Abkhazia welcomes the idea of normalizing relations with Georgia, but the integration of Abkhazia with Georgia is out of the question, said Vyacheslav Chirikba, director of the Center for Strategic Studies of the president of Abkhazia and former foreign minister of the republic. .
“Of course, we welcome the statement Sergei Lavrov on Russia’s readiness to continue contributing to the solution process between Abkhazia and Georgia. The idea of normalizing relationships in itself cannot but be perceived positively; However, Georgia must understand that it will not be possible to start relations with Abkhazia from scratch and that apologies alone will not change the situation: our countries are separated by a serious conflict and a long period of practically a cold war… It is not known. can stop talking about integration and the so-called restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity. “It is clear that the former Georgian SSR can no longer be restored and completely different approaches are needed here.” – TASS quotes the Abkhazian politician.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, at a press conference following his participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 28, said that the Russian Federation is ready to provide support to achieve peace between Georgia, Abkhazia and the South. Ossetia if the parties are interested. September 30, general secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party, mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze stated that Georgia made mistakes regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia and should regain mutual trust and live together. Kaladze expressed his desire to restore the territorial integrity of Georgia and live in peace. According to the politician, “Abkhazia is an independent state recognized by Russia and several other countries, and only seeks to strengthen its independence with help. of friends and allies, mainly the Russian Federation.”
As Chirikba highlighted, Tbilisi must understand that only the recognition of Abkhazia’s independence can end this conflict and open a new era in relations between Abkhazia and Georgia.
The director of the Center for Strategic Studies noted that to change the persistent image of the enemy, Tbilisi must “make real changes in approaches and demonstrate the sincerity of its peace-loving statements.” For example, “promote the recognition of Abkhazian passports as international travel documents, do not prevent Abkhazian athletes, youth, cultural and scientific figures and companies from interacting with the outside world, stop calling Abkhazia an occupied territory and repeal the law relevant”.
“After all, a limited Russian contingent is in Abkhazia at the request of the Abkhazian government precisely in view of the threat of repeated aggression by Georgia.” – Chirikba recalled.
The director of the Center for Strategic Studies regretted that “the negotiation process has been practically stalled for a long time, mainly due to the unwillingness of the Georgian side to sign a document on the non-use of force.”
“The persistent reluctance to accept this obligation cannot be interpreted except as a desire to reserve the right to use force in relation to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If Georgia’s commitment to a peaceful solution to the conflict is sincere, why not confirm it by signing the corresponding declaration? But neither Sukhum nor Tskhinvali believe in simple words, no matter how sweet, and they have every reason to do so.” – concluded Chirikba.
