The Kremlin published a draft treaty on European security on Sunday that should formalize President Dmitry Medvedev's main foreign policy initiative put forth in June 2008, several months after he assumed office.

The president proposed creating new security mechanisms involving all Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian countries.

Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy director of the Institute of the CIS, said the treaty was nearly as good as the Helsinki Act. "If the European countries sign it, the OSCE will become redundant," he said.

However, Zharikhin said the security agreement would not be signed until Europe settles the problems of Kosovo, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"Half of Europe thinks the status quo includes Kosovo and the other half does not think so. Russia thinks the status quo should also include Abkhazia and South Ossetia, while the EU rejects the idea," Zharikhin said. "There will be no common security space unless both sides settle these problems."

One legally binding document cannot resolve these issues, said Dmitry Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center and chair of its Expert Council and its Foreign and Security Policy program.

The problem is Russia's lack of trust in the United States and Eastern Europe's lack of trust in Russia, he said.

Alexander Konovalov, president of the Institute for Strategic Assessment and Analysis, a nongovernmental think tank, said: "The main problem with the [proposed] treaty is that it is based on the principles of the OSCE, which has lost its significance."

Mikhail Vinogradov, president of the Petersburg Policy Fund, said the treaty was most likely drafted to ensure that Russia leads the process for creating a new common security system.

"The key issue on which Russia and the EU differ is the interpretation of threat. To Europe, Russia is a threat. However, in the future this initiative would give Russia an additional trump card in its relations with Europe. It would be able to say, 'We proposed a solution, but you rejected it'," Vinogradov said.

11.30.2009  RIA Novosti

Sukhum, Yesterday Abkhazia celebrated the 15th anniversary of the country’s Constitution. Thereupon a session with participation of the MPs of the Supreme Council adopting this Constitution on November 26, 1994 took place in the Parliament. That convocation is called “Golden Parliament” now. It was headed by Vladislav Ardzinba.

The incumbent President Sergey Bagapsh, the Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab, the Vice Prime Minister Leonid Lakerbaya, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba, the secretary of Public Chamber Natella Aqaba, the Abkhaz State University rector Aleko Gvaramia, the head of the Center for strategic researches Oleg Damenia, a MP of the present Parliament Valery Bganba, the head of the Abkhaz branch of the “Institute for Eurasian researches” Socrat Dzhindzholia, Klimenty Dzhindzholia, Daur Bargandzhia, Jury Voronov, Stanislav Lakoba, Valery Kvarchia, Gennady Alamia, Zurab Achba, Albert Topolyan, Victor Loginov, and others were among the MPs of the “Golden Parliament” (1991 – 1996).

At the session of the Parliament they were remembering the events of the15 years’ prescription:

Oleg Damenia: 15 years is not long a period for the history, but a lot has changed over those years. Looking back in the past one cannot but notice that every time we had to win our life back from the history. The Constitution was not an exception from this point of view.

We were adopting it in the most complicated situation. We were as though between Scylla and Charybdis. One couldn’t but adopt it, but it was dangerous to adopt. The matter is that negotiations began right after the war, and in April, 1994 the well-known “Statement on measures of political settlement of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict” was adopted.

We haven’t received a more important document over the entire negotiations. And it contains very important clauses one of which says that Abkhazia and Georgia have the right for independent state formation. The following clause says that there are no state-legal relations between Abkhazia and Georgia. And this document was adopted in Moscow in the presence of the Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and other leaders of Russia and foreign observers, politicians, analysts. It was very important a document.

Georgians, in my opinion, agreed to sign this statement hoping for support from the international community in return of Abkhazia to Georgia. Russia was also on the Georgia’s side.

Since the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia of 1925 which we returned to after the collapse of the USSR on July 23, 1992 was inconsistent with new realities the problem of adoption of a new supreme law of the country faced us.  It was a question of sovereign Abkhazia in the Constitution of 1925.

Taking the decision to prepare and adopt a new Constitution, we had to take into consideration the reaction of the international community. And today, taking this or that decision, we should consider a possible reaction of the outer world.

Many people remember well the complicated situation, how the Constitution of 1994 was being adopted. To this very day people are talking that we have worked out and adopted this Constitution in the Parliament almost privately.

Yes, Sergey Shamba indeed put the item of adoption of the Constitution on the agenda of the Supreme Council’s session additionally. We couldn’t work so openly and freely as today’s MPs do. Abkhazia was under severe foreign policy pressing.

If the outer world knew that we were going to adopt the Constitution of a sovereign, independent state it, most likely, would try not to allow it. By the way, our fears proved to be true. Both Russia and the West gave a hostile reception to adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia. But time made it clear that we were right.

As to the text of the Constitution, we then understood it wasn’t ideal. There are no ideal Constitutions in the world at all. Undoubtedly, it contains drawbacks, but it also contains mechanisms of eliminating them, making necessary amendments and changes.

As to such institutions as the Constitutional Court or the Audit Chamber not provided by the present Constitution, nobody and nothing prevents the Parliament from making these changes to the country’s supreme law.

Natella Akaba: today is a very important day indeed. In my opinion, two extremely important points should be mentioned. First, adoption of the Constitution in 1994 was caused by the fact that it was impossible to live under the Constitution of 1925 in the new historical situation. In the Constitution of 1925 it was a question of the dictatorship of the proletariat and the state of workers and peasants. It’s clear it would be at least strange to enter the new world with such slogans. I regard our Constitution of 1994 as some kind of a cry of a newborn who let the world know about himself.

It is very important that with adoption of the new Constitution we have passed on to an absolutely new system. It is a question of a modern, democratic state with the presidential system. We have had a parliamentary republic before. And here we passed on to the presidential republic. This idea has originally been stated by the unforgettable Zurab Achba. He considered that in the situation we were going through it was very important to consolidate power and to put a strong president at the head of the state. Then, in the conditions of hostile environment, it was very important indeed. And we were almost sure Georgia would find no rest and would keep on trying to take a revenge for the military defeat.

Therefore I think it was very right a step and the history proved it. The principle of division of three branches of power and guarantees of people’s and citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms are reflected in the Constitution.

I believe that Abkhazia looks adequately on the international scene with such a Constitution. We can go ahead with it though obviously time requires some additions and changes should be made.

I congratulate all on this holiday and I believe we have gained this constitution through suffering and it’s worthy of our state.

Sergey Shamba: the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1994 at 5:14pm. I fixed it on a copy of the draft Constitution we voted for. I got signatures of all the MPs who were present. And one and all were present.

I think everybody understands this Constitution marked a new stage in the development of our state.

It’s right that there are no perfect Constitutions. Tables do turn, time does amend. But this Constitution laid the foundation of a democratic legal state. Future generations are likely to make a lot of changes, but I’m sure they will not change the foundations of the constitutional system of our country.

Aleko Guaramia: I cannot but point to the role Vladislav Grigorievich Ardzinba played that time. Adoption of this Constitution, our state’s survival in the most complicated post-war years is his great service.

The way we were arguing with the Georgian fraction made it clear the present Supreme Council would win. Therefore there was a war; Georgia didn’t have another way out.

Some provisions of the 1994 Constitution need to be changed. The President was right to create the Commission on Constitutional Reform.

I congratulate all with today’s holiday. It is a real holiday. Let's advise the young people to study this constitution, to live according to it. It concerns anybody in Abkhazia.

Let's respect this Constitution, cherish it and to remember how hard we got it. How much blood has been shed. Rest in Peace Jure Voronov, Zurab Achba who did much for us to be able to adopt it.

Valery Bganba: Really there were fears that adoption of the Constitution would provoke a new war, that the world community would give it a hostile reception, but it was already impossible to live under the Constitution of 1925. All of us understand perfectly well that indeed the Constitution of 1994 fixed nation’s victory in the liberation war. Naturally, there are no ideal Constitutions, but the Constitution must develop with the development of state institutions and the society.

Lev Shamba: It took a lot of courage to adopt the Constitution in those hard times. I remember the session when our MPs were speaking and adopting the Supreme law. That time it was a courageous step which should be reflected in the history of our state.

I would like people, young generation to know the history of adoption of the Constitution and the people who have been struggling for it. The situation was difficult then; everyone ran the risk of life.

Vyacheslav Tsugba: I remember that back in 1994 the world community condemned our Parliament’s actions, kept on saying the Constitution hadn’t been adopted nation-widely, etc.

On October 3, 1999 at the referendum the overwhelming majority of the country’s citizens approved article 1 of the Constitution which proclaims “the Republic of Abkhazia (Apsny) a sovereign, democratic, legal state which has historically established by the right of the people to free self-determination”. Our compatriots came from different cities to vote for the Constitution. After the referendum the Bill of state independence of the Republic of Abkhazia was adopted.

Adoption of the Constitution was a new stage in the legislative activity of the Parliament. Our legislation is consistent with the Constitution to the full; we have changed a number of laws including the law “About citizenship of the Republic of Abkhazia” and a number of others for them to be consistent with the country’s Supreme law.

Batal Kobakhia: This Constitution couldn’t be adopted but for the people defending the rights and values who stood behind the MPs of the first “Golden Parliament”. It is all reflected in the Constitution.

From my part I would like to say that I’m infinitely happy that norms and values laid in many international documents, first of all, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention of Human Rights and so on are reflected in our Constitution.

Besides, I’d like to mention that in our country we practically don’t go down below the norms and values laid in the Constitution. Certainly, there are problems, but I believe that the value of our system and the state is that we respond to the problems which are created in the society and try to solve them.

Garik Samanba: I remember field commanders me among them were invited when the Constitution was being adopted. I didn’t quite get then why it has been done, but later on I understood that the decision which could lead to a new war with Georgia was actually taken. I respect very much those who has taken this decision. You had a magic touch when you touched the adoption of the Constitution.

11.27.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, A polling station to vote at presidential elections of Abkhazia will be opened on November 30 in the Cherkessk city administration, a spokesperson for the Government of Karachay-Cherkessia said.

"The polling station where citizens of Abkhazia can vote will be opened in a hall of the Cherkessk city administration. For today the local election commission in Karachay-Cherkessia headed by the Consul of the Republic of Abkhazia in the territory of Karachay-Cherkessia Oleg Etlukhov has been already formed”, the deputy Chairman of the Republican Election Commission Vyacheslav Aparin said.

11.26.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The Chairman of the Russian Government ordered the Ministry of Transportation of Russia to carry on negotiations with the Government of Abkhazia, which will result in signing an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of air traffic.

"Each of the parties contributes to the establishment of conditions enabling the other party to perform aircraft flights, as well as its navigational, technical and airport servicing", - the draft agreement says.

In compliance with the supplement to the agreement, "the party responsible for servicing the air space above the territory of the state of the other party shall be responsible for the quality and completeness of such servicing".

The Russian party informs international organizations about the activity of civil aviation of Abkhazia and represents the interests of the Republic of Abkhazia in the International Civil Aviation Organization until Abkhazia joins the International Civil Aviation Organization", - the draft agreement says.

11.26.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, Today the Central Election Commission spread a statement in connection with a complaint of the presidential candidate Raul Hajymba that x-copies of passports of some citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia working for different public authorities and state-run enterprises are taken forcibly.

“In spite of the fact that the complaint of the candidate Hajymba R. D didn’t produce any concrete fact when x-copies of passports had been illegally taken, at a press conference in the Association of mass-media employees of the Republic of Abkhazia Mr. Hajymba R. D cited the Sukhum city clinical hospital as an example of illegal reception of copies of passports”, the statement from the Central Election Commission says.

According to the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Batal Tabagua, thereupon the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia sent a letter of inquiry to the Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Abkhazia.

“The answer specifies that the “Human Resources” program was installed in the Ministry of Health Care in 2008 where personal information (first name, last name, birth date and birth place, passport information and profession data) for doctors, line and junior personnel and technicians of all the medical establishments of the Republic of Abkhazia is accumulated. This information has been collected not only in the Sukhum city clinical hospital, but in other medical establishments too, in particular, in the Republican hospital, the Republican children hospital, the Republican TB dispensary, the Republican dermatovenerologic dispensary, the Republican narcological dispensary, the Sukhum city children polyclinic, the #1 & #3 Sukhum city polyclinics, the Ochamchira Central District Hospital, the Tkuarchal Central District Hospital, the Gagra Central District Hospital”, the statement from the Chairman of the Central Election Commissions reads.

According to Batal Tabagua, “in none of the cases listed above there is a reason to claim that the administrative resource is applied in the course of the elections as it has nothing to do with the election campaign”.

The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia “draws attention of all the presidential candidates of the Republic of Abkhazia and representatives empowered to act for them that accurate and reliable facts should be indicated in the complaints sent to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia”. “Complaints containing no indication of concrete violations of the electoral legislation will not be considered”, the Central Election Commission says.

Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia declares that “no person has the right to demand arbitrarily from the citizen of the Republic of Abkhazia to give him a copy of the passport, and the citizen of the Republic of Abkhazia, in turn, is not obliged to give anyone a copy of the passport, except for the cases provided by the legislation”.

The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia also “calls citizens to turn to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia and inform about the cases when they are demanded illegally to give a copy of the passport”.

11.26.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, On November 26 Abkhazia marks the Constitution Day.
 

On November 26, 1994 the Supreme Council of the unrecognized republic of Abkhazia adopted “the Constitution of a sovereign, democratic, legal state — the Republic of Abkhazia”.

The same day MPs of the supreme legislative body of the country elected the first President — Vladislav Ardzinba who had been the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the country before.
 

The Constitution of Abkhazia was adopted in a difficult situation when the ring of economic blockade was tightening round Abkhazia. As a matter of fact, the Constitution was adopted under the conditions of collapse and poverty, external threat.
 

Today the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia is the supreme law of the country, the core of the state. It is a legal basis of strong presidential power. It assigns huge powers to the President.
 

A session dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Constitution will be held in the Parliament on November 26, 2009 at 11:00am. Then MPs will go to the park at the capital’s city hall where they will plant 15 trees in honour of the Constitution Day.

In the second half of the day a grand evening and a festive concert will take place in the Abkhaz State philharmonic society.

The Constitution Day in Abkhazia is a day off.

11.26.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, A delegation of the “Livadia club” Russian non-governmental organization has been on a visit to the Republic of Abkhazia from November 12 till November 18, 2009. The purpose of the visit was to study the political and economic situation in Abkhazia a year after the recognition by Russia of this state as a full-fledged subject of international relations. The delegation was headed by the president of the “Livadia club”, a political scientist Igor Shatrov. The delegation included a well-known specialist in the Caucasian studies, an ethnopsychologist, a candidate of sciences Anna Broido and the general director of the “888” Smolensk advertising agency Victor Babushkin. Getting acquainted with the current situation in the country, they were visiting cities and settlements of Abkhazia, meeting with political, public and religious figures, businessmen, speaking with common citizens. Upon making up a whole conception of the present situation, the members of the delegation decided to prepare concrete proposals to the Russian and Abkhaz authorities on further development of the Russian-Abkhaz relations, interaction of Abkhazia with international institutions.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia the “Livadia club” delegation was received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba. The head of the foreign policy department discussed with the guests from Moscow the questions of Abkhazia’s international cooperation in both political and economic spheres. So, Russians drew attention to the problems Russian citizens have during the summer period when crossing the border through the check point on the river Psou. They are caused by the increased tourist flow and unavailability of the check point from the Russia’s side to serve such a number of citizens. In order to eliminate such unpleasant drawbacks of the Abkhaz resorts increasing popularity, border guard services of Abkhazia and Russia are doing a big joint job, Sergey Shamba assured.

It was mentioned that similar problems on land borders in rush seasons exist in any country. When air communication between our countries starts and railway communication improves there will be a possibility to redistribute the tourist flows and the main problems will be eliminated. Serious joint job is also being done in this direction. As an example the Minister sais that the day before he had arrived in Abkhazia from Russia by a chartered flight which had delivered to Sukhum a Moscow delegation led by the mayor of the Russian capital Jury Luzhkov.

The meeting participants also discussed with the Minister the prospect of interaction with the "Livadia club” and the Abkhaz authorities in forming favorable image of the country.

The Russian guests were also received by the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Republic of Abkhazia Konstantin Konstantinovich Ozgan. A wide range of questions was discussed during the meeting. In particular, attention was drawn to the perverted information on modern Abkhaz realities, appearing in foreign mass-media; ideas which could help change the situation for the better were discussed. The experienced Abkhaz politician and public figure expressed his reasoned opinion on the whole spectrum of problems discussed at the meeting and supported a number of Russians’ ideas and proposals.

During the meetings with political, public and religious figures, businessmen, common citizens the members of the delegation had, different forms of cooperation between our countries, in particular, such forms of "people’s diplomacy”, as twin cities and mutual exchange of delegations of schoolchildren were discussed. A great attention was given to this issue at the meeting with the head of the New Athos administration Felix Dautia. He said that New Athos before the recognition of Abkhazia by Russia had become a Sergiev Posad’s twin city. This year New Athos has concluded the similar agreement with Ryazan. It provides for trade and economic, cultural and social cooperation between the two cities, holding of joint fairs and exhibitions; it should also promote scientific and cultural exchange between Ryazan and New Athos. According to Felix Dautia, recently the New Athos administration has received this kind of cooperation proposals from different Russian cities on a regular basis. One of the members of the “Livadia club” delegation, the general director of the Smolensk “888” advertising agency Victor Babushkin offered to establish similar mutually advantageous cooperation between New Athos and Smolensk. He also offered to organize summer vacation for Smolensk children in New Athos. Felix Dautia in turn declared that exchange of schoolchildren between New Athos and Smolensk will promote friendship between our countries even more. “Like the sea and subtropical nature of Abkhazia attract Smolensk children, the Abkhaz children dream of winter vacation, of playing snowballs and of going skating”, Felix Dautia said. Victor Babushkin promised to raise this question in the Smolensk city administration upon returning to Russia.

The head of the Abkhaz Orthodox church priest Vissarion Apliaa addressed the “Livadia club” delegation before the return trip. Father Vissarion received Russians in the residence in Blagoveshchensky cathedral of Sukhum. He told the guests from Russia about the history of Orthodoxy in Abkhazia, gave ministerial parting words, blessed for good deeds which will strengthen relations between Russia and Abkhazia.

Following the results of the visit to Abkhazia the president of the “Livadia club” Igor Shatrov said: “Abkhazia has all to become one of the most successful countries in the modern world. Being a de-facto full-fledged state for a long time already, it cannot become de jure such only because it is a hostage of a big game of politics. The global economic crisis which is only one of the consequences of the "world system of coordinates” crisis –the  international law and all the machinery of government, coordination and logistics created on its basis after the Second World War, will promote solution of the long-drawn problem. Because not only “norms and maxims” in economy, but also a number of today’s fundamental political dogmata will be subject to revision. Otherwise the crisis phenomena will repeat again and again, only accruing and becoming more frequent. I’m certain that after the economic depression is over, the updated world institutions will start to admit to their ranks this small country by stages”.

11.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Pitsunda, Sergey Bagapsh took part in the opening of the III South Caucasian economic forum of business women organized by “Business women of Abkhazia” non-governmental organization with support from the republic’s government. The forum was held in Pitsunda.

Business ladies from Armenia, Russia, Cyprus, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkey, South Ossetia participated in it.

The first lady of Abkhazia Marina Shonia and the spouse of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Oya Talat were among the honorary guests.

The President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh addressed the participants with a speech of welcome.

“A good tradition to hold annually the South Caucasian economic forum of business women in Pitsunda has been laid”, he said. “In the existing new realities, the business our dear women carry on is protected not only by the laws of Abkhazia, but also by intergovernmental agreements. I’m sure of one thing, if we want to develop as a state, we must develop small and average businesses and make so that the private initiative, the business initiative should always be realized. If we manage to make it within the next few years, then we will build the economy which will be socially-oriented”.

Bagapsh said private business projects for which considerable resources from the Privatization fund are allocated find support in Abkhazia. “We do it running risks in many respects, as credit repayment is always very difficult, especially, when we speak about the money invested in the agrarian sector and the processing industry”, the President noted. “But without it economic development of the state is impossible”.

Wishing good luck to the participants of the South Caucasian economic forum of business women, the President said: “There are unbusinesslike men. And women are all people of business, creators! And business is creation. Good luck to you!”.

The forum participants were welcomed by the spouse of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Oya Talat who comes to Abkhazia the second year running. She also welcomed the President of Abkhazia and the first lady. “I thank you for the hospitality we have enjoyed to the full since the morning. Here I understood why Abkhazia is called the Country of soul. Here live very kind, responsive and hospitable people. I wish you all the best”, she said.

Sergey Bagapsh thanked Oya Talat and presented the spouse of the President of Northern Cyprus with a bunch of roses.

11.21.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, A meeting with the Chairman of the Cooperation Commission of the Federation Council and the Peoples’ Assembly – the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Oleg Tolkachev with the assistance of the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation representatives and the Co-chairman of the Commission from the Abkhaz party Pavel Leshchuk took place on November 20 in the Federation Council.

According to the spokesperson for the upper Chamber of the Russian Parliament, the meeting has become the final point in the program of the Republic of Abkhazia delegation’s stay in Moscow. Within the framework of a week visit the delegation of Abkhazia has had a number of meetings.

The Federation Council’s Commission on Cooperation with the Parliament of Abkhazia is headed by Oleg Tolkachev - the Chairman of the Commission of the Federation Council on Housing Policy and Housing and Communal Services. The first deputy Chairman of the Committee on Defense and Security of the Federation Council Eugenie Serebrenikov and the deputy Chairman of the Commission on Civil Society Institutions Development of the Federation Council, a member of the Russia’s parliamentary delegation to PACE Alexander Pochinok took part in the discussions from the part of the Federation Council.

The meeting participants discussed a wide range of questions connected with establishment of mechanisms of inter-parliamentary interaction and coordination of work on realization of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between Russia and Abkhazia provisions.

It was also a question of the situation in Abkhazia and preparation for the elections in the republic, solution of social problems; return of refugees and passports issue to the residents, as well as the MPs role in promoting these processes.

Discussion of the strategy of the Abkhaz and Russian MPs joint actions in international organizations, in particular, in PACE became a meeting’s special subject.

Summing up the discussions and negotiations which have taken place during the Abkhaz delegation’s work in Moscow, Oleg Tolkachev laid emphasis on the necessity to increase activity in protection of Abkhazia’s interests on the international scene. Thereupon Oleg Tolkachev drew attention to ever growing importance of information and propaganda work in the modern world.

"The Russian senators show a great interest to the work of the Cooperation Commission of the Federation Council and the People’s Assembly – the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia. All of us have a sincere desire to see Abkhazia a free and prosperous state in the right way as soon as possible", Oleg Tolkachev declared.

11.21.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 BELARUSIAN DELEGATION PROMISED TO REPORT TO THE PARLIAMENT AND VOTERS ON EVERYTHING IT HAS SEEN AND HEARD IN ABKHAZIA

Sukhum, MPs of the Belarusian Parliament left Abkhazia today. The day before they had visited the Abkhaz State University and met with the students.

“Today, when Abkhazia is on a new stage of its development, we need support first of all from those countries and states which we are brought together with including by the historical past connected with being in the united state”, the ASU pro-rector Victor Malandzia said at the meeting with MPs from Belarus.

According to him, the Abkhaz nation has an especially warm attitude to Belarus because this country’s leadership didn’t support application of economic sanctions against Abkhazia in the ninetieth.

At the same time Malandzia said the republic’s residents expected Belarus to become the second country after Russia to recognize independence of Abkhazia.

The head of the Belarusian delegation a MP Mikhail Rusyi in turn said the youth is elite of a society, because tomorrow is with them. “I’m very pleased to have the chance to meet with you because such meetings give the most complete picture of expectations and thoughts about the future of any state, including the Republic of Abkhazia”, Rusyi said.

According to him, “it is the opinion of the youth that is important to see the real situation in the republic, to state conclusions and opinions on a wide range of questions”.

Answering a student’s question, “what was it that caused the long-drawn process of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia by Belarus”, Rusyi said: “The process hasn’t been drawn out, it has just begun”.

Then the Belarusian MPs delegation accompanied by the Abkhaz colleagues went to New Athos where a meeting with the Abkhaz clergy took place.

The acting head of the Abkhaz Orthodox church priest Vissarion Apliaa told the guests about the history of the monastery which, according to him, despite different circumstances, never stopped functioning.

Apliaa also said that by the initiative and with financial support from the leadership of Abkhazia a most serious restoration works have been underway in the monastery for several years.

Rusyi told journalists, the Belarusian MPs leave Abkhazia with the best impressions.

“We’ll report to our Parliament and voters on everything we have seen and heard here”, the delegation’s head Mikhail Rusyi said, summing up the visit. “We’ve met not only with representatives of the executive and legislative branches of power, we have spoken to different people - political leaders, creative intellectuals, young people, clergy and common citizens. Contacts with people from different strata of society form a complete impression of a state”.

According to Rusyi, two more parliamentary groups worked simultaneously in South Ossetia and Georgia, as “it is necessary to know the opinion of all the parties to develop a united, correct decision”.

11.20.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Lima, The opposition Nationalist Party of Peru submitted to the Peruvian Congress a request to recognize independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; the party is convinced the Congress will have no reason to refuse the recognition of the two Transcaucasian republics, the party leader Ollanta Humala said Wednesday.

Humala has become a popular politician in Peru thanks to the nationalist, antiimperialistic and antiamerican ideas. In 2006 he ran for presidency and got 44,56 % of votes (55,45 % voted for the incumbent head of the state Alan Garcia) and received wide backing from the voters in the poorest areas of Peru. The Nationalist Party of Peru he heads is the second important political force in the country.

"Peru is one of the countries that officially recognized independence of Kosovo. So we believe that Abkhazia and South Ossetia also deserve being officially recognized as new republics. This made us submit a request to recognize these two new republics officially to the executive authority (Congress)", Humala said.

He adds the proposal was submitted to the country's Congress last week. Besides the Peruvian Nationalist Party is holding negotiations with various political forces and parliamentary groups calling for their support..

"I hope the work will continue this way and we'll be able to convince the Congress of the necessity to take this decision (on recognition of the two Transcaucasian republics)... I see no obstacles for the executive authority to recognize their independence. If Kosovo has already been recognized, it has no weighty arguments not to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia", Humala stressed.

11.19.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 1255 tons of tangerines, 1317 tons of persimmons and over 400 tons of feijoa have been exported from Abkhazia to Russia for 1,5 month

Sukhum, 1255 tons of tangerines, 1317 tons of persimmons and over 400 tons of feijoa have been exported from Abkhazia to Russia for a month and a half, the republic's Ministry of Agriculture told "Apsnypress". These days mass harvesting is in progress in the citrus-growing industry.

According to the forecast of the Ministry, up to 27 thousand tons of citrus will be exported to Russia till the end of the tangerine season. "In Abkhazia we grow ecologically clean citrus, feijoa and Japanese persimmon. Nitrates as fertilizers are not used in the industry", the Minister of Agriculture Yury Akaba noted.

As to kiwifruit, according to Aqaba, the Minisrty of Agriculture has no exact information yet how much has been exported. " But the demand for this exotic fruit is also considerable", he said.

Akaba is certain, Russians will give preference traditionally to fragrant Abkhaz tangerines for the New Year's holidays.

11.19.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, President Sergey Bagapsh has received a delegation of the Belarusian Parliament.

Welcoming the delegation, the head of the state said Abkhazia and Belarus are connected by old friendship. "And the head of Belarus behaviour when economic blockade of Abkhazia was applied remains in the memory of the nation and leadership for ever", Bagapsh said.

The President stressed Abkhazia will carry on a dialogue with all who wish to speak with it. At the same time he said: "We are not going to beg anybody, make any demands for someone to recognize our independence".

"I've repeatedly told Alexander Lukashenko about it, as well as that those who have been close to us during hard times for us, will remain such. And time will tell how the process of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia will proceed", Bagapsh said. "We understand that in this complicated world not all comes easy.

"Anyway Abkhazia knows it has friends and countries which it would like to cast in its lot with. They are the Russian Federation, Belarus and some other countries", Bagapsh noted.

In turn the head of the Belarusian delegation Mikhail Rusyi thanked the country leaders for the  chance given to see a full picture of what is happening in Abkhazia.

"We've been to the Parliament of Abkhazia, met with the Speaker and heads of Committees of the People's Assembly; very interesting and detailed talks in the Government we have had. We were very much satisfied with the meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba, and the documents we've received in the foreign policy department will help us to sum up the visit. At the meeting with the Defense Minister of Abkhazia we were explained a lot of details which were very important for us", Mikhail Rusyi said.

11.19.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Shamba believes the question of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia by Belarus is not settled so easily

Sukhum, The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba believes the question of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia by Belarus is not settled so easily. “The fact that the delegation of Belarus is here is an indicator that the process goes on. Belarus is close to it, since it has started to look into this matter”, the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs told journalists after a meeting.

Shamba ascertained that Abkhazia is interested in establishing diplomatic relations with such friendly nations and states like Belarus.

The Foreign Ministry head expressed hope that “sooner or later the question of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia will be settled by Belarus”. “Time will tell when it will happen”, he concluded.

11.18.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, A group of the Belarusian “parliament” had a meeting in Sukhum with members of the parliament of the republic of Abkhazia.

A process of Abkhazia’s recognition is irreversible, the country’s speaker Nuzgar Ashuba said. “We do not hurry and do not hurry anybody. We have been struggling for independence not for some time, for two, three, or ten years. We have been struggling for independence forever,” he added.

As Interfax news agency reports, the speaker noted Abkhazia would like Belarus to recognize their independence. He emphasized: “Every country has own national interests which come before everything for people’s representatives. If the Belarusian parliament is guided by these ideas and delays consideration of Abkhazia’s recognizance, we’ll understand this.”

Ashuba also reminded that Belarus was the only country at the CIS summit that hadn’t signed the document on economic blockade of Abkhazia in 1997.

Mikhail Rusy, the head of standing commission of the “house of representatives” of the “national assembly” on Chernobyl disaster consequences, ecology and environmental management, said that Belarus is interested in closer ties with Abkhazia.

“Our parliament has groups on cooperation with 43 states. I think a group on cooperation with the parliament of Abkhazia can be formed,” Rusy said.

According to him, an objective report would be made by the parliamentary group and presented to the parliament, government, and Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

The MP group arrived in Abkhazia on Tuesday and plans to stay there until November 20.

As Rusy said on Wednesday at a meeting with Abkhazian foreign minister Sergei Shamba, the visit of the Belarusian MPs was aimed at “establishing inter-parliamentary relations, studying the economic situation in the republic and an opportunity to recognize the Republic of Abkhazia in respect of the parliament’s request.”

As the press service of the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports, Shamba noted the country was interested in “development of the bilateral ties between Belarus in all areas”.

“The minister thanked the MPs for the visit to Abkhazia and expressed a hope for early recognition of Abkhazia by Belarus,” the MFA press service informs.

The parliamentary group is to have a meeting with president of Abkhazia Sergei Bagapsh on Wednesday evening.

11.18.2009  Charter 97

Sukhum, The republic of Abkhazia switched to Russian telephone codes at midnight on Sunday, the republic's information and communications department said.

Abkhazia and Russia signed a memorandum in September that would help the republic establish its own independent telecommunication and postal services.

The existing Georgian phone code will run parallel be effective until January 1, 2010. When dialing a number in Abkhazia, callers will need to use Russia's country code +7 as of Sunday.

Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia last August after a five-day war with Georgia over the latter, which was attacked by Tbilisi in an attempt to bring it back under central control.

Under mutual assistance treaties signed last November, Russia pledged to help South Ossetia and Abkhazia protect their borders, and the signatories granted each other the right to set up military bases in their respective territories.

11.15.2009  RIA Novosti

Sukhum, The Moscow government delivered humanitarian supplies to Abkhazia on Friday.

The humanitarian supplies, which include a vehicle for the emergencies department and an ambulance, various equipment, electric transformers, cables, 20 computers and other cargoes, were delivered to Sukhum on Friday.

Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov handed over personally the humanitarian supplies to the Abkhazian leadership. The official handover ceremony was held on the Freedom Square in Sukhum, where the Moscow mayor and Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh came.

“The issue of asphalt supplies to build the roads in the republic will be solved at Sergei Bagapsh’s request,” the Moscow mayor said. “We are supporting Abkhazia for many years and are trying to fulfill each request of this republic,” Yuri Luzhkov told reporters.

11.13.2009  Itar-Tass

As was to be expected, the routine Geneva meeting on the South Caucasus has not produced a solution. Moreover, subsequent meetings are unlikely to yield a positive result either, a Russian politician says.

Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, said the negotiators have amicable coffee breaks because their positions cannot be reconciled.

The Georgian and European delegates address any issue on the meetings' agenda as if it concerns indivisible Georgia, while their opponents think it concerns the independent South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

No matter what issue you put on their agenda, they will always address it from opposing sides, the politician said.

Georgian and European delegates speak about the need to send EU observers to Georgia, meaning South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Russia will say that this is the competence of the two republics, whose independence it has recognized.

And Abkhazia and South Ossetia say that the Western observers are biased, which is a logical assumption given the media ballyhoo in Europe and America before, during and after the August 2008 South Ossetian war.

In Margelov's opinion, the European Union seems to have done everything it possibly could. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the main peacemaker, and Swiss diplomat Heidi Tagliavini, head of the EU investigation into the causes of the 2008 war, has said that it was Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili who provoked the war.

The EU only needs to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which it will not do, while the two republics will never give up their hard-won independence, and Russia will not withdraw its recognition of their independence.

This contradiction will not be removed even if Abkhazia and South Ossetia agree to let EU observers in.

The top Russian officials are now speaking about modernization, which brings to the fore the issue of Russia's relations with the EU, Margelov said. Russia needs to reset its relations with the EU as much as with the United States. Will the Geneva talks influence the probability of resetting relations?

Influential EU members have recently lost all and any sympathy for Saakashvili, and resetting Moscow-Brussels relations also implies a review of priorities. Therefore, "deeper understanding" in Geneva is unlikely to hinder the development of Russia-EU relations in such key spheres as energy and European security, Margelov concludes.

11.13.2009  Kommersant

Sukhum, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov will visit Abkhazia on Friday to hand over humanitarian aid and sign an agreement on food supplies to the republic, an Abkhaz presidential spokesman said.

Moscow will deliver office equipment, computers and electrical equipment, cables and car tires to Abkhazia. The Russian city will also give the republic a rescue vehicle, an ambulance and laboratory and medicinal equipment.

Luzhkov allocated 1.2 million rubles ($41,000) for the delivery of the cargo and customs clearance.

During his stay in Abkhazia, the Moscow mayor is also expected to visit a Russian border guard base.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and another former Georgian republic, South Ossetia, as independent after a five-day war over the latter with Georgia last August.

Last summer, the Moscow mayor suggested Georgia recognize the independence of both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, referring to what he described as the inevitable drive for sovereignty in Europe and globally.

11.13.2009  RIA Novosti

Moscow, Russia has refuted statements by partners in Geneva in regard to the stabilization of the situation in the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict zones, a Russian deputy minister said on Wednesday.

Grigory Karasin said the co-chairmen at the discussions in Geneva are convinced that the situation in the border zones between Georgia and the republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have been stabilized. The Russian and South Ossetian delegations have refuted the statement.

"However, that is not the way it is...[Georgian] military drones have started flying over South Ossetia and Abkhazia," Karasin, who heads the Russian delegation, told RIA Novosti.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on Wednesday it is prepared to look into drafting an agreement on non-aggression only if it is considered the victim of aggression.

"Georgia is prepared to look into drafting a non-aggression agreement, but only if the parties of that agreement will be Russia as the aggressor and Georgia as the victim of aggression," the ministry's statement reads, adding "20% of [Georgia's] territory is occupied today."

The head of the independent investigative commission on the August 2008 conflict, Swiss diplomat Heidi Tagliavini, presented a report in September with the findings of the commission to the heads of the delegations of Russia, Georgia, the EU, OSCE and the UN. The report indicated Tbilisi as starting the 5-day war with Russia over South Ossetia, calling Russia's military response "legal."

11.13.2009  RIA Novosti

Moscow, Russia and the South Ossetia are set to raise the issue of a possible Georgian attack on its former territories during the Geneva talks on situation in the Caucasus to begin on Wednesday.

The Geneva talks are backed by the UN, the EU and the OSCE and involve Georgia, Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The previous, seventh round of talks took place in September.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said Russia had "alarming facts" that show that Tbilisi was still counting on using force to regain control over the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

He also said that Russia would again raise the question of concluding treaties on the non-use of force between Georgia and its former republics.

South Ossetia said it would also present "conclusive evidence" that a new Georgian aggression against South Ossetia is being prepared.

The Georgian delegation plans to raise the issue of four Georgian teenagers, detained in South Ossetia reportedly while in possession of grenades and explosive substances. In a similar move, South Ossetia will urge the release of three of its nationals apparently abducted from its territory by Georgian special services on October 13, 2008.

Russia recognized the independence of the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia last August after a five-day war with Georgia over the latter, which was attacked by Tbilisi in an attempt to bring it back under central control.

11.13.2009  RIA Novosti

Geneva, At the Geneva Talks on security and stability in Transcaucasia "we managed to advance" on a whole range of practical issues, the head of the Russian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Grigory Karasin said at a press conference. He cited the issues "connected with mechanisms of incidents prevention and response" as an example.

"These mechanisms work, all interested parties participate in them, practical issues are discussed”, Karasin said. The diplomat admitted discussions concerning the code of principles on the non-use of force were tense and "the parties disagreed on many aspects since the modes of implementing these agreements from the Georgian, South Ossetian and Abkhaz sides are too different". According to Karasin, it is caused by the fact that these conceptions are viewed diffrenetly.

At the same time Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation promised "the discussion will be continued at the following meetings", expressing hope that “we’ll be able to speak about concrete issues” having “objective, purposeful character”. The diplomat is certain that an agreement between Georgia and South Ossetia, Georgia and Abkhazia must be signed, adding that "participants of the Geneva Talks and international organizations are ready to be guarantors of such an agreement".

Karasin said advancement to the agreement would not be easy of what today's exchange of opinions was evidence. "But we need to continue looking for the keystones which will lead us to new conditions of long-term stability in the Southern Caucasus", MFA Depury Minister emphasized.

The ninth round of the discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia held since last October in Geneva under the aegis of the United Nations, the EU and OSCE with participation of Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the USA and South Ossetia delegations will take place on January 28, 2010.

11.12.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum/Geneva, The eighth round of the discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia will be held today in Geneva. Delegations of the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, the USA, the Republic of South Ossetia take part in the consultations held under the aegis of the United Nations, the EU and OSCE.

The discussion will be carried on in two working groups - on the issues of security and on humanitarian subjects. A discussion of the unofficial document on the non-use of force presented in September in Geneva is expected to be continued. The arrangement that the co-chairmen would complete the document in order "to collect basic elements of the consent of all the parties" was reached then within the frameworks of the seventh round of the discussions.

These meetings have been held since October, 2008 on the basis of arrangements of the presidents of Russia and France, reached after the repulse of the Georgian aggression against South Ossetia in August, 2008.

The Russian delegation is headed by the Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin, the South Ossetian by the President of the Republic’s Plenipotentiary on postconflict settlement Boris Chochiev, the Abkhaz one by the President’s aide for international issues Vyacheslav Chirikba, the Georgian delegation by the Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Bokeria.

11.12.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, A delegation of Abkhazia will take part in the next round of the Geneva discussions on security in Transcaucasia. The discussions will be held on November 11.

The delegation includes: the President’s aide on international issues Vyacheslav Chirikba, the Deputy Defense Minister Garry Kupalba, Vice-minister for Foreign Affairs Maksim Gunjia, the chief of the International Department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Lana Agrba and a member of the executive committee of the International Association of Abkhaz-Abazin (Abaza) people Zeki Kapba. The chief of the MFA Information Department Irakly Tuzhba told Apsnypress.

Lana Agrba and Maksim Gunjia will work in the group on humanitarian issues, Vyacheslav Chirikba, Zeki Kapba and Garry Kupalba in the group on security.

11.10.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The Abkhaz Central Elections Commission registered five presidential candidates on Friday.

These are Abkhaz Sea Shipping Company President Zaur Ardzynba, incumbent President Sergei Bagapsh, Ph.D. Vitaly Bganba, Economic Development Party Chairman Beslan Butba and former vice-president Raul Hajymba, a commission source told Itar-Tass.

Alexander Ankuab will run for vice-presidency together with Bagapsh.

The other duos are Butba – former interior minister Almasbei Kchach; Bganba – historian David Dasania, Hajymba – Abkhaz Humanitarian Research Institute Director Vasily Avidzba and Ardzynba – former head of the Ochamchira district administration Khrips Dzhopua.

The election will take place on December 12.

11.06.2009  Itar-Tass

The Rector of the Abkhaz State University academician Aleko Guaramia became a member of the Club of the Rectors of Europe. The certificate and the cloak were officially presented in the Oxford University at the Oxford Summit of Leaders.

The Oxford Summit of Leaders is one of the most representative business events in the southeast of the Great Britain. Traditionally held in the centre of the world scientific community, in the city of Oxford, it gathers together annually representatives from more than 20 countries of the world in the assembly hall of the city hall.

The organizers of the Oxford Summit of Leaders of business, science and art are the Europe Business Assembly, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, the Club of Leaders International, the Club of the Rectors of Europe.

11.05.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Minsk, The Belarusian parliament has resolved to establish a working group to consider the recognition of the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Thursday.

The parliament's CIS and foreign affairs commission "has resolved to establish a working group from members of both houses of parliament to prepare the [recognition] issue for consideration in Belarus's National Assembly," commission head Sergei Maskevich said.

The commission has also suggested sending a parliamentary delegation of about 10 lawmakers to Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia to study the situation in the region. The visit is tentatively scheduled for late November.

Russia recognized the two republics shortly after a five-day war with Georgia in August 2008 that began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it back under central control. Abkhazia and South Ossetia have also been recognized by Nicaragua and Venezuela.

The two republics' authorities asked Belarus to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia last year. However, Belarus has so far refused to join Russia in recognizing the republics.

11.05.2009  RIA Novosti

Minsk, The Belarusian parliament is to consider next week the recognition of the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the head of the presidential administration said.

"Next week, the parliament will begin considering the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Vladimir Makei said, adding Belarusian lawmakers are to visit the republics in order "to study the situation."

Russia recognized the two republics shortly after a five-day war with Georgia in August 2008 that began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia in an attempt to bring it back under central control. Abkhazia and South Ossetia have also been recognized by Nicaragua and Venezuela.

The two republics' authorities asked Belarus to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia last year. However, Belarus has so far refused to join Russia in recognizing the republics.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in early October that unnamed forces in Russia were to blame for Minsk's refusal. Lukashenko blamed reports in Russia's state-controlled media, which said Belarus's reluctance to recognize the regions was a response to Russia's refusal to grant the remaining $500 million of a loan.

However, Lukashenko then urged Russia to be patient and said "we will settle the issue."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin earlier said Russia is not putting pressure on Belarus to recognize the republics.

11.05.2009  RIA Novosti

Possible recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Belarus would contradict the spirit of cooperation and would unlikely to facilitate it in the framework of Eastern Partnership policy.

It has been stated by Hans-Dieter Lukas, special envoy of the German Foreign Ministry for Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus in his speech at 12th Minsk Forum on November 5.

A representative of the Foreign Ministry of Germany called the position of the EU on this issue “clear”, as independence of these regions haven’t been recognized by any country of the European Union, or by any country partner of the EU New policy.

In his turn, Stefan Eriksson, Ambassador of Sweden which is presiding in the European Union, called the position of Minsk that still hasn’t recognized independence of the breakaway republics “wise”. The diplomat noted that it is a right of Belarus to adopt any decision on this issue.

Karl-Georg Wellman, a Bundestag deputy, underlined that the EU condemned the way chosen by Russia to solve territorial conflicts. “I doubt that recognition of correctness of such Russian policy by Belarus would be reasonable,” the German deputy said as quoted by BelaPAN.

11.05.2009  Charter97

The upcoming December 12 presidential elections in Abkhazia are fundamentally different from the previous three - the campaign will be the first since the beginning of the process of recognition of Abkhazian independence, writes political analyst Sergei Markedonov.

Regardless of the new South Caucasian status quo, the elections will seriously test the intentions of the partially recognized republic's elite to build up its statehood in line with its real potential.

With Moscow's recognition of its independence in August last year, Abkhazia crossed an extremely important boundary.

Georgian claims to "restore territorial integrity" have ceased to be an important political issue for the Abkhazian elite. The national elite now aims to fill Abkhazian independence with genuine substance and higher quality. In the final analysis, the struggle against the "little empire" was not launched in the 1990s to replace one patron with another.

Abkhazia possesses the necessary potential. Unlike South Ossetia, the republic has a state project, rather than just "aspirations for unification." Abkhazia boasts a far more intricate domestic political space and an opposition (inside the republic, rather than in Moscow), an independent media, five years' experience of normal co-existence between those winning and losing presidential elections, and a diversified foreign policy.

However, Abkhazia's one-sided political dependence on Russia has increased. Russia is no longer a peacekeeper, but rather a guarantor of national self-determination and the main contributor of funding to the republic's budget.

It would be appropriate to note that the new "guarantor" does not favor democracy, political competition or unauthorized contacts with the outside world very much.

Markedonov concludes that the Abkhazian elite will have to solve an extremely difficult puzzle: how to assert its independence while maintaining strategic cooperation with Moscow.

11.02.2009  RIA Novosti

Sukhum, Initiative groups on nomination of presidential candidates of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Hajymba, Zaur Ardzynba and Vitaly Bganba have submitted subscription lists to the Central Election Commission, the republic’s Central Election Commission said.

Nomination of presidential candidates finishes today.

From November 3 till November 12 the Central Election Commission will be registering candidates.

11.02.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Vladimir Yastrebchak and the PMR Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Simonenko who are in Abkhazia these days. Harry Kupalba the PMR representative to the Republic of Abkhazia attended the meeting.

The Ministers exchanged information about the situation in Abkhazia and the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, discussed further prospects of development of both the republics. The Geneva discussions, pentalateral meetings in Gal as well as mutual relations between the PMR and Moldova were touched upon at the meeting.

11.02.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia brings to the notice of commercial banks, business entities and all interested organizations that he Bank of Abkhazia establishes the federal funds rate of 12% on the credits given to commercial banks.

The rate of 12 % is applied when the fine paid to clients by banks, according to article 31 of the Law of the Republic of Abkhazia “About banks and bank activity” is calculated.

11.02.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia