a question of the Ministries of Finance, Economy, Taxes and Tax collection”, the President said, adding that all members of the government should give paramount importance to the development of the national economy.

The head of the state drew members of the government’s attention to the necessity to develop the sphere of production. “Re-export, transport infrastructure, resorts - all this is very important, but, first of all, we should develop production and the agrarian sector”, Bagapsh said.

He stressed inadmissibility of ignoring the development of the agrarian sector and charged the Minister of Agriculture Jury Akaba to tackle the matter of agriculture reform in real earnest.

“The development of agriculture will take investments, considerable cash recourses. We are ready to spend a part of the Privatization fund means on complex development of agriculture. If we don’t develop agriculture, we will ruin the development of the national economy”, the President said.

At the session it was also a question of the necessity to reform the judicial branch of power, to improve courts’ working conditions, to increase judges’ salary and authority, to solve personnel problems, to develop legislation, to work out subordinate legislation in addition to the laws passed by the Parliament.

The President also placed emphasis on the issues of education, training of pedagogical personnel, and expansion of the kindergartens system. According to him, the Ministry of Education should think of opening new special, technical education establishments to train specialists for different spheres of economy.

“We need the most rigid economy in all”, he said addressing the vice PM, the Finance Minister Beslan Kubrava.

“Distribution of money must be under the rigid control of the Prime Minister. I will too keep an eye on it”, Sergey Bagapsh promised.

Touching upon the issue of rendering assistance to veterans who need treatment, he said: “We must render assistance to veterans; however money should be transferred to a medical institution instead of handing it”.

Bagapsh promised to henceforth give particular attention to security agencies. He expressed discontent with the conditions military men serve and live in.

The head of the state charged the Minister of Internal Affairs Otar Khetsia “to revise the structure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, allocation of responsibilities, to change the work style for the better”. “Efficiency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and criminality preventive measures are the most important thing”, Bagapsh said.

Sergey Bagapsh urged members of the government to employ more actively young, competent specialists, to appoint them deputy ministers.

“I have no doubts about decency and honesty of ministers”, Bagapsh said. At the same time he demanded “to introduce order among your employees". "Those who want to make big money, let them go to business”, he said.

Addressing journalists, the head of the state said that it should be done so that the voice of Abkhazia be heard more in the world.

According to the President, some changes should be made to the law on the mass-media providing for journalists’ responsibility for published materials.

03.02.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 National card payment system to be created in Abkhazia

Sukhum, According to a decree issued by the President Sergey Bagapsh, the National card payment system will be created in Abkhazia.

“In an effort to coordinate and regulate settlement relations with the use of cards, and to meet the requirements of the population of the Republic of Abkhazia in modern bank products and services, to increase inclusion of physical persons in non-cash payments and to create the payment infrastructure in the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia”, the National bank of the Republic of Abkhazia is charged to:

1. create the National card payment system (including cards of international payment systems) till December, 2010;

2. give basic provisions of functioning of the National card payment system, basic provisions of rules and standards of card payments till June 1, 2010;

3. develop a bill of the Republic Abkhazia “About the use of cards in the Republic of Abkhazia” till July 1.

03.01.2010  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia