President Sergey Bagapsh held a Security Council meeting where the criminogenic situation in the country was discussed

Sukhum, The President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh held a Security Council meeting where the criminogenic situation in the republic, including the collectors robbery in the Ochamchira district and the New Athos commercial bank robbery was discussed.

The Security Council members listened to the report on two last incidents investigation. Following the meeting results President Sergey Bagapsh gave respective commissions to the security agencies heads and heads of Administration.

10.30.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, South Ossetia and Abkhazia will officially ask Ecuador to recognize their independence, the republics' foreign ministers told RIA Novosti on Friday.

The news followed Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa's promise on Friday to consider the requests should they be submitted. Correa arrived on a three-day visit to Russia on Wednesday.

"South Ossetia will submit an official request. We will be grateful to the leadership of Ecuador and any other country that recognizes our independence," South Ossetian Foreign Minister Murat Dzhioyev said.

"We are working on the issue. Abkhazia has already made certain steps in this direction, and will continue working," Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba said. The ministers did not specify the date.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent 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.

Nicaragua and Venezuela have also recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

10.30.2009  RIA Novosti

 The "Pro Abkhazia" Association (Germany) welcomes president Sergey Bagapsh’s idea to proclaim 2010 year of the Abkhaz language

The “Pro Abkhazia“(Germany) has congratulated the President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh and the compatriots on the Day of the Abkhaz language! The Day of the Abkhaz language is marked on October 27 in Abkhazia.

“We welcome such a holiday and thank the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Vasilievich Bagapsh for the idea to proclaim 2010 a Year of the Abkhaz Language!” the letter reads.

According to our compatriots living in Germany, “the native language unites our nation’s representatives no matter what country they live in”. “A lot of scientific works have been written about the surprisingly beautiful Abkhaz language which has always been of great interest for researchers, in particular, for European scientists-travelers. It is the language of the Nart sagas; works being at the same level with masterpieces of the world literature are written in it. We consider its preservation and development to be the main problem the time poses for us”, the “Pro Abkhazia“Association says.

A State Program of the native language development has been worked out in Abkhazia, conferences and symposia are devoted to this problem, manuals are written, computer programs are created, etc. Abkhaz children in the homeland have a unique chance to learn the native language at schools and higher education establishments. The young generation of the Diaspora should also adopt and should not lose it, whatever unfavorable were the conditions for its development abroad.

Learning the Abkhaz, Abazin and Circassian languages is a long-standing tradition in the Western European countries. “They were taught in the Caucasian cultural centers. Now you can learn the Abkhaz language through the Internet (www.kapba.de/Apsua-Turkce.html). Once again thanks to the leadership of Abkhazia and the Fund of the Abkhaz language for the materials provided. Translations of the works of the Abkhaz literature into the European languages are also spread through the Internet”.

At the congress of the Diaspora representatives held in 2007 in Antwerp (Belgium) it was decided to mark this day – October 27 - in all the countries where the Diaspora live. “Conferences and seminars touching upon the problem of the native language preservation and development abroad are held. Cooperation with the "International Club of European women" (Frankfurt, Germany) has been established. At the literary soirees there works and translations of the Abkhazian writers in the native language are read”, says the letter.

“Such events are necessary for both the Diaspora representative and the Europeans to get acquainted with our country being an independent state and expecting further recognition”, the “Pro Abkhazia“Association believes.

“The great interest aroused by the conferences held in 2009 in the cities of Hamburg and Berlin is evidence of it. Some conferences devoted to the culture and science of Abkhazia are to be held in Germany next year. We think the projects planned can be implemented in cooperation with compatriots in the homeland”, the letter emphasizes.

10.29.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Dear President of the Republic of Abkhazia, dear compatriots!

We congratulate you on a remarkable, traditional holiday – the Day of the Abkhaz language! We welcome such a holiday and thank the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Vasilievich Bagapsh for the idea to proclaim 2010 a Year of the Abkhaz Language!

The native language unites our nation’s representatives no matter what country they live in. A lot of scientific works have been written about the surprisingly beautiful Abkhaz language which has always been of great interest for researchers, in particular, for European scientists-travelers. It is the language of the Nart sagas; works being at the same level with masterpieces of the world literature are written in it. We consider its preservation and development to be the main problem the time poses for us.

A State Program of the native language development has been worked out in Abkhazia, conferences and symposia are devoted to this problem, manuals are written, computer programs are created, etc. Abkhaz children in the homeland have a unique chance to learn the native language at schools and higher education establishments. The young generation of the Diaspora should also adopt and should not lose it, whatever unfavorable were the conditions for its development abroad.

Learning the Abkhaz, Abazin and Circassian languages is a long-standing tradition in the Western European countries. They were taught in the Caucasian cultural centers. Now you can learn the Abkhaz language through the Internet (www.kapba.de/Apsua-Turkce.html). Once again thanks to the leadership of Abkhazia and the Fund of the Abkhaz language for the materials provided. Translations of the works of the Abkhaz literature into the European languages are also spread through the Internet.

At the congress of the Diaspora representatives held in 2007 in Antwerp (Belgium) it was decided to mark this day – October 27 - in all the countries where the Diaspora live. Conferences and seminars touching upon the problem of the native language preservation and development abroad are held. Cooperation with the "International Club of European women" (Frankfurt, Germany) has been established. At the literary soirees there works and translations of the Abkhazian writers in the native language are read.

Such events are necessary for both the Diaspora representative and the Europeans to get acquainted with our country being an independent state and expecting further recognition. The great interest aroused by the conferences held in 2009 in the cities of Hamburg and Berlin is evidence of it. Some conferences devoted to the culture and science of Abkhazia are to be held in Germany next year.

We think the projects planned can be implemented in cooperation with compatriots in the homeland.

Best regards,

''Pro Abkhazia'' Association (Germany)

10.29.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Sukhum, The head of Abkhazia's National Bank survived an assassination attempt as he traveled to work on Wednesday morning, the republic's interior minister said.

Otar Khetsiya said a grenade launcher was fired at the vehicle in which Illarion Argun was traveling as it drove through the Bambor residential area in Gudauta District around 8:30 a.m. Moscow time (05:30 GMT). The bank's chief was not harmed.

"Every day, the governor of the National Bank travels to work from the city of Gagra to Sukhum. The assassination attempt was made on the central highway," an Interior Ministry source said.

10.28.2009  RIA Novosti

 The III convention of the Republican political party “United Abkhazia” will be held on October 27

The III convention of the Republican political party “United Abkhazia” will be held on October 27.

The convention starts work at 12:00pm in the State Russian drama theatre.

The “United Abkhazia” Chairman Daur Tarba will give a report at the convention.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov has ordered the city government to send humanitarian aid to the republic of Abkhazia, a municipal administration source said on Friday.

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

Moscow will deliver office equipment, computers and electrical equipment, cables and car tires to Abkhazia.

The Russian city will also give Abkhazia a used rescue vehicle, an ambulance and some laboratory and medicinal equipment.

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

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.

A previous call for Russia to reclaim Sevastopol, the main base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, from Ukraine earned him the status of persona non grata in the former Soviet republic. Moscow's City Hall has invested budget funds on cultural projects in Crimea, which has a predominantly Russian population.

10.23.2009  RIA Novosti

In Moscow within the frameworks of the “Orpheus” Radio presents” XV International festival a recital of a "Helicon-opera" solist, a National actress of Abkhazia, an Honored actress of Russia Alisa Gitsba has been recorded in the radio’s grand concert studio.

Compositions of Russian and foreign composers of the 20th century: Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten, Moris Ravel, Manuel de Falla and Francis Poulenc were performed by the singer. Those compositions are very difficult and are performed extremely seldom.

A Chamber ensemble conducted by an Honored artist of Russia Mark Pekarsky took part in the concert.

The concert will be broadcast on October 24 at 8:00pm on “Orpheus” radio at 99, 9 FM, a spokesperson for the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation told “Apsnypress”.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Victoria Adleiba won 3 nominations of “Little Miss Eurasia 2009” II International festival of peace and children's friendship

Victoria Adleiba became the winner of the “Little Miss Eurasia 2009” II International festival of peace and children's friendship in three nominations: Little Angel, Miss Fotomodel and Baby Miss Eurasia, the Ministry of Culture told Apsnypress on October 22.

The contest took place on October 15 in Turkey.

Victoria Adleiba’s mum Edita Tsvinaria has been found the best mum of the festival and the author of the “Mini-miss Abkhazia” project Lali Sichinava the best national director.

Businessmen Igor Varov and Astamur Gagulia helped to organize the representatives of Abkhazia’s trip to the contest.

“Little Miss Eurasia” is an action of peace, beauty and friendship, acquaintance with the most beautiful traditions of different countries and nations of Eurasia. The main goal of the festival is to give children the conception of good and compassion, to reveal their best traits of character.

Competition is intended for girls at the age from 5 till 15.

The following official titles for participants from different age categories are established at the festival:
 

• Tot Miss Eurasia - till 5 years inclusive;

• Mini Miss Eurasia - from 6 till 7;

• Baby Miss Eurasia - from 8 till 9;

• Young Miss Eurasia - from 10 till 11;

• Middle Miss Eurasia - from 12 till 13;

• Teen Miss Eurasia - from 14 till 15;

• LITTLE MISS EURASIA (super grand prix) - for all age categories.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Republic of Ecuador studies the question of the recognition of independence of Abkhazia, the chancellor of Ecuador Fander Falconí told journalists. “In accordance with the official inquiry, we will give a corresponding answer”, he said, adding he cannot tell whether this question will be discussed during the President of Ecuador Raphael Correa’s visit to Russia, which he will pay on October 29-30 to sign a number of agreements with the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev.

After Venezuela, Nicaragua and, probably, Ecuador, independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will be also recognized by other states of the ALBA organization - an association including except for the above-mentioned countries Cuba, Bolivia, Dominica, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Central Election Commission is open for mass media and interested in transparency of the election campaign, the Chairman of the Central Election Committee Batal Tabagua told journalists today. According to him, an international press centre will be created in the State Repatriation Committee.

“We have technical means to create proper working conditions for a great number of journalists”, he emphasized.

“We decided not to create a press-service for the Central Election Commission as there is “Apsnypress” news agency through which we will spread official information on our work and elections”, Tabagua said.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Presidential elections in the Republic of Abkhazia will be held in 35 districts (186 polling places). Two more places will be created beyond the bounds of Abkhazia - in Moscow and Cherkessk, he Chairman of the Central Election Commission Batal Tabagua said today at a news conference.

“All the polling places and the district commissions were formed in 2007, however recently some of them have been cut down, in particular in military units, that’s why 186 out of 189 remained”, Batal Tabagua specified.

Tabagua believes the number of voters at the presidential elections will not exceed 129, 300 people (number of the voters included in the electoral registers at the 2007 parliamentary elections - Apsnypress).

According to the Passport and Visa Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia more than 141 thousand passports of the citizen of Abkhazia have been already issued. Tabagua specified these days last names of those who will not be 18 years by the polling day are being picking out since the right to elect President belongs to each citizen of the Republic of Abkhazia who is 18 by or on the polling day.

“Yet we don’t have the exact information on the number of people having no registration in Abkhazia but whom the passports have been issued to. This information is being defined more precise”, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Abkhazia said.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Central Election Commission registered two initiative groups for presidential candidates nomination, two political parties

For now the Central Election Commission has registered only two initiative groups for presidential candidates nomination, those of Vitaly Bganba and Raul Khadzhimba as well as two political parties “the United Abkhazia” and the Party of Economic Development, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Batal Tabagua said at a news conference organized by the Association of employees of mass-media of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The editor of the “Chegem Pravda” Inal Khashig was the host of the first news conference of the Association.

“The initiative groups haven’t yet produced registers with voters’ signatures. As to other political parties having the right to nominate presidential candidates (the Forum of People’s Unity of Abkhazia and the People’s Party – Apsnupress) we haven’t yet received requests from them”, Tabagua said.

The head of the Central Election Commission handed over to journalists “The electoral legislation of the Republic of Abkhazia” brochures printed by the Central Election Commission.

Batal Tabagua highlights the changes made to the electoral legislation on February 24 and October 9, 2009. Now voters will vote only if they have the passport of the citizen of the Republic of Abkhazia. “I think, it will make the work of the local election commissions and observers easier”, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission emphasized. He said videos explaining to voters the voting rules at the presidential elections will be prepared in the near future. “I think those who don’t have an Abkhaz passport yet, should submit papers and receive it not to lose the right to vote”, Tabagua stressed.

According to the head of the Central Election Commission, the electoral registers are now being defined more exactly, as earlier they have been drawn up according to old (Soviet – Apsnypress) passports.

Tabagua said the number of voters in districts has decreased due to their migration to the city of Sukhum. “Now the capital of Abkhazia exceeds all the districts in the number of voters”, he said.

The head of the Central Election Commission expressed concern regarding voters’ activity on the polling day which can be affected by the fact that a part of the people having the Abkhaz citizenship, passports and local registration, live beyond the bounds of the republic.

He cited the Gagra district as an example where a lot of people having houses, have received passports, registration, but continue to live in Adler and Sochi. Basically, they are Armenians. At the same time he said he doesn’t see “anything terrible” about it.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

From October 21 till October 23 the Defense Ministry will hold battalion and tactical exercises with battle shooting on: “Conducting a defensive action at night in a mountain-forest land”. The third detached mountain-rifle battalion will participate in the exercises which will take place near the “Tsabal” ground.

D-30 artillery battalion, D-44, BМ-21 batteries, M-120 mortar battery, three М-82 mortar platoons, one company of fire support will be also involved in the exercises. The stage of battle shooting will take place on October 22, the Defense Ministry said.

10.23.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Switch to new telephone codes to take place on the night from November 14 to November 15 this year

Abkhazia received Russian telephone codes for fixed and mobile phones. It happened after the signing of the Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation and the Government of Abkhazia on September 28, 2009 in Moscow. The republic received telephone codes of the Russian zone “7”. Fixed-line providers will receive code “840”, the mobile ones -“940”.

The head of the Department of Governmental Information and Mass Media to the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Christian Bzhania said: “Switch to new codes will take place at 12am on November 15 this year. The codes will be used all over the republic as all our fixed-line exchanges are already digital”.

Speaking about, whether this "code conversion" will tell on the cost of phone calls from Abkhazia to Russia, he said that “for now the tariff policy is not yet agreed with the Russian providers”. “The situation is strange, at first sight: the cheapest call from Abkhazia to Russia costs about 5, 7 rubles today, the most expensive one - 10 rubles. From Russia to Abkhazia is much more expensive, somewhere 35 rubles on average. Certainly, there is a necessity to balance the tariffs since such difference causes damage to both the Abkhaz, and the Russian providers. It is especially notable during the holiday season. We hope to discuss this issue with our Russian colleagues”.

The Department chief also informed that the old Georgian code will work in parallel with the new one till January 1, 2010. “On the New Year's night the Georgian codes will be cut off”, he said. “It seems to me that subscribers will have time to get used to new codes during this time, and will have time to inform their friends, colleagues, relatives living outside of Abkhazia about them”.

Commenting on some mass-media information that Abkhazia has received the Russian telephone codes temporarily and they will be used until the International Telecommunication Union gives its own code to the republic, Christian Bzhania expressed confidence that “this time will surely come”. “But I don’t think Abkhazia will refuse the 7th Russian international zone even when it gets its own code. Such examples already exist”.

10.15.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Well-known Abkhaz sculptor Yury Chkadua passed away

A well-known Abkhaz sculptor Yury Chkadua has died in Moscow at the age 70.

Chkadua is the author of many works among which the most far-famed is the sculpture of the grieving mother installed in the settlement of Bzyb in memory of the lost in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

The sculptor is the co-author of the 1992 Lata tragedy Memorial, the co-author of the monument to Nestor Lakoba in Gudauta.

Recently Yury Chkadua has worked on a new monument to an Abkhaz poetry classic Iua Koghonia.

10.15.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Check-points modernization will be carried out at the border with Abkhazia. It will be done by the Sochi branch of Rosgranstroi which will receive the check-points for operations management from the Federal Customs Service since January 1, a representative for the branch told ITAR-TASS today.

According to an engineer of the administrative department of the Rosgranstroi Sochi branch Sergey Ryskal, reserve power supply sources which will be used in case of emergency power cutoff are planned to be replaced at the first stage. "Simultaneously in the building of the new air terminal we are assessing readiness of the air check-point Adler located in the international terminal “C". Installation of modern equipment which will allow to increase considerably the capacity and to raise comfort when crossing the border will be the following step", the representative for Rosgranstroi said.

10.15.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Today the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh received the junior boxing Champion of Europe Ainar Sangulia performing for the Russian team.

The winner of the competitions held in Anapa was accompanied by the Chairman of the State Committee on Youth and Sports Rafael Ampar, the champion’s coach, an Honored boxing coach of Abkhazia, a master of sports of the USSR Eduard Aristava, the President of Boxing Federation of Abkhazia, an Honored coach of Abkhazia and Russia, Roman Chirikbaya.

Welcoming the Champion of Europe, the President of the republic expressed him and his mentors gratitude for high achievements. “It’s becoming an excellent tradition”, Sergey Bagapsh said. “Our young men, showing perseverance, persistence, become the best of the best, bringing sports fame to the two states – Russia and Abkhazia at once. We are proud of you”, the President said.

The prospects of sports development in Abkhazia were being discussed at the reception. The meeting participants mentioned with satisfaction opening of several football grounds in the capital of the republic, reconstruction of other sports projects in the cities of Abkhazia.

According to the Head of the State, this work will go on actively. The Boxing Federation representatives made the request to solve the problem of creation of specialized training boxing rings.

Sergey Bagapsh said there’s a prospect of solving this problem, the Department of governmental information reports.

10.15.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, Russia is not putting pressure on Belarus to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said on Wednesday in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"Russia does not put pressure on its international partners over the issue of the recognition of the new Caucasus republics by other states. Every state should this decide for itself," he said.

Belarus has so far refused to join Russia in recognizing the two republics as independent states.

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.

"Someone in Russia wanted to force us [to recognize], or to prevent us from recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia," he said. "As if I would have recognized or not recognized them for money!"

Lukashenko also urged Russia to be patient. "We will settle the issue," he said.

Russia recognized the 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. The republics have also been recognized Nicaragua and Venezuela.

10.14.2009  RIA Novosti

 Republic of South Ossetia Defense Minister delivered a lecture for the officers and students of the Military academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Abkhazia

The Defense Minister of the Republic of South Ossetia Lieutenant-General Jury Tanaev delivered a lecture for the officers and students of the Military academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Abkhazia on “Analysis of the reasons of the beginnings of wars and armed conflicts”.

By the example of the Georgian military aggression in South Ossetia the head of the Defense Ministry showed that the states which launch wars will be punished sooner or later. Officers and students of the Military academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Abkhazia listened to the lectures of the Defense Minister of South Ossetia with great interest”, the Abkhaz TV reports.

10.14.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

On October 13 nomination of presidential candidates started in Abkhazia. According to the legislation and the planned schedule of the main measures on preparation and holding of the Presidential Elections in the Republic of Abkhazia registration of initiative groups and political parties, as well as nomination of presidential candidates is carried out from October 13 through November 2, 2009.

Registration of presidential candidates is carried out by the Central Election Commission from October 13 through November 12. Within two days after registration the Central Election Commission publishes in the press official statements about registration of presidential candidates.

The register of voters is hung out for general examination ten days prior to the elections, namely on December 2.

One – two days prior to the elections (December 10-11), local election commissions are provided with ballots.

The vote on the Election Day will be held on December 12 from 8am till 8pm.

The results of the presidential elections will be published within three days after the vote, till December 15.

If necessary the second vote is held not later than two weeks from the date of elections.

10.14.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Grigory Karasin discussed with co-chairmen of the Geneva discussions on security issues and stability in Transcaucasia the course of preparation for the meeting scheduled for November 11 within the frameworks of the discussions, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said on Tuesday.

Meetings of the EU, OSCE, the UN, Russia, the USA, Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia representatives are aimed at the prompt stabilization of the situation in the region. A document containing proposals on mechanisms of incidents prevention and response in Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia has become the only result of the previous meetings.

On Tuesday Karasin met with the EU Special Representative Pierre Morel, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Johan Verbeke and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman Haralampos Christopulos. "The issues of preparation for the next meeting planned for November 11, 2009 within the frameworks of the Geneva discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia were in the center of attention. Both the parties have expressed the intention to continue joint development of the items of the agenda of the Geneva meetings on security issues and the humanitarian situation in Transcaucasia”, the statement says.

The document also emphasizes that "discussion of the current situation in the areas of Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian borders" took place during the meeting too. "The great importance of regular functioning of the mechanisms of incidents prevention and response with participation of the UN, EU and OSCE representatives has been highlighted", the statement reads.

The previous seventh round of the Geneva discussions on stability and security in Transcaucasia took place on September 17.

10.14.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The issues of preparation for the next meeting planned for November 11 this year within the frameworks of the Geneva discussions on security and stability in Transcaucasia were in the center of attention at the meeting in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on October, 13. The stats-secretary - the deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation G. B. Karasin, the co-chairman of the Geneva discussions P. Morel, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations J. Verbeke and the Special representative of the OSCE Chairman H. Christopulos took part in the meeting.

Both the parties have expressed the intention to continue joint development of the items of the agenda of the Geneva meetings on security issues and the humanitarian situation in Transcaucasia.

The discussion of the current situation in the areas of Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian borders took place during the meeting too. The great importance of regular functioning of the mechanisms of incidents prevention and response with participation of the UN, EU and OSCE representatives has been highlighted.

10.14.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Moscow, Russia could open a trade mission in Abkhazia in early 2010, a senior Russian Economic Development Ministry official said Monday.

Sergei Chernyshev, director of the ministry's department for economic cooperation with the post-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States, told journalists that the Russian and Abkhaz economics ministries agreed to set up trade missions last week at a forum in Sukhum.

"It'll take a certain amount of time to form a staff for it [the Russian trade mission]. I think at the beginning of next year. We won't delay," he said.

Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after the end of a five-day war with Georgia in August 2008.

10.12.2009  RIA Novosti

 2009 ELECTIONS: The Voters League “For fair elections” to take a direct part in the upcoming presidential elections again

The Voters League “For fair elections” intends to take a direct part again in the presidential elections in December as public observers, its participants said at a news conference they held on the threshold of the beginning of the election campaign.

“We worked at the previous elections and we have the experience of nonparty observation over the election process”, the head of the League Alkhas Tkhagushev said. “We have experience which can be useful for everybody”.

At the previous elections the League carried out observation on the basis of article 2 of the constitutional law about the presidential elections which says: “restriction of rights of citizens to participate in the presidential elections of the Republic of Abkhazia depending on the origin, social, material and official position, profession, race, nationality, gender, education, language, religion, beliefs, residence, political and other views is forbidden”.

“At the previous elections the non-governmental sector representatives have united in the Voters League and observed the course of elections. We were discussing many problems with participation of political parties, the Central Election Commission”, Tkhagushev specified. “Now the amendment granting public organizations the right to observe the election process is made to the electoral legislation. Now the institution of nonparty observation can work at the full capacity. We’ll have a possibility to influence seriously the voting process, its purity and honesty”.

“If a public organisation’s charter provides for activity in the sphere of human rights protection, democratic institutions develpment it has the right to become an observer at the elections. We do not monopolise this field”, the director of the Center for humanitarian programs Arda Inal-Ipa specified.

“In its time the presence of the League’s representatives at the polling places ensured holding of the elections according to the international standards and norms”, Liana Kvarchelia said. “We turned out to be some kind of experts; chairmen of district and local election commissions asked us questions time and again. The amendment made to the electoral legislation also gives a chance to other organizations to create associations or observer committees. Call them as you want; we don’t have pretensions for the exclusive right of nonparty odservation”.

For better understanding of many procedural questions by the election process participants, the Voters League suggests the Central Electoral Commission should publish a brochure-instruction or instructions for voters.

The League recruits people without a pronounced political liking as volunteers. Alkhas Tkhagushev advises people with pronounced political preferences to refrain from working in the League as observers.

“It is difficult to be simultaneously a nonparty observer and a party’s supporter. Though we voted for someone in its time”, he says. “Our neutrality consists in the fact that we do not agitate for any concrete nominee. It’s an important point which should be considered working with staffs”.

According to Tkhagushev, the majority of the electorate have no pronounced party preferences. “Nevertheless, people want the elections to be held fairly, they wants to influence this mechanism through volonteer activity”, he said.

Bearing in mind the previous elections when all the work was done at the expense of personal means of its participants, the League ‘For fair elections” refused any sponsor's support. “Mobile communication, transport, stationary, brochures, banners costs were the money of more than 200 active workers, representatives of noncommercial organizations, students, housewives”, Tkhagushev said. “People came and offered assistance on a voluntary basis. For example, artists Levarsa Butba and Adgur Dzidzaria have made us banners”.

Asida Shakryl offered the political parties to train their representatives at polling places. “We are ready to hold seminars for staffs’ representatives, party observers”, she said. “If the observer is well prepared, he can record a violation in a report which can be used in court if necessary”.

To the question of a representative of “Akh’atsa” public organization Akhra Bzhania about mistrust of a part of electorate to the League’s objectiveness, Alkhas Tkhagushev said: “Everybody who was a part of the Voters League at the previous presidential elections, holds the same offices as they did 5 years ago”.

“It’s clear for me, whoever wins, one side will feel offended by the League. We only did the job. Tried to observe, solve complicated problems taking part in general discussions”, he said. “The pressure was felt by many working for the League. If to monitor our actions, I don’t see examples I would feel shame at. Nothing to reproach myself with”.

“Both the opposition and the authorities understand they can switch places. The only thing that is invariable is the society which they appeal to. The one who gets more votes wins, instead of the one who manipulates the people better”, Tkhagushev stressed.

He expressed fear concerning the possibility of repetition of postelection scenario of five years' prescription when the elections results were severely disputed, and the society devided into two hostile camp.

For the international recognition of the elections results, according to Liana Kvarchelia, the international observers should be involved. “Observers from friendly countries will certainly arrive. But it is important to invite independent international observers who carry out monitoring missions for them to make an independent conclusion”, she said. “Their presence is an important stage since they prepare reports afterwards”.

Other League’s participants also made their fears public. In particular, Arda Inal-ipa believes that in order to avoid repetition of recent events, a Social contract must be concluded.

She informed that the Public chamber of which she is a member, is already working on the draft contract, initiated by the Party of economic development of Abkhazia.

The draft contract has been already sent to all political parties.

The League made a request to all mass media “to have a balanced approach to informing the population for a voter to receive adequate information about each nominee”. “The upcoming two months will be rather intensive and rich with events”, Tkhagushev emphasized.

10.12.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Russia will help Abkhazia in every way possible to solve key foreign policy problems – Andrey Kelin

“Russia will help Abkhazia in every way possible to solve key foreign policy problems - increase of the states which will recognize it and settlement of mutual relations with neighbors. Strengthening of the union of Russia and Abkhazia in the sphere of security is the priority sphere at today’s stage in spite of other problems importance”, the director of the Fourth department of the CIS countries of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Russia Andrey Kelin said at the Abkhaz business forum.

The Russian diplomat mentioned the positive result of the Abkhaz delegation’s recent trip to the Latin American countries with support of the Russian Embassies.

Abkhazia and Nicaragua had signed a joint statement on establishment of diplomatic relations at the level of Ambassadors. An arrangement to speed up the procedure of Embassies exchange between Abkhazia and Venezuela had been reached.

“Against this background we see considerable expansion of the countries which understand the independence of Abkhazia is for a long good while and this fact is not subject to any revision. There are such countries both in Latin America, in Africa and among our closest neighbors”, Kelin added.

The diplomat said many countries are interested in establishing political, trade and economic, cultural and other relations with Abkhazia. He is convinced that “some countries’ positive undertakings will be transformed to political decisions promoting strengthening of stability in the region”.

"We shouldn’t be reassured by absence of serious incidents in the areas adjoining to the Georgian-Abkhaz border, about what the European Union observers, in particular, tell us”, Kelin said.

He said the situation in the zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict remains tense since the Georgia’s leadership doesn’t refuse revenge plans. "Unfortunately, some foreign powers continue to help it", he added.

"The Russian ships guarantee the country’s protection from the sea too. Now we have to arrange regular coast guard patrol", the head of the department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said.

According to Kelin, patrol at sea "should kill the Georgia’s desire to intercept cargoes bound for Abkhazia".

10.09.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

In Sukhum military men led by the Defense Minister Mirab Kishmaria laid flowers to the Memorial to the lost soldiers in the 1992-1993 Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia.

On October 11, 1992 the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba signed a decree about creation of the Defense Ministry and the General Staff. This date is officially considered the Day of the Armed Forces of the republic - the Abkhaz Army’s birthday.

The grand meeting devoted to the 17th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Abkhazia was attended by the President Sergey Bagapsh, the head of the Abkhaz Eparchy father Vissarion Aplia, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia Semyon Grigoriev, MPs, and members of the Government.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Abkhazia, President Sergey Bagapsh congratulated the military men on the Day of the Armed Forces of the republic.

The Defense Minister Mirab Kishmaria gave a report on the history and the present day of the Armed Forces. The Abkhaz military men were also congratulated by the Commander of  the 7th military base of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia Valery Tchebotaryov.

10.09.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Nart Sangulia from Abkhazia became the winner of the European junior boxing championship in his weight category. The tournament was held in Anapa, a representative for the State Committee on Youth and Sports of the Republic of Abkhazia.

Nart Sangulia is a pupil of the President of the Boxing Federation of Abkhazia, an honored coach of Abkhazia and Russia Roman Chirikbaia, and the coach Eduard Aristava.

10.07.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Department of Governmental Information and Mass Media  of Abkhazia strongly objects broadcasting of Radio Liberty in the Republic

“An attempt to start Radio Liberty's broadcasting over the territory of Abkhazia will be illegal with all the respective consequences”, the head of the Department of Governmental Information and Mass Media Christian Bzhania told Apsnypress, commenting on the Radio Liberty’s decision to broadcast in Abkhazia.

The Department’s chief said in case the broadcasting starts, his department will take tough measures, including technical ones.

“We know nothing about this project. Nobody from the editorial board of Radio Liberty has turned over the matter to the establishments in Abkhazia, competent to decide upon such issues. The worst time, the time of pirated radio-penetration into "enemy's territory" seems to linger behind the editorial office of the radio station. It was somewhere in the twentieth century”, the department’s chief added.

“Sould it start broadcasting, we’ll take tough measures, including technical ones, up to radio signal suppression”, Bzhania said.

“We have such means. Then, all this Georgian-Radio-Liberty swindle will go broke, since, I believe, the Georgian editorial board of the radio expects to get certain funds for the project”, he stressed.

10.07.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Shamba: “I stand for expansion of the freedom of speech; the main point is that it should have nothing to do with Georgia in any way”

Last week managers of Radio Liberty sent an official letter to the Foreign Ministry of Abkhazia, in which proposed to open a representative office of the radio station in the republic, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba told Apsnypress.

“I said that it should not be a Georgian project. They convinced me that this is a South-Caucasian project, and I gave my consent to opening their representative office in Abkhazia”, Shamba said. The head of the MFA emphasized he stands "for expansion of the freedom of speech; the main point is that it should have nothing to do with Georgia in any way".

According to him, the radio station has announced a contest among local journalists who specialize on Abkhaz and South-Ossetian topics. Three Abkhaz radio journalists will participate in the contest.

"Our group is going to Prague for taking part in the selection; and we'll see there, whether we should agree and on what conditions", the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs added.

10.07.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

17 years ago (on October 6, 1992) the city of Gagra and the Gagra district were liberated from the Georgian occupation troops.

The Gagra liberation became the first military success of the Armed Forces of Abkhazia during the 1992-1993 Patriotic War of the Abkhaz people. Gagra was occupied by the Georgian troops on the first days of the war after August 15-19, 1992 battles.

The operation began on October 1 and was carried out by a flanking movement and a sea landing operation. After the enemy had been dislodged from Gagra, there was a lot of captured military equipment and ammunition left.

Especially violent fighting took place around the village of Psakhara on the city’s southern outskirts as well as along the central route.

As a result of the Georgian occupation a considerable damage has been caused to the Gagra resort. Several scores of peaceful citizens have been shot and burnt by the State Council of Georgia’s guardsmen; many townspeople have been killed as a result of robberies. The occupants executed the Gagra residents in the gorge of the river Zhoekvara.

10.06.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia
 

 Statement from the Department of Governmental Information and Mass Media to the president of the Republic of Abkhazia

Today the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh received the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Per Stig Moeller.

A frank dialogue about the developed new realities in Transcaucasia, the situation in Abkhazia took place. The parties discussed some question of humanitarian sphere, possible cooperation of Abkhazia with European organizations, prospects of the European observer mission in the zones of confrontation.

The President stressed, there is no need for the observer mission to be in Abkhazia as the republic does not pose any threat for the neighboring countries.

The head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Denmark mentioned the European Union does not intend to discuss the republic’s status. The President expressed solidarity with him about this question as Abkhazia proceeds from the fact that its independence is recognized, and it does not intend to discuss anything else with anybody.

In spite of the fact that some Mr. Moeller’s statements are absolutely unacceptable, the Abkhaz party has once again confirmed to the guests readiness to discuss questions of direct cooperation with European organizations in case its state interests are observed.

10.06.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Statement from the press-service of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia

A meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Shamba and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Per Stig Moeller took place on October 6 in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia.

During the meeting Per Stig Moeller took an interest in the Abkhaz party’s vision regarding the further prospects of development of Abkhazia and the situation in the region as a whole.

Sergey Shamba welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, expressing readiness to carry on an open dialogue on all the issues. Shamba said that “the Abkhaz party is interested in developing mutual relations with all the countries, ready to establish cooperation on the basis of equality and mutually advantageous partnership”. According to Shamba, Abkhazia is focused on building of an independent, democratic state with market economy and multivector foreign policy; however, the EU policy regarding Abkhazia is based on unrealistic approaches and is aimed at preservation of the Georgia’s former borders created artificially by Stalin. This EU’s position causes incomprehension in Abkhazia and cannot promote the conflict resolution, Shamba said.

10.06.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

A session of the Abkhaz business forum, organized by the Abkhaz branch of the noncommercial organisation “Institute for Eurasian Researches” Development Fund with support of the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia will take place on October 9, the head of the Fund’s branch Socrat Dzhindzholia told Apsnypress.

According to him, the forum results will promote formation of favorable investment climate in Abkhazia, creation of new conditions for further economic growth and increase of well-being of the republic’s population, strengthening of relations with Russia and other countries.

The republic’s leadership, the authorities, business community and non-governmental organisations representatives, experts and mass-media representatives from Abkhazia, Russia, the USA, France, Turkey, Italy and other countries will take part in the forum.

Within the forum’s frameworks innovative issues of intergovernmental economic cooperation as the basic tool of development of integration ties of Abkhazia with other countries will be discussed.

Special attention will be focused on formation of favorable investment climate in the republic.The lines of development of the tourism sector and the services market accompanying it are planned to be discussed as well as the state priorities in support of formation of middle class in Abkhazia. They expect an exchange of opinions regarding perfection of agriculture, prospects of development of railway and air transport, different kinds and systems of communication, realisation of different projects in the construction field. The urgent issues of preservation and augmentation of historical and cultural heritage of Abkhazia will be touched upon.

A whole range of international agreements at the level of ministries and departments, as well as economic subjects is planned to be signed.

10.05.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh expects that within two or three months passports for citizens of Abkhazia will start to be printed in Russia, he said in an interview with Vremya Novostei today. Despite the agreement concluded on October 2, 2009 on the visa-free trips of citizens of Russia and Abkhazia, Bagapsh is certain of necessity of own passports corresponding to the international standards.

"The Abkhaz passport will correspond to the international standards in protectability, in content, in all the parametres. We will order it in the Russian Federation. Within one month or two we will start printing the passports", Bagapsh said. "It’s for our citizens, having the Abkhaz foreign passport, to be able to travel freely to the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation for the time being. But it will correspond to the international standards what will allow to also travel to other countries", he explained.

Bagapsh informed about negotiations with other states about the recognition of Abkhazia. "I think that it will be not only country of Latin America, but several states of CIS. We hold negotiations with some of them, but I don’t want to name these countries yet, not to cause a stir around them", he said. Speaking about the recognition of Abkhazia by Belarus, Bagapsh said: "We have repeatedly met with Alexander Grigorevich (Lukashenko, president of Belarus)”. I know his position. This question will be settled any day now". "His (Lukashenko) position is good. It’s not me who can jugde readiness. But, I think, his attitude to our republics is good", he added.

Bagapsh also assured that the republic does not ask for any financial aid from Russia. "We don’t ask for anything now. We have another task: to learn to earn money ourselves. We have all the possibilities for that. We do not ask for bare money now. We ask to support the projects developed in Abkhazia", he said. It is a question, Bagapsh explained, of projects in the sphere of "motor transport, the railway, the airport, energy, sea shipping, re-export of cargoes through our ports to the territory of Russia". "Those are mutually advantageous projects", the President of Abkhazia stressed.

10.05.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba believes “the recognition of independence of Abkhazia is a difficult choice for any state because there are a lot of  factors connecting countries to each other, including to Georgia, Europe, the USA”. ”That’s we do not hurry anybody, and should understand that patient, laborious, quiet and daily work is necessary here, exactly what we do”, Shamba said. “We see that gradually the number of these countries is increasing”.

The head of the foreign policy department is sure “Belarus will also be among the first countries which will recognize Abkhazia”.

10.03.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Sergey Lavrov is convinced of necessity to sign an Agreement on the non-use of force from the part of Georgia against Abkhazia and South Ossetia

 The document on the non-use force of against each other sould be signed by the conflict sides – Sergey Shamba

Abkhazia and Georgia have repeatedly approached to the signing of agreements guaranteeing security and stability in the region, but every time, Georgia refused to sign these documents in the end, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba said today at a news conference in Sukhum.

Now, according to him, this process goes on within the frameworks of the Geneva discussions. “Frankly, I’m not optimistic for the time being, but we’ll see how this process will develop further”, the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia said.

According to him, “it is proposed to create a document which actually Russia and Georgia, not Abkhazia and Georgia should sign”. “In fact the conflict sides should sign the document”, Shamba said. “However the Georgian side and those who supports it do not share this conception. They don’t want to sign such a document with Abkhazia since they believe it will give us legitimacy”.

“Since there is no such a wish, we will search for new possibilities”, Shamba added.

“In the spring of 2008 Mr. Alasania and I have approached to the signing of such a document, of what is often written in the press. To that document the President of the Russian Federation as the guarantor should have also put the signature”, Shamba said.

The head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs called Mr. Alasania’s coments in mass-media that “Russia and Saakashvili were against such an agreement” not representing the facts. “It does not represent the truth at all, because Russia was just very interested in signing this agreement. Since then and till now Russia has insisted on the necessity of signing the Agreement on the no-use of force against each other”, Shamba said.

10.03.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Western politicians statements regarding Abkhazia are based on illusions and cannot be realistic, pragmatic and long-term – The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba considers statements of western politicians regarding Abkhazia as unrealistic and non pragmatic. “The EU countries, the USA and the NATO policy is based on the non existing reality. It is based on illusions and cannot be realistic, pragmatic and long-term”, Sergey Shamba said at a news conference after negotiations with the Russian foreign policy department’s delegation.

According to him, “groundlessness of such a policy is becoming obvious, and sooner or later the West will have to reconsider its positions”.

“Based on the fact that Abkhazia is a part of Georgia, it is impossible to build any pragmatic policy in relation to this region as such reality does not exist”, Shamba said. “Ignoring the fact of existence of our independence, the EU and the West countries isolate us from the world, declaring at the same time openness, borders transparency, economic globalization”.

The head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia is certain “such a policy cannot be long-term”.

10.03.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

Heads of foreign policy departments of Russia and Abkhazia Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Shamba signed today in Sukhum an Agreement on visa-free trips of citizens of the two countries.

"The agreement provides for a visa-free entry to each other’s territory for the period to 90 days", S. Lavrov said at a news conference.

According to him, the agreement will not only be applied to foreign passports holders, but to those who have internal passports, to children under 14 with the birth certificate, as well as to the seaman’s passport.

"It is as much as possible preferential regime", the minister said. The agreement is expected to take effect in 30 days.

“Some completions, both in the Russian Federation, and in Abkhazia are necessary for this document to take effect”, Lavrov added.

10.03.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 The first rounds of the Geneva consultations on security issues and security in Transcaucasia have shown maturity of the Abkhaz diplomacy - Lavrov

Moscow has awaited with interest the publication of the report of the EU’s Commission on the causes and culprits of the conflict in August 2008. We expected that the abundance of facts and evidence before the Commission would clearly indicate those bearing full responsibility for the tragedy and, thereby, prevent the recurrence of such criminal acts in the future.

As is known, Russia did not participate in the creation of this Commission in December last year. Nevertheless, we responded to the Commission’s inquiries in a serious and responsible manner. Its head, Heidi Tagliavini, has long been known in Russia as an authoritative Swiss diplomat capable of independent assessments and conclusions. Numerous documents on military, legal and humanitarian aspects of last year's tragedy were transmitted by us to the Commission’s members and experts. Official representatives of competent Russian ministries and departments repeatedly met with Ms. Tagliavini and her team, and provided them with detailed explanations of the nature and sequence of the August events.

Paying tribute to the transparent form of presentation of the report and to the simultaneous acquaintance of most of the concerned parties with its contents, we expect that the authors will find a suitable formula for its transmission to the representatives of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the more so as they participate on an equal basis in the Geneva Discussions on Transcaucasia and are quite open to international contacts.

In our opinion, the efforts of the EU's Commission have not been wasted – from the report published on September 30, any sane person would come to the core conclusion that the aggression against South Ossetia on the night of August 7-8, 2008 was unleashed by the current leadership of Georgia. Ultimately, it is the main outcome of the work of the “Tagliavini Commission.” Indeed, it is difficult to imagine otherwise, if one recalls the content of Order No. 02 to the chief of staff of the 4th infantry brigade of Georgia’s armed forces: “The task force shall carry out a combat operation in the Samachablo (South Ossetia) region and rout the enemy within 72 hours. Georgia’s jurisdiction shall be restored in the region.”

It is also important that the published document clearly points at the states which armed and trained the Georgian army.

However, the report contains a number of ambiguities. In particular, its section alleging a disproportional use of force by the Russian side raises big questions. Yet in the same report one can easily find arguments that show the artificial nature of such reasoning. Let us only note the remarkable finding of German law professor Otto Luchterhandt, who participated on the “Tagliavini Commission” as an independent expert, that “Russia can justify its military operation against Georgia by the right of self-defense (Article 51, UN Charter) and by the right of collective self-defense, along with South Ossetia, against Georgia’s armed attack.” Comments, as they say, are superfluous. As to the thesis of “disproportionality,” the Russian side used force to neutralize those positions on Georgian territory that were being used for the attack on South Ossetia.

In any case, the report of the EU’s Commission gives additional food for thought over the risk of counting on the use of force to resolve conflicts and shows how such adventures lead to a breakdown in the territorial integrity of states and to the exacerbation of international tension in general.

From the lessons of the past one ought to be able to draw correct conclusions. A year after Georgia's aggression South Ossetia and Abkhazia are looking confidently to the future. With the support of friends the new republics are engaged in the construction of their own statehood, predicated on the principles of democracy and human rights and on respect for the universally recognized norms of international law. Russia’s recognition of these two states must be perceived through this prism.

It is important that the international community should not once again miss the opportunity to take a close look at the findings contained in the report of the EU’s Commission. Some vague and ambiguous language there, we understand, reflects the still lingering politicized approaches of many EU countries to the events of August 2008 and their consequences. However that cannot overshadow the main conclusion of the report about Tbilisi's guilt for unleashing an aggression against peaceful South Ossetia and the complete illegitimacy of Georgia's actions.

September 30, 2009

10.01.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia

 Russia welcomes the conclusion of the international commission on investigation of the conflict in Georgia that Tbilisi launched the war in South Ossetia last August

Russia welcomes the conclusion of the international commission on investigation of the conflict in Georgia that Tbilisi launched the war in South Ossetia last August, Natalia Timakova, the spokeswoman for the President of the Russian Federation told journalists on Wednesday.

Timakova added the report has just been passed, that’s why the President has not yet acquainted with it.

She highlighted that according to the statements, made also by Vladimir Chizhov, Russia's ambassador to the EU, the commission came to the conclusion it had been Georgia who started the war, "we can only hail this conclusion", she said.
"Other comments will follow later", Timakova added.

Heidi Tagliavini, the head of the international commission on investigating the conditions of the conflict in August 2008 , yesterday passed a copy of report with conclusions of European experts to Vladimir Chizhov, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU. The document was also handed out to representatives of other recipient countries: Georgia, the EU, OSCE, the UN.

The independent international commission called Saakashvili's regime responsible for unleashing the conflict on the South Caucasus in August, 2008, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told journalists earlier.

"Exactly the Georgian troops’ attack by Saakashvili’s order on Tskhinval on the night of August 7 has started large-scale military operations", Chizhov said.

According to him, the report consists of three volumes. The first one contains assessments and conclusions, as well as what, according to Chizhov, Tagliavini called "observations, meaning the commission did not give recommendations according tothe mandate". The second volume contains documents prepared by the commission’s experts on different aspects, including historical covering the period from the 18th century to the last year’s events. The third volume of the report, Chizhov said, consists of x-copies of those documents which have been handed over to the European Union by the sides.

The mission under the aegis of the EU officially started its work in Caucasus on December 2, 2008. Its goal was to find out unbiassedly the reasons and the circumstances which have led to the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict.

10.01.2009  Official Site of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia