Deputy Head of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Konstantin Zatulin stated that Abkhazia and South Ossetia can only coexist as part of the Union State.
The deputy emphasized that neither the idea of a confederation, nor a federation, nor the idea of autonomy within Georgia is shared by the population of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and “Russia is not in a position to demand that the Abkhazians and the Ossetians, even for the sake of some geopolitical benefits, return to Georgia.”
“Another thing is that consultations have been going on for several years about the entry of Abkhazia and South Ossetia into the Union State of Russia and Belarus. If Belarus initially did not share this idea, after 2020 a new situation arose and the idea is closer to reality. And I would like to draw the attention of our Georgian colleagues to the fact that it is quite possible that they will join the Abkhazians and Ossetians as part of the Union State. If we imagine a project in which the State of the Union expands to include Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Georgia,” – said Zatulin.
Previously, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream said that Georgia will definitely find the strength to apologize to the Ossetians for the war it started. Mikhail Saakashvili in 2008. The Georgian politician’s statement led to statements that the “return” of Abkhazia and Ossetia to Georgia was possible. Zatulin believes that this will not happen.
“By saying that in Russia no one will force Abkhazia and Ossetia to join Georgia, I proceed from the fact that this is the sovereign right of the people living in these countries, this is their choice. But according to my impressions, neither in Abkhazia nor in Ossetia there are supporters of returning to Georgia, not even under the conditions of the broadest autonomy, which is sometimes talked about in Tbilisi. I positively value Ivanishvili’s statement, his desire to apologize to the Ossetians, whatever his motivation. Let’s say the electoral fight with Saakashvili’s supporters. The desire to emphasize the criminality of the actions of Saakashvili, who attacked Ossetians and Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia in 2008. This is a return to historical truth. Ivanishvili’s statement does not directly call for Abkhazia and South Ossetia to return to Georgia. He can’t help but understand that over the years the train has left, as they say. This would be an opportunity to overcome the problems of the past. But this is not at all identical to Russia’s absent plan to force these republics to return to Georgia so that it changes course and abandons its orientation towards membership in NATO and the European Union. – said the deputy.
