Abkhazia: Seeking Alliance but Standing Apart from Russian Federation
Abkhazia: Seeking Alliance but Standing Apart from Russian Federation
Shamba’s remarks were in response to the statements made by Dmitry Medvedev that hinted at Abkhazia and South Ossetia's potential unification with Russia.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — The Secretary of the Security Council of Abkhazia, Sergey Shamba, emphasised that while Abkhazia is in favour of forming an alliance with Russia, the nation is open to various forms of bilateral relations.
Abkhazia is keen on fostering close and allied relations with Russia. However, Sergey Shamba highlighted that there currently aren’t any political entities within the republic expressing a desire to become part of the Russian Federation.
Shamba’s remarks were in response to the statements made by Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Head of the Russian Federation’s Security Council. In a previous article on the http://aif.ru website, Medvedev pointed out that both Abkhazia and South Ossetia still harbour sentiments of aligning with Russia, suggesting that this aspiration “might very well materialize given compelling reasons.”
Medvedev further elaborated, “South Ossetia has, on multiple occasions, held referendums on the prospect of joining Russia. This aligns naturally with the trajectory of uniting North and South Ossetia — a single people. I believe this resonates with Dmitry Medvedev’s statements. I’m optimistic that in due course, the right conditions will emerge, culminating in the unification of the North and South.”
Shamba, speaking of Abkhazia, added, “We tread a distinct path. We haven’t received any formal requests to join the Russian Federation, and I’m yet to identify any political faction within Abkhazia that envisions such a relationship dynamic with Russia.” He reiterated that while Abkhazia is eager to bolster allied relations with Russia, they remain flexible in exploring different relational frameworks.
Aslan Kobakhia: "It's very unpleasant to hear talks of a potential change in Abkhazia's status from the very individual who endorsed our independence, especially on the eve of our international recognition day. While we remain profoundly grateful, it's essential to remember that Abkhazia's path was carved out by brave warriors, led by Vladislav Ardzinba. These individuals took up arms and valiantly secured our freedom and independence."
Akhra Bzhaniya: "While everyone is entitled to recognize our historical decision, none should question its validity. Such questioning is impermissible for both friends and foes. I hear comments from 'public activists' about a supposed subtle game at play here, aiming to exert pressure on Georgia. If that's the case, it's even worse. It would have been better to just admit that we were too hasty fifteen years ago. Our sovereignty is not a toy, not a bargaining chip, and not a lever to be used in geopolitical games. In our recent history, we have been striving for this for at least a hundred years and paid a high price for it. It's a deliberate strategic choice, enshrined in our national documents and Constitution."
Adgur Ardzinba Expresses Concern Over National Policies in Exclusive Interview
SUKHUM / AQW'A — In a recent conversation with respected journalist Izida Chania, Adgur Ardzinba, Chairman of the Abkhazian People's Movement, shared his views on the pivotal challenges confronting Abkhazian society. The insightful interview is now available for readers on the RESPUBLIKA Telegram channel.
Addressing the contentious issue of the government's proposal to allow foreigners to purchase apartments, Ardzinba remarked, "The consensus among political factions, whether in the opposition or engaged in public outreach, and even among social activists and active citizens, is clear: we stand united against this move."
Ardzinba also delved into recent discussions surrounding the agreement to open the Sukhum airport. He acknowledged the necessity of the airport for Abkhazia, stating, "The consideration of reopening has been present since the war's conclusion. Yet, the current agreement might rank among the most detrimental in our nation's history. The sheer lack of foresight in such an arrangement is perplexing."
Ardzinba: Georgia Attempts to Block Abkhazia's Dialogue with International Partners
SUKHUM / AQW'A — Abkhazia's Foreign Minister, Inal Ardzinba, is set to meet with residents across various regions of the republic to rally support for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Mr. Ardzinba stated that with the backing of the United States, Georgia is making efforts to obstruct Abkhazia's engagements with its international partners. He highlighted that Georgia perceives Abkhazia as an "occupied territory" and is actively promoting this viewpoint on the global front.
Responding to such claims, Ardzinba emphasized, "We were born free and we will always remain so. Our statehood, with a history spanning over a millennium, will persist."
The Foreign Minister also remarked upon Abkhazia's active diplomatic engagements with post-Soviet nations, specifically mentioning the Republic of Belarus, as well as nations in the Middle East such as Syria and the UAE, and further afield in Africa and Latin America.
"Without this fraternal shoulder, we will never achieve anything."
SUKHUM / AQW'A — The day after the anniversary of the start of the Georgian-Abkhazian war, Abkhazia has been marking the Volunteer Day for over a decade, as the volunteer group from the North Caucasus arrived in Abkhazia on August 15.
This memorable day is dedicated to volunteers from the North Caucasus, and other countries who came to assist Abkhazia during the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian people in 1992-1993.
"More than 2,000 volunteers participated in the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian people, of which over 259 heroically died on the battlefields... The heroism of the volunteers, forever adorning the glorious pages of Abkhazia's modern history, will serve as an example of bravery and selflessness for the younger generation."
During the war, representatives of various nationalities gave their lives: over 50 fighters from Chechnya, over 50 from Kabardino-Balkaria, 11 from Karachay-Cherkessia, eight from Ukraine, seven each from South Ossetia and Adygea, six each from North Ossetia and Turkey, four from Ingushetia, three from Syria, and also from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Estonia, Transnistria, and Poland. Moreover, 106 volunteers from different cities of Russia - from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Novosibirsk and Vladivostok - died defending Abkhazia. 51 volunteers were honoured with the title "Hero of Abkhazia", up to 300 people were awarded the Leon Order, and, 623 were honoured with the "For Courage" medal.
Alkhas Argun: "Don't fight us; negotiate with us!" | INTERVIEW
Alkhas Argun, a distinguished veteran of the Abkhazian Patriotic War of 1992-1993, shared insights with "Ekho Kavkaza [Echo of the Caucasus]" regarding the conflict's initial days. He recounted the formation of a volunteer squad from the North Caucasus and its journey into Abkhazia, as well as the deployment of the Tamysh paratroopers.
Alkhas, can you please tell us about the beginning of the Patriotic War of the Abkhazian people in 1992-1993 for you?
Alkhas Argun: At the onset of the war, on August 14, I was in Moscow. I was a student, it was vacation, but survival was tough back then. My friends and I were involved in some small business. On the 14th, what we saw was what everyone else saw - tanks and a helicopter firing near the beach. The next day, the diaspora gathered in Moscow, everyone who was there. We decided that those who could earn money should stay behind, and everyone else should go to Abkhazia to defend their homeland. We tried to travel there the next day, but planes weren't flying because of an air traffic controllers' strike. It was just one of those coincidences. There were always some strikes back in those days, though now they are mostly forgotten. In the end, we had to travel by train. While we were on the train, Georgians landed in Gagra and cut off our route. So, we ended up in the North Caucasus. We first went to Cherkessk, but then we were told that some groups were gathering in Grozny, so we were transported there by buses.
You can't imagine the tremendous support, sympathy, and not just sympathy but also direct assistance. The Circassians and Abazins held a rally; the leader of the republic, Khubiev (I believe he was the leader then), came and started talking about peace, calling to cease fire, and so on. Some guys came and simply pushed him off the stage, saying, "They are killing us there, and you're talking about negotiations! We have to go and defend Abkhazia. We are forming volunteers; tomorrow morning, anyone who wants to, gather, and we'll head to Grozny." Dudaev was in Grozny at that time. We went from Nalchik to Grozny, where these groups were gathering. No weapons were given to anyone; there were Dudaev's special forces, and about three hundred of us gathered, all eager to get to Abkhazia.
What happened in Grozny?
— All the volunteers converged in Grozny, mainly Abkhazians who were in Russia because the only way through was over the mountain pass. Everyone was directed there to be transported in an organised manner. We drove to Cherkessk by cars, then we were taken to the pass. We made a mistake and instead of Damkhurts [Karachay-Cherkessia -ed.], we ended up in Arkhyz [Karachay-Cherkessia -ed.]. From Arkhyz, there's a route to the Southern shelter, and from there directly into the Kodor Gorge. By that time, I was familiar with the maps. The leader of our entire group was Shamil Basayev, who was in charge of Dudaev's special forces – 22 people. They were highly organised and disciplined, and everyone else followed them. We later realised our mistake, and since the road was blocked by that time, we had to make a foot journey from Arkhyz to Damkhurts. We walked all night, about thirty kilometres, and in the early morning, we crossed from Damkhurts to Avadkhara [Abkhazia -ed].
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