The Russian Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Abkhazia, where the opposition has seized the presidential administration building and is demanding the resignation of Aslan Bzhania. This is stated in the comment of the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova.
Russia is following with concern the developments in our neighbor and friend Abkhazia, where internal political contradictions have intensified again, Zakharova noted.
“Unfortunately, the opposition forces did not consider it possible to resolve differences with the country’s legitimate authorities through civilized and mutually respectful dialogue and went beyond the legal framework, causing an escalation of the conflict. As a result, a crisis situation has developed in the republic and this, regardless of its outcome, slows down the development of Abkhazia. In particular, it is evident that scenarios like the current one do not at all favor the attraction of foreign investments, which constitutes an important factor in the socioeconomic recovery of the republic.” – highlighted the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to him, the Russian side, without interfering in the internal processes in Abkhazia, hopes that the situation created will be resolved exclusively by peaceful political means. At the same time, of course, it is necessary to strictly observe the laws of Abkhazia, including in matters of maintaining public order, Zakharova emphasized.
“Under current conditions, the Russian Foreign Ministry is forced to recommend Russian citizens refrain from travel, including tourism, to Abkhazia. “It is important that Russians temporarily in this state exercise greater caution, do not approach places of unrest and, if possible, leave the country.” – said Zakharova.
