The Head of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba held a meeting with Antti Turunen, the UN Special Representative at the Geneva discussions

On May 31, the Head of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba held a meeting with Antti Turunen, the UN Special Representative at the Geneva discussions. During the meeting they discussed the agenda of the forthcoming round of Geneva discussions, proposals and ideas on overcoming the situation surrounding the Mechanism on prevention and reaction to incidents.

The Minister of foreign affairs marked that ¨there is a crisis in connection with the situation around MPRI. It is necessary to react sufficiently concerning terrorist acts committed by the Georgian side in the Gal district. It is the main task of the mechanism. 11 killings have been committed since December 29 2011 and they were not reflected in the report of Andzhej Tishkevich the head of the Mission of the EC observers /EUMM/ in Georgia. Our position relating to Tyshkevich remains a matter of principle.

The next round of Geneva discussions will be held on June 7-8. The members of the Abkhaz delegation are Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Viacheslav Chirikba, Head of the Department for International Relations of the  Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Lana Agrba, Head of the Department for Turkey and Near East of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia Inar Gitsba and Member of the World Congress of the Abkhaz-Abazin People Zeki Kapba.

05.31.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The visit of the Italian delegation of businessmen to Abkhazia has come to an end. The representatives of the Italian agro-industrial “LPR” Society told the Minister of foreign affairs, Viacheslav Chirikba, about the results of the visit to our republic. Lamberto Rosso said: “During our visit we held a number of constructive meetings in the Ministry of Agriculture, in the Ministry of Economy, in the Research Institute of agriculture and in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In the course of negotiations in the Research Institute we suggested organising a consortium of farms in order to discuss the establishment of a factory on production of fodder for cattle. We are also planning to reach an agreement with the Research Institute of agriculture on a joint work of research of truffles growing in Abkhazia. Our long-term experience in this sphere will be useful for our Abkhazian colleagues”.

In addition, the Italian delegation continued its assistance in training up specialists in the restaurant business. Other ideas in the field of tourism, industrial agriculture and facilities for settlement of sea trade communication with Pesaro city have been discussed too. After the meeting the delegation returned home to Italy. The delegation was accompanied by the representative of the MFA of the Republic of Abkhazia Mr. Mauro Murjia.

05.31.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

The International Committee of the Red Cross presented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a large set of books on international law. The Minister thanked Luke Haas, the Head of the ICRC mission for this valuable gift.

The ICRC mission has been working since 1992 in Abkhazia and has performed a number of humanitarian programs. Prior to 2007 the ICRC exercised three large projects; free canteens, out relief, free medicine and orthopedic assistance. After reduction of the humanitarian programs, the ICRC mission in Abkhazia will function as a coordinating and adversary body.

05.29.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

On May 28, 2012 the Head of Foreign Affairs, Viacheslav Chirikba, held a meeting with a delegation of businessmen from Italy. The delegation consisted of M.Marchini-a member of the Society of property, the technical-financial consultant of the agro-industrial«LPR» Society, Leonardo Rossi-an engineer’manager of the «LPR» Society, and Lamberto Rossi- a legal representative of the agro-industrial«LPR» Society. Mauro Murjia, the representative of the MFA of the Republic of Abkhazia in Italy took part in the meeting too. The members of the delegation took their interest in the establishment of a joint Italian-Abkhazian agro-industrial enterprise and cooperation in the field of tourism. Lamberto Rossi submitted the Minister with the projects of the «LPR» Society on tourism and agro-industrial sectors and building in the city Pesaro. According to Lamberto Rossi, “it is our first visit to the Republic of Abkhazia, we are planning to meet with a number of officials in order to get a full picture of the situation in Abkhazia, and then we shall think about some joint investment projects”.

Viacheslav Chirikba told in brief about his visit to Italy to the businessmen and marked that the Republic of Abkhazia makes every effort to restore lost ties with the Europe and strengthening of cooperation with the European countries, particularly with Italy. “We understand, that recognition of independence of Abkhazia is a long process and our aim is to establish relations with the Italian people, politicians and diplomats to create objective presentation of the situation in our republic. We may cooperate with Europe now in education, culture and business”. The visit will be lasted till May 31.

05.29.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Viacheslav Chirikba held a meeting with Silva Gorakova a program manager of “World Vision” in Abkhazia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Viacheslav Chirikba held a meeting with Silva Gorakova a program manager of “World Vision” in Abkhazia. Gorakova told the Minister about the projects exercised by the agency in the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia and about the forthcoming new projects in the current year. It should be noted, that “World Vision” has been working in Abkhazia since 2005. The agency exercises educational, agricultural projects and so forth. The projects are directed by the resolution of different social and ecological issues. The activity of organization covers all regions of the Republic of Abkhazia.

05.29.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Transdniestrian Moldavian Republic, N. Shtansky condoled with the anniversary of S. V. Bagapsh demise

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Transdniestrian Moldavian Republic, N. Shtansky condoled with the anniversary of S. V. Bagapsh’s demise. “The main event in the history of the Republic of Abkhazia – the recognition of independence of the state by the Russian Federation is connected with the name of Sergey Vasilevich. He always firmly upheld the rights and freedoms of his fellow citizens by being a talented politician, experienced diplomat and a real patriot of his country. The memory of this wonderful person will always be in the hearts of his compatriots,”- it is said in the condolence.

05.29.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

 The Head of the mission of the Republic of Abkhazia to the Transdniestrian Moldavian Republic, G. Kupalba offered his sympathy on the occasion of the anniversary of S. V. Bagapsh’s demise

The Head of the mission of the Republic of Abkhazia to the Transdniestrian Moldavian Republic, G. Kupalba offered his sympathy on the occasion of the anniversary of S. V. Bagapsh’s death. The condolence reads, inter alia: A year has passed after S.V. Bagapsh´s demise. He was a distinguished person and statesman. His name is connected with the formation of Abkhazia as a sovereign and independent state. He actively supported development of good-neighbourly relations with the Transdniestrian Moldavian Republic, being one of initiators for establishment of the society “For democracy and rights of the nation”.

05.29.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs V.A. Chirikba met with the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Office in Abkhazia Luke Haas. The ICRC program “The Missing Persons” and a number of working issues were discussed at the meeting. Luc Haas highly evaluated the move organized by the Abkhaz MFA in order to hand over four crew members of the dry cargo ship “Hakki Cilliuglu” to the Georgian side.

The Minister expressed hope for further cooperation between the Republic of Abkhazia and the ICRC on humanitarian issues.

05.24.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

 As Part of Its Working Visit to Venezuela, the Abkhaz Delegation, on May 22, Visited the Largest and Most Regionally Famous Child Cardiologic Center in the Country under the Ministry of Health of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

As Part of Its Working Visit to Venezuela, the Abkhaz delegation, on May 22, visited the largest and most regionally famous Child Cardiologic Center in the country under the Ministry of Health of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. This medical institution provides free treatment for children with heart diseases and free accommodation for their parents. The center also prepares surgeons for the whole region. The healthcare system in Venezuela and provision of free medical services were discussed during the meeting with the management of the medical institution. It was agreed to start consultations on preparation of the agreement, which will enable children from Abkhazia to get free medical treatment in the Center. At the end of the visit the members of the Abkhaz delegation donated blood for the treatment of the children of Venezuela.

The same Abkhaz delegation was invited by the “Parliamentary Friendship Group Abkhazia-Venezuela” to visit the National Assembly – legislative body (Parliament) of the country. In his address during the official opening of the meeting with the deputies and representatives of the executive power, Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia - Irakli Khintba said, in particular “We hope for further cooperation and support of the parliamentary members in development of bilateral relations between Abkhazia and Venezuela. We highly appreciate the recognition of Venezuela and I want to assure you that this decision of your President and people was absolutely right and fair. We are proving that by the present dynamic development of Abkhazia which is strengthening its statehood and increasing the living standard of its citizens. Like the courageous people of Venezuela we uphold the ideals of freedom, self-determination, equality and social justice. Despite the intrigues of our opponents, the Republic of Abkhazia will definitely get wide international recognition. The support of the brotherly people of Venezuela gives us additional strength and confidence in our actions”.

I.Khintba underlined the role of the National Assembly in strengthening the contractual and legal basis of cooperation between Abkhazia and Venezuela.

After excursion through the historic building of the National Assembly and press-conference for the media, the Abkhaz delegation proceeded to the plenary meeting hall where a regular parliamentary session was taking place. The Speaker of the Parliament Diosdado Cabello suspended the session and read a complimentary address to the Abkhaz representatives, which was approved by a standing ovation by the absolute majority of the deputies.

05.24.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

 On May 21, 2012 official negotiations of the Abkhazian and Venezuelan sides on the level of deputy ministers of foreign affairs were held in the MFA of Venezuela in Caracas

On May 21, 2012 official negotiations of the Abkhazian and Venezuelan sides on the level of deputy ministers of foreign affairs were held in the MFA of Venezuela in Caracas. The Abkhazian delegation consisted of the Deputy foreign Minister, Irakli Khintba, the Ambassador of Abkhazia in Venezuela and Nicaragua, Zaur Gvadzhava , the commercial representative of Abkhazia in the RF, Oleg Bartsits, and the Head of Department of Latin America, Asia, Africa and APR, Adgur Chegia.

The deputy ministers of the MFA of Abkhazia, Irakli Khintba, and his Venezuelan colleague, Temir Porras, discussed a wide range of issues being of mutual interest. Inter alia, the matter was about growth of negotiation based on relations between Venezuela and Abkhazia within the specter of bilateral cooperation.

I. Khintba stressed the importance for the Abkhaz leadership of Venezuela in the region and, in particular, in alliance ALBA, which unites the country, carrying out an independent course in international relations. In this context the sides noted the scope for increasing political cooperation, including the possibility of joint action in the international arena.

I.Khintba and T. Porras exchanged ideas on intensifying cooperation in trade, economic development, culture and education. They mapped out concrete measures for a number of directions, namely, measures to ensure conditions for training Abkhazian students in the best institutes of higher education of Venezuela and expansion of facilities for learning Spanish in Abkhazia. The deputy ministers of foreign policy offices of Abkhazia and Venezuela emphasized the importance of development of relations at the human level that will overcome the geographic distance between Venezuela and Abkhazia.

I. Khintba extended an invitation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of his Venezuelan counterpart, A. Madura, to attend an official visit to Abkhazia. In this connection T. Porras noted in this context the importance of intensifying political contacts of the parties to strengthen bilateral relations. Therefore, Venezuela pays great attention to the current visit of the Abkhazian delegation.

At the end of the meeting the sides exchanged gifts. Irakli Khintba gave Temir Porras a collection of silver coins with an imprint of Orthodox temples of Abkhazia and at the same time informed him of the efforts of the leadership of the country to preserve historical-cultural heritage.

05.22.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

Today we mark the Remembrance Day of Victims of the Caucasian War in Abkhazia. The ceremony of wreath-laying and flowers to the memorial of muhajirs was held in the Makadzirs quay. The following persons participated in the ceremony: the President Alexander Ankvab, Vice-President Mikhail Logua, Speaker of the Parliament Valeri Bganba, Prime –minister Leonid Lakerbaya, Secretary of Security Council Stanislav Lakoba, Head of President Administration Beslan Kubrava, deputies of Parliament, members of government, heads of administrations of all cities and regions of the Republic, descendents of muhajirs returned to their historical homeland, representatives of different political parties and movements, schoolchildren and repatriates from Syria who came back early in the beginning of this month. The President came up to them after the wreath-laying and asked about their affairs and adaptation. The repatriates thanked him for the care taken towards them by the government and conditions created for their return to the Motherland. Alexander Ankvab marked that the leadership of the republic will do everything to create the most comfortable of conditions for their adaptation.

We would remind you that, on May 31, 1990 a stone was laid at the place where it was planned to put a memorial to the muhajirs in the Sukhumsky quay. War and the difficulties of the post-war period prevented the realization of this plan. Only on Sptember 27, 2010 the solemn unveiling of the monument designed by the Abkhaz artist, Gennady Lakoba, took place.

Previously Muhajirs Day in Abkhazia was commemorated on May 31 unlike other republics of the Northern Caucasus. Since 2011 this day has been commemorated on May 21.

In the 19th century, as a result of the Russian-Caucasian War, thousands of Abkhazians left their historial homeland and found refuge in Turkey and different Middle Eastern countries. The descendants of the Abkhaz muhajirs live in 50 countries. The most numerous Abkhaz diaspora is in Turkey.

The ceremony commemorating the victims of the Caucasian War will take place at Liberty Square today at 19.00.

05.21.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba, held a meeting with the Head of Department of Eastern Europe of Heinrich Böll Foundation -Walter Kaufmann

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba, held a meeting with the Head of Department of Eastern Europe of the Heinrich Böll Foundation -Walter Kaufmann. The purpose of the visit of the Head of the department was to discuss further plans of the Fund’s work with the Republic of Abkhazia.

The Minister underlined that Abkhazia is open to direct dialogue and interaction with Europe and the whole world. However, the policy of the European Union in respect of Abkhazia after 2008 was based on false grounds and do not reflect the new political realities: a sharply negative reaction to the recognition of Abkhazia's independence Russia and impede the process of recognition of Abkhazia by exerting political pressure and intimidation of other countries with economic sanctions, recognition of the parliamentary and presidential elections in Abkhazia as illegitimate, tough visa policies, etc..

According to the Minister, we would like to talk to Europe, aspire to the European standards of education, healthcare and living standards, but they do not recognize our diplomas in Europe, do not put visas into our passports and it is a violation of basic human rights. On the other hand, the EU countries give visas to the representatives of such countries as Northern Cyprus and Kosovo.

All of this is like a collective punishment of the citizens of Abkhazia, though it is impossible to understand wherein their fault lies. The double standards used by the EU towards Abkhazia undermine the credibility of the EU’s attempts to act as a mediator in the settlement of Georgian-Abkhazian relations, which directly concerns the Geneva discussions.

The minister commented on the negotiation process that in the circles responsible for taking decisions in the EU there is a lack of understanding of the situation in Abkhazia.

The Minister said that to have a better understanding of Abkhazia, it is planning to open missions of Abkhazia in a number of European capitals for the establishment of cultural and political relations with the European community.

05.18.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

The press conference devoted to the birthday of the main foreign policy establishment of the country was held in the MFA of Abkhazia. The MFA was established on May 17, 1993 during the Georgian-Abkhazian war. «The establishment of the Ministry was an act of world announcement about the birth of the new Abkhazian state», -said Viacheslav Chirikba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Minister, the MFA of the RA enjoys universal esteem today and it is a great service of the staff and leaders who headed the main foreign policy structure of the Republic in the past.

«The completion of the Ministry’s reorganization coincided with its birthday and allowed us to organize a press conference to tell the people about ourselves and answer any journalists’ questions»,- said V. Chirikba.

The structural reorganization of the MFA is connected with new challenges and new tasks set in Abkhazia’s foreign policy, - underlined the Minister.

Four new regional departments have been established in the Ministry. The Chancellery and Legal Department have been established too.

The Minister emphasized that there are two basic tasks set before his establishment, these are diplomatic and informational.

The new site in 4 languages is being created in the MFA. The site on the Georgian-Abkhazian war is being elaborated. «It is very important, as the conflict is not settled yet and we had not got such important information resources as the site is devoted to the problems of Abkhazia-Georgian relations», - said the Minister.

The site will be in four languages. There will be materials on the history of the conflict, hostilities and post-war settlement. There will be all official papers of the Georgian-Abkhazian negotiations, all reports of the UN, OSCE, EU relating to the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, materials of various stages of the Geneva negotiations, Geneva discussions on security in the Transcaucasia region and expert assessments.

It is planned to establish a number of partnership sites in different languages taking into account informational interests of countries on which they are considered. V. Chirikba underlined marked improvement in the information work of the MFA and timely reaction on different events. As for diplomatic work, the Minister noted the participation in the Geneva process. «There are progresses, but also moments of disappointment. However, we participate in Geneva discussions using this arena to send messages of the view of the Abkhaz side to the world community. The next round of Geneva discussions is scheduled for July 7 – 8», - informed Chirikba.

He emphasized his visit to Moscow, and the meeting with the Minister of foreign affairs, Sergey Lavrov, and the signing of the «Plan of consultations between the MFA of the RF and the MFA of the RA in 2012 – 2013».

The visit of the delegation of the MFA of the RA to Italy and San Marino has been held recently. «25 from 60 deputies of the supreme legislative body of San Marino made a statement about the necessity of recognition of Abkhazia», - marked the Minister.

Zurab Gvadzhava was appointed as Ambassador of the RA in Nicaragua. At the same time he is the Ambassador in Venezuela. Preparations for a visit of the delegation of the MFA of the RA to Latin America are underway.

Chirikba paid attention to the mixed approach of the countries of the EU to Abkhazia. «The MFA’s activity today has become more complex and responsible. Today we, -the MFA is the ministry of an independent and recognized state. We are engaged in the improvement of quality of diplomatic and organizational and legal work. The professionals work in the MFA of Abkhazia. We have established good relations with international nongovernmental organizations and specialized UN agencies. It also may be prescribed to the achievements of the MFA, coordinated their activity on the territory of Abkhazia», - said Irakli Khintba, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He also marked the motions of activity of diplomatic missions of the RA in other countries, coordination of actions of the MFA with other ministries and institutions, force structures, Parliament and the general public.

The effective cooperation is established with the information agencies such as «Apsnypress», ASTRC, Abaza-ТВ and other mass medias. Priority is given to the preparation of personnel in the MFA. The issue is on the agenda. «Russia assists us in resolution of it. We announced the open selection of five places to the MSIIR, assigned to Abkhazia by the RF. We promise, that well-prepared school-leavers will be selected for these places», - said I.Khintba.

Oleg Arshba, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs supervises the issues of organizational-legal activity of the MFA and coordination of actions with force structures.

The following personnel are given in brief to show the main tasks of structural subdivisions of the MFA of the RA : Tuzhba Irakli – Head of Department of the Russian Federation, Republic of South Ossetia, CIS Countries, PMR and Georgia; Artur Gaguliya- Head of Information Department; Inar Gitsba- Head of Department of Turkey and the Middle East; Adgur Chegia- Head of Department of Latin America, Asia, Africa and APR; Lana Agrba- Head of Department of Europe, USA and Canada; Alexander Achba- Head of Legal Department; Irina Turava - Head of State Protocol Department; Martin Tarkil- Head of Consular Service; Samanta Ayba- Head of Translation and Interpreting Department ; Madina Avidzba- Head of Chancellery:

05.17.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

Today,in Sukhum, the Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba, met with the Co-Chairs of the Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus.

Philippe Lefort (EU), Padraig Murphy (OSCE) and Antti Turunnen arrived in Abkhazia the day before.

The meeting was held without the presence of media representatives. Afterthe meeting, Philippe Lefort informed the journalists that it was “a usual visit prior to the Geneva Discussions, the next round of which will be held early in June”.

«We have discussed all the issues related to the Discussions, including the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM). Wehavealsolearned the opinion of Viacheslav Chirikba about the forthcoming meeting”, - said the EU representative.

The Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba, also noted that such meetings are held regularly before each new round of Geneva Discussions. “The Co-Chairs always hold such meetings before the Geneva Discussions in Sukhum, Tskhinval, Tbilisi and Moscow.

Howeveroursituationisextraordinary because of the crisis with the IPRM, - said the Head of the Foreign Ministry.-We have once again reaffirmed our principal position tothe Head of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia, Andrzej Tyszkiewicz, and have stressed that we will not renounce it. We will not compromise because we have clearly articulated our position”.

According to Chirikba the Abkhaz side expressed its “commitment to the Geneva process and the resumption of pentalateral meetings in Gal, but under the present circumstances it is impossible”.

Besides that, theMinistersaidthattheagenda of the forthcoming Geneva Discussions was also discussed at the meeting. “Firstofall, on the insistence of the Abkhaz and the South-Ossetian sides, there will be an information session on the issue of occupation.

Wewanttohearthedefinitionoftheoccupationby the international law, since the Georgians and the Americans state that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are occupied countries. We want to understand how acceptable such statements are from the perspective of international law. – said Chirikba. – Besides that, the issue of the Georgian neutral passports which Georgia is trying to impose on the other countries and the visa policy of the European Union will be reviewed at the meeting at our request. It is understood that the Europeans and the Americans do not issue visas to the residents of Abkhazia either on the basis of the Russian or the Abkhaz passports. Wearegoingtodeliberate on these issues as the points of regular agenda of the Discussions”.

ThenextroundoftheGenevaDiscussions will be held on June 7-8. An information session will be conducted on June 7th and the Discussions will take place on June 8th.

05.10.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

On May 5th twenty seven persons from Syria came to Abkhazia. The representatives from the MFA of the republic and State committee on repatriation met them at Sochi airport. The representatives of the leadership of the republic, public, students and namesakes were waiting for them in the yard of the hotel “Aitar” where they will live for 4 months.

They greeted repatriates with a storm of applause. "You have returned to your Homeland. It is your land", -said Zurab Adleyba, Chairman of the state committee on repatriation. "It is the land of your ancestors that they were forced to leave under the existing historical circumstances, and today you, their grandsons and great grandsons have returned. It is a great delight for us ", - said Konstantin Ozgan, the Head of the Elder’s Council of Abkhazia.

Among those who have come to Abkhazia from Syria are the representatives of such families as Marshan, Gechba, Ariutaa. They have arrived mainly as families with their children. There are 12 children among the returnees from Syria as well as pregnant women. Some of them did not feel well due to the flights and the long road. But the children were observing all the surroundings with great interest. The young men were unable to resist the urge to start dancing We have come here to live and give birth to our children.

“We felt very tired on our way here, but as soon as we set foot on our native land, our fatigue suddenly disappeared.” Basil Marshan informed the reporters. “We must always cherish the memory of those who sacrificed their lives and enabled our return to our motherland. We have come here to live and give birth to our children”.

Basil has arrived so far alone in Abkhazia to get himself acquainted with the situation and carry out all the preparations for bringing his family here. As he told the journalists, his grandfather settled in Syria in 1895.

“It is not so easy to resettle in a new place. But this is the land of our ancestors, thus, it is our land as well. My wife, five children and I, having not pondered for a long period of time, took the decision to come here,” Mukhammed Gechba answered. “I want my children to grow up here and to become decent citizens of Abkhazia.”

As Zurab Adleiba, the head of the State`s committee for repatriation announced to the journalists, there will be another group coming soon to Abkhazia; it is also planned that about 100 people are to come from Syria to Abkhazia within a year.

They are descendants of the Abkhaz Makhadzhirs, who, as a result of the Russian – Caucasian war of the end of the 19th century, were forced to leave their native land. The majority of them settled in Turkey and a small part of them - in Syria.

As Adleiba noted, for the first four months the returnees will be staying in the hotel “Aitar”, where they will be going through an adaptation process. For this period of time the flats where they are to live will have been equipped with all necessary facilities.

Starting from May 7th the Syrian citizens will be taking up Abkhaz linguistic courses, and at the weekends they will be touring around the country and meeting local residents.

"This homecoming became possible due to two governmental missions sent to the Syrian Arabic Republic early in the year , - told Inar Gitsba, the head of the regional department on Turkey and the Middle East of the MFA to the correspondent of the "Caucasian knot". – Our first visit was connected with the clarification of the situation in Syria , the second one with the preparation of applications on the basis of which we made up a list of those who wish to return".

However, not everybody was ready to return at the same time, he underlined. "That is why we divided the process of the return into 3 stages. Today 27 persons have returned, 12 families, in which there are 12 children under the age of 18 ", - said Gitsba.

“We need each representative of our diaspora. As such, this day of return is a great holiday for us”.

"It is a very happy day for us today, although we understand that there are our compatriots in Syria where we came from. It is uneasy there and complex processes are going on. We welcome every step that will lead to the consolidation of our nation that has been separated over two centuries. Arda Inal-ipa the co-director of the Centre of humanitarian programs to the correspondent of the "Caucasian knot" said: “We must do everything in order to make the weekdays happy and joyous and this meeting with their Homeland to be filled with a great sense of meaning". According to Inal-ipa, it is necessary to think "not only about such grand moments, but about the work, contacts of our returned compatriots and all the possibilities of their integration into Abkhazian society. They must obtain a deserved place and make a valuable contribution to the state’s development ". “We need each representative of our diaspora. As such, this day of return is a great holiday for us,” she stated.

The director of the Centre named after Daur Zantariya , Tsiza Gundba couldn’t hide her tears. «I can’t put into words... my soul is crying. The tragedy that is happening in Syria unfortunately turned into happiness for us. We wouldn’t like our compatriots to return to their motherland in such conditions", - said Gundba to the correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot". It should be noted that on December 29, 2011 the MFA of Abkhazia spread the statement where it expressed its concern in connection with the development of the political crisis in the Syrian Arabic Republic and the fate of Abkhazians living there.

5 Abkhazians have already returned to Abkhazia after aggravation of the situation in Syria- descendants of makhadzhirs.

05.08.2012  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the  Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, Twenty seven Syrians of Abkhaz origin arrived in Abkhazia’s capital of Sukhum on May 5. Another 12 families are expected to arrive as part of a repatriation program.

They will be residing in the Aytar  hotel which was home to the UN mission and will have a four-month adaptation period.

Some 100 Abkhaz Syrians fleeing the volatile region are expected to return to Abkhazia during 2012.

According to Abkhazia’s Foreign Ministry, some 10,000 ethnic Abkhazians currently live in Syria.

05.05.2012  The Voice of Russia