On January 30, 2012, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PMR Nina Shtanski held a meeting with Authorized Representative of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Pridnestrovien Moldavian Republic Alexander Vataman.

Nina Shtanski noted, that development of friendly relations and all-round connections with Abkhazia had always been among the priorities of Pridnestrovien foreign policy. She expressed hope for maintenance of traditionally high level of bilateral interaction of the two states in future. Alongside with that diplomat said, that Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PMR expects to raise the degree of cooperation to the level, which will be more tangible for the citizens of fraternal republics.

Alexander Vataman assured that Abkhazia also hopes for preservation of active tempos of cooperation with Pridnestrovie. Diplomat reported that a new team also came to power in Abkhazia, the Cabinet was changed, and new head of foreign office was appointed. Alexander Vataman informed Minister, that he has recently returned from Sukhum and had a possibility to make the acquaintance with new leadership of the country. He noted, that Sukhum hopes to preserve constructive mood in relations with Tiraspol and all previously reached arrangements will develop in future. Alongside with that Abkhazian leadership has its’ own opinion on development of intergovernmental cooperation, Sukhum hopes to make it more efficient.

Alexander Vataman congratulated Nina Shtanski on assumption of office on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Viacheslav Chirikba and head of the PMR’s Representative Office in Abkhazia Garri Kupalba.

During the meeting interlocutors also discussed issues, connected with interaction of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PMR and Representative Office of Abkhazia in Pridnestrovie.

30.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Viacheslav Chirikba Meets the Delegation of the MFA of Switzerland

On January 30 Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Viacheslav Chirikba met with the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. Deputy Foreign Minister Irakli Khintba and Head of the International Department Lana Agrba participated in the meeting from the Abkhaz side.

The parties exchanged views on the prospects for resolution of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, in particular, within the frameworks of the Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus.

The Minister noted that Abkhazia is open to dialogue and is interested in finding mutually acceptable solutions. However one should not expect positive results until Georgia starts treating Abkhazia as a party to the conflict and a full-fledged participant of the negotiation process. Moreover the initiatives taken by the Georgian Government without any prior discussion with the Abkhaz side, such as lobbying of some resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly and the European Parliament, and the Georgian shady enterprises like the introduction of the so-called “neutral travel documents” for the citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia aggravate the negotiation environment. The Abkhaz side considers such actions aimed at the isolation of Abkhazia as the discrimination of the citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The Abkhaz side stated that none of the so called “neutral documents” issued by the Tbilisi authorities were acceptable for Abkhazia.

Taking into account that some states and organizations might find themselves involved in another shady enterprise initiated by the Georgian authorities, the Abkhaz side will raise the issue of so-called "neutral passports" in the framework of the Geneva discussions. Further recognition of these Georgian documents may have direct consequences for the Abkhaz participation in the International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus.

Concerning the humanitarian programs funded among others by the Government of Switzerland the Minister confirmed that their coordination would be carried out by the Abkhaz Foreign Ministry. He underlined that they would be more effective if the Georgian side stopped politicizing humanitarian issues.

The representatives of the Swiss MFA thanked the Minister for the sincere dialogue and expressed hope for further collaboration.

30.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba met with the consultant of the Robert Bosch Foundation Dieter Boden

On January 27 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba met with the representatives of the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Marshall Fund, headed by Dieter Boden, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General. The Abkhaz side was also represented by the Deputy Foreign Minister Irakly Khintba and the Head of International Department Lana Agrba.

Dieter Boden underscored that he did not come as an official, but as a consultant of the Robert Bosch Foundation - the largest corporate Foundation in Germany. The main activities of the Foundation include science, healthcare, education, social development and culture.

The main topics of the discussion were the prospects for cooperation. In particular, the question of organizing a visit to the Republic of Abkhazia of a group of members of European Parliament and Bundestag was discussed.

The Minister briefed the delegation on the political and economic situation in the country. He specifically touched upon the issue related to the recognition by a number of states of Georgian so-called "neutral travel documents." The Minister described this as another attempt to isolate the people of Abkhazia, undertaken by Tbilisi authorities.

Dieter Boden thanked Viacheslav Chirikba for constructive discussion.

27.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Statement of the MFA of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia is deeply concerned about the recent media information on the recognition by certain countries of the so-called "neutral travel documents" for the citizens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"Neutral identity cards" and "neutral travel documents" are the same tool of the "engagement strategy" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, developed by Tbilisi authorities after August 2008 and aimed ostensibly at lifting sanctions against Abkhazia. In fact, documents that are promoted by Georgia in the framework of the Action Plan of the "State Strategy on Occupied Territories" may create obstacles to the realization of the universal right to freedom of movement and along with other tools of the "Georgian strategy" to promote the isolation of Abkhazia.

It is known that the aim of the Georgian initiatives, as set out in the preamble of the State Strategy is "to achieve complete de-occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region / South Ossetia ... and peacefully reintegrate these territories and populations in a single constitutional space of Georgia." Such obvious political frameworks make these initiatives of the Georgian authorities absolutely unacceptable for the citizens of Abkhazia.

Abkhazia is not an occupied territory, as is easily seen to any unbiased observer, so no "strategies on occupied territories", developed by the Georgian authorities, will work.

It will be recalled that during the blockade period after the end of the Georgian-Abkhazian war of 1992-1993, when the Soviet documents lost their legitimate force, the Abkhaz leadership has repeatedly appealed to the various international bodies with a request for issuing of neutral international passports to the Republic's population. However, Abkhaz authorities were refused under pressure from Georgia and its allies.

Today, citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia have Russian passports as well as foreign Abkhaz passports, which meet all international standards. However, at the initiative of Georgia and its allies the practice of denying stamping Schengen visas in the Russian passports issued on the territory of Abkhazia has increased in the recent time.

Thereby, Tbilisi hopes to force citizens of Abkhazia to apply for Georgian "neutral passports" and actively urges the international community in the promising perspective of this venture. However, it is another myth by Tbilisi authorities. And indeed the "neutrality" of these documents is another myth: in the "country code" "Georgia" is specified.

The Georgian government is obviously trying to prevent the international communication of Abkhazia. Abkhazia is open to the world and it is the best refutation of the Tbilisi myths about "Russian occupation", "gross human rights violations", "ethnic cleansing" and "lack of democracy in Abkhazia."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that no decisions with respect to citizens of Abkhazia can be made without the consent of the Abkhaz side. Further recognition of Georgia's so-called "neutral travel documents" on the background of ignoring legitimate documents of Abkhaz residents will be considered as discrimination of the citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia and seen as another attempt to isolate the people of Abkhazia. It causes only regret that at the beginning of the XXI century, Tbilisi authorities are trying to build a new "Berlin wall".

Given that some states and organizations might find themselves engaged into another shady enterprise initiated by the Georgian authorities, on isolation of Abkhazia, the Abkhaz side will raise the issue of so-called "neutral passports" in the framework of Geneva discussions. Further recognition of the Georgian documents may have direct implications for the Abkhaz participation in the International discussions on security and stability in South Caucasus.

27.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Conversation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Viacheslav Chirikba and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov

On January 24, during the opening ceremony of the new road bridge at the Russian-Abkhaz border, a conversation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Viacheslav Chirikba and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov took place. The meeting was also attended by the Russian Ambassador to Abkhazia Semyon Grigoryev. Ministers discussed current issues, as well as plans for further cooperation between the Ministries.

24.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

On January 24 the Abkhaz Foreign Minister Viacheslav Chirikba met with the EU delegation led by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Philippe Lefort. From the Abkhaz side the meeting was also attended by the Deputy Foreign Minister Irakli Khintba and the Head of the International Department Lana Agrba.

The main topic of the discussion was the agenda of the next rounds of the Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus.

The parties exchanged views on prospects for further development of cooperation.

The Minister underlined that interaction between the sides would be more effective if Georgia finally accepted the political reality and started treating Abkhazia as a party to the conflict and a full-fledged participant of the negotiation process.

24.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Irakli Khintba: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia is at the forefront of the struggle to secure sovereignty"

Irakli Khintba: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia is at the forefront of the struggle to secure sovereignty"

Interview

Andrei Babitsky: Tell me, Irakli, was this change of roles a significant intellectual development for you? After all, a political analyst's view of what is happening presupposes a certain detachment, while an official is a direct participant in these events, and very often the moving force [behind them]. Didn't you experience a degree of inner discomfort when you had to make the decision?

Irakli Khintba: I would not say it was an intellectual event for me. Rather, it was an event that has changed my way of life. Today I have a clearly defined routine, and a great deal of work. But it is the sort of work which, in principle, I always wanted to do. If we talk about my views, my attitude to what is happening in the country, my approach to certain issues, they have not changed. I always saw myself to a minimal extent detached from what's happening in our country, and from the opinion shared by the majority of Abkhazia's population. And the authorities, as you know, reflect the majority opinion. For that reason, I now try to make effective use of the skills, knowledge and experience that I acquired as a political scientist in order to further the foreign policy objectives of the Republic of Abkhazia, and I hope to continue to do so.

Andrei Babitsky: We will return to foreign policy later on. But first I would like to ask how far your career plans extend. Do you see yourself remaining part of the government for a long time and being promoted to a more senior position?

Irakli Khintba: That will depend on my performance in my current position, which is quite a senior one.

Andrei Babitsky: I'm talking now not about your performance and not about how effective your work is, but about your personal ambitions.

Irakli Khintba: Ambitions for me are a result, or more precisely a consequence of concrete results. For example, if I achieve results in what I am doing now, that gives me an opportunity to think about my future plans. Today, this position is a very responsible one for me. I understand that I must dedicate myself and all my strength to what I am doing. The most important thing is that I must try to get used to and adjust to this enormous responsibility. As for what comes next -- we'll see. Let's see how the work of our ministry, and my personal contribution, will develop.

Andrei Babitsky: That is, if I understand correctly, to summarize briefly, you have entered this management system, and unless there are serious setbacks, this is the start of a long path that could last for years, that you have pegged your life to?

Irakli Khintba: I have always tried at least to serve the interests of my country. I think that in my new position I will be in a stronger position to do this. That is why I have embarked on this job with such enthusiasm.

Andrei Babitsky: Irakli, in your view, are [Abkhazia's] foreign policy priorities changing? And can we say that the problems which now confront Abkhazia are essentially, fundamentally different from those the country faced two years ago, one year ago, or six months ago?

Irakli Khintba: In principle, foreign policy priorities have not changed. They are achieving broad international recognition of Abkhazia; strengthening strategic relations with Russia; and safeguarding the security, sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Abkhazia. And if we're talking about the third priority, then of course, this includes issues related to regulating our relations with Georgia. Apart from that, this work to expand the number of countries that recognize Abkhazia's independence requires a huge concentration of time and effort and a creative approach. This is part of what we do, and I think it will definitely yield results.

Andrei Babitsky: Among the priorities you listed, I did not find, shall we say, the need for contacts with Europe, with democratic societies. Even though the concept of multiculturalism, the idea that Abkhazia should be equally active in different directions, has long become a part of political discourse in Abkhazia.

Irakli Khintba: I disagree, because achieving broad international recognition certainly includes work with Europe and with the West as a whole. In Abkhazia we are guided by the principle of openness, we are ready to communicate and establish contacts with European institutions. However, we have to take into account the complexity of the foreign policy context, the unresolved conflict with Georgia, and other threats and challenges. For that reason, we have to be cautious and prudent in our interaction with the outside world. We receive and meet with people whose political position is often diametrically opposed to ours. But we still maintain contact with them, because we understand that the only way to achieve anything is through contacts and diplomatic give-and-take. The profession of diplomacy in Abkhazia today is no less complex and responsible than serving in the military. The Abkhaz Ministry of Foreign Affairs today is at the forefront of the struggle to preserve Abkhazia's sovereignty, security, and independence. That is why we continue to participate in the Geneva talks and consider that format important and essential for the sides in the region to exchange information, and to make the Abkhaz position known at the international level.

Andrei Babitsky: You said that priorities include establishing good neighbourly relations with Georgia and resolving the conflict with Georgia. It seems to me that both sides have adopted a very tough position and there are no semi-tones. One can say that nonetheless some intermediate steps and mechanisms will be proposed in order to normalize relations at least in some areas.

Irakli Khintba: This largely depends on political will of the parties. The Georgian side today has absolutely no intention of engaging with the Abkhaz side as a party to the conflict, it is not ready to do so because, as you know, Georgia's official position is not to recognize the Abkhaz leadership as a subject of the negotiation process. So all the complaints by the Georgian side to the effect that the Abkhazians are not ready for something, they don't want it, are not without foundation because today there are issues on which we don't want to conduct negotiations with Georgia. But those accusations are to a large extent unfounded. Official Tbilisi does not intend and does not want to consider us as a party to the negotiations. And we cannot and will not engage with Georgia in any other format.

Andrei Babitsky: One last question. As I understand it, there are certain tensions in Abkhazia's relations with Russia, problems are emerging. And Sukhumi always tries to find a way to gloss over the contradictions. Is this in your view the right approach, or is it worth taking an independent and adamant stance on certain issues?

Irakli Khintba: In general I would describe our current relations with the Russian Federation as more or less between equals, given the asymmetry of the situation and the discrepancy between Russia's influence in the world and that of Abkhazia. There are certain objective things. But the problems that arise and may arise in our relations can be resolved in due course. This requires painstaking work on the part of officials, an interest in ensuring that these issues are resolved, and, of course, a public which expresses its fears and apprehensions (this is also a factor that greatly helps, and we should take it into account). But again, those problems that arise can be resolved quietly in a businesslike way. And that is how Abkhaz diplomacy works. (published: «Ekho Kavkaza», 20.01.2012)

21.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Federation of the Caucasian Cultural Centers (KAFFED) in Turkey to Put the Circassian Issue on the Agenda in the Turkish Parliament Next Week

Federation of the Caucasian Cultural Centers (KAFFED) in Turkey will put the Circassian issue on the agenda in the Turkish Parliament next week.

On 19 January a meeting of the member of the Turkish Parliament from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Faik Tunai with the President of Federation of the Caucasian Cultural Centers (KAFFED) in Turkey Vajit Kadyoglu, the Vice-President Hasan Seymen and the member of Committee of Directors Yildyz Shekerji took place. At the meeting they discussed the problems of Circassians living in Syria. According to Faik Tunai it was decided to put the Circassian issue on the agenda in the Turkish Parliament next week. Faik Tunai will provide the information on that issue to the member of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Turkish Parliament Volkan Bozkyr.

More support for the Federation to comply with the request of the Circassians to come back to their Motherland will be provided by the young member of the Turkish Parliament Faik Tunai. He is ready to make a public address on the situation with the Circassians living in Syria.

Meeting of the President of Federation of the Caucasian Cultural Centers Vajit Kadyoglu with the representatives of the Middle East Department at the MFA of Turkey for a more detailed discussion of the current situation in Syria is scheduled for today.

Last week a meeting between the representatives of the Federation and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkey Vladimir Ivanovsky took place. Vajit Kadyoglu expressed hope that the issue would be settled in the nearest future and gave the example of repatriates from Kosovo. President of the Federation addressed a request to the Russian Ambassador to Turkey for the Russian Federation to play a more active role in search for the solution of the problem along with the Russian Duma, the Parliament of Adygea and the Parliament of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic.

20.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Abkhazia Sends Delegation to Syria to Study and Assess the Situation with Our Compatriots on the Spot

On 15th January the Republic of Abkhazia sent a delegation headed by the Chairman of the State Repatriation Committee Zurab Adleyba to Syria. The delegation also included the Head of Turkey and Middle East Department of the MFA of the Republic of Abkhazia Inar Gitsba and the President of the Federation of the Abkhaz Cultural Centers of Turkey Feridun Akusba.

The purpose of the visit is to study and assess the situation with our compatriots on the spot.

The delegation will stay in Syria till 20th January.

It should be reminded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia has repeatedly made statements in relation to the situation in Syrian Arab Republic where our compatriots live and expressed its readiness to facilitate the repatriation of those our brothers who wish to return to their historic Motherland.

17.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia once again expresses its readiness to assist compatriots from Syria, who wish to return to their historical Homeland

On January 10 a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, in connection with the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, where our compatriots live.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs V. Chirikba, first Deputy Minister I. Khintba, head of the Regional Department on Turkey and Middle East I. Gitsba, head of the State Committee for Repatriation Z. Adleiba, representatives of repatriates from Syria and Turkey Amer Kudzhba, Yanal Hapysht, Ahmad Marchan, Oktay Chkotua, as well as Member of the Parliament of Abkhazia Batal Kobakhia.

Given the complexity of the events in Syria, we can not remain indifferent to the problems faced by our brothers.

Participants of the meeting discussed concrete ways to assist compatriots who found themselves in a difficult situation due to the development of the political crisis in Syria.

A useful exchange of views and information took place. Issues associated with sending a mission to Syria from Abkhazia to review the situation on the ground were discussed substantively.

A special Department on Turkey and Middle East has been recently created in the Foreign Ministry, which will be directly engaged in the region and dealing with such activities as maintenance of relations with the Diaspora, monitoring the situation and making recommendations for certain political decisions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Committee for Repatriation are in constant contact with the representatives of the Diaspora in Syria. There are currently no requests for repatriation from Syria.

All participants pointed out the inadmissibility of politicizing the issue, which can prevent possible initiatives of Abkhazia to assist compatriots in Syria.

According to information received, a visit of the representative of the Diaspora in Syria to Abkhazia in near future for consultations with the Abkhaz leadership is scheduled.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again expresses its readiness to assist our brothers in Syria, who wish to return to their historical Homeland.

10.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Interview of the "Apsnypress" agency with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Chirikba V.A.

Interview of the "Apsnypress" agency with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Chirikba V.A.

AP: Minister, your office recently issued a statement on the situation in Syria. Has it received any response among Syrian Abkhazians?

V. Chirikba: First of all, I want to say that we are deeply concerned about the fate of the Abkhazians, Abazins and Circassians of Syria. Naturally, we are constantly monitoring the situation in Syria and are in direct contact with representatives of the Abkhaz Diaspora.

In a letter sent to Syria, we have expressed our willingness to support our brothers in this country who would like to return to their historical Homeland. At this point we have not received any requests or complaints relating to repatriation in response to our statement. Nevertheless, I would like to inform you that today one of the leaders of the Abkhaz Diaspora in Syria, officially expressed gratitude to us regarding the statements made by our Ministry. We were informed that representatives of the Diaspora will gather together in the upcoming days in order to discuss what kind of assistance they might need.

AP: What other measures can be taken in this regard?

As you know, quite recently in the Foreign Ministry we have created a special Department on Turkey and Middle East, which will be directly engaged in the region and dealing with such activities as maintenance of relations with the Diaspora, monitoring the situation and making recommendations for certain political decisions as well as determination of courses of action.

Among the measures being explored by us, in particular, we are considering an opportunity of sending a mission to Syria, composed of representatives of the Committee for Repatriation and the Abkhaz Federation in Turkey. It would be nice if International Association of Abkhaz-Abaza people, having necessary competencies and connections, could proceed to certain steps in this direction.

I am convinced that in this matter we all should avoid excessive politicization. We must soberly evaluate the situation and adequately respond to it within the limits of our capacities.

AP: Could you share some information about the Abkhaz Diaspora in Syria?

According to our information, there are about 8-10 thousand Abkhazians residing today in Syria. The following representatives of Abkhaz families are among them: Amarschan, Agrba, Kudzhba, Gechba, Maan, Chichba, Kaytan etc. Most of them have Abaza surname in their Syrian passports, which in Arabic language means "Abkhaz", and thus they express their ethnic identity.

Unfortunately, the situation in Syria so far has no tendency towards stabilization. We reaffirm our commitment together with the State Committee for Repatriation and other state bodies to fully assist our brothers in Syria, who wish to return to their historical Homeland.

06.01.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, Today, Hibla Gerzmaa was awarded a title of People’s Artist of Russia. This is the highest and most prestigious official title that artists receive in Russia, it is given in honour of a great achievement and contribution to the world of arts.

Source: 01.12.2012  hibla.ru

 Every New Year gives hope for better future - Abkhazia’s president

Sukhum,  Every day gives new beginning, every new year gives a true hope for better future, Abkhazia’s President Alexander Ankvab told the nation in his New Year address.

“2011 is going to history. Like always in cases of the kind, each of us recaps personal and social successes and failures, and sometimes also big losses, analyses life of the country in the previous year. This big loss for the entire society, for Abkhazia was the decease of our President Sergei Vasilyevich Bagapsh. For all of us this was both a shock and a very tragic event, which every citizen of this country took very closely,” Ankvab said.

The New Year holiday “lets us think about the past and about hopes for future,” he continued. “With the big living experience, we all are happy about any kind event or holiday, this emerges our more deep feelings – the feelings of involvement and pride for this country, for keeping heritage of our predecessors, ethnic and religious variety of our society. We were together to protect our Fatherland, we were together to heal the deep wounds, and together we are bringing the country to its new victories.”

Acknowledging the evident progress of the post-war years and of the past year, he highlighted the “personal input of those who have done so much for improvement of the country by achievements in science, arts, sports and in many other spheres.”

“The feeling of festive unanimity on the New Year night let us remind ourselves that we should never forget about the complicated fate of our many citizens, that we should react adequately to demands of those who may be in poor conditions. Abkhazia’s society does not have any other way towards future,” the president said.

“The only way to live lives with dignity is to act according to human sense, to try looking into future before undertaking anything,” he continued. “We should act so that every day given by God brought positive results, and the years becoming decades develop the firmness of our state. This is necessary for us to counteract new challenges and to use correctly the opportunities, the fate gives to us. Happy New Year!”

The president wished health and wellbeing to all citizens of Abkhazia.

01.01.2012  AbkhazWorld.com