Abkhazia Weekly Brief | Issue 11
Notable Developments from 24-30 June 2024.
An incident involving gunfire occurred in Gagra District, near the Russian border, last Sunday. One person was killed and three were injured. The Prosecutor General's Office reported that on June 23rd, at around 4 PM in the village of Gyachrypsh, assailants fired 27 shots from a Kalashnikov, resulting in the death of Aslan Akaba and injuries to three others. Arrests have been made.
Another Incident: The Interior Department of Gudauta District is investigating the shooting of a 1995-born Abkhazian citizen in New Athos on June 23rd around 5 PM. The victim, wounded in the leg, was taken to Sukhum Republican Hospital and is in stable condition. Details of the incident are being determined.
Minister of Tourism Teimuraz Khishba has submitted his resignation. The Ministry's press service reported that while the resignation is under consideration, many tourism community members and concerned citizens oppose this decision, supporting Khishba's stance on state tourism policy. The staff also backs him.
Amidst the controversy, Russia's demand to legalise Russian tour guides in Abkhazia has sparked significant debate. Many in Abkhazia believe this would lead to Russian dominance over the local tourism market, causing substantial economic harm.
On Tuesday, the parliamentary committee on economic policy, reforms, and IT discussed tourism legislation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Kristina Ozgan highlighted differences between Russian and Abkhazian tourism laws, noting Russia's position that Abkhazia's legislation does not meet alliance norms.
Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba emphasised that any intergovernmental agreement with Russia must prioritise the interests of Abkhazian citizens. Failure to do so would result in issues, preventing parliamentary ratification.
On June 25-26, the 61st round of International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus took place, with representatives from Abkhazia, Georgia, South Ossetia, Russia, and the USA. The Abkhaz delegation, led by Acting Foreign Minister Odissei Bigvava, focused on security and humanitarian issues, emphasizing the need for a legally binding agreement on non-use of force. Discussions also addressed border incidents, freedom of movement, and the creation of a working group to resolve travel issues with Abkhaz passports.
The Abkhazian team showcased perseverance, courage, and a drive to win at their first BRICS Games, securing 13th place with seven medals. Gold medalist in boxing, German Ardzenia, received the "Akhdz-Apsha" III degree order and a 500,000 RUB (around $5,842) .award, while his coach, Elizbar Dzhologua, received 250,000 RUB.
Silver in Greco-Roman wrestling: Ramazan Arapkhanov received 300,000 RUB, his coach Alikhan Arapkhanov 150,000 RUB.
Bronze in sambo, freestyle wrestling, boxing, and judo: Rahman Napidzhiev, Daniil Kharchilava, Marat Kokoskerya, Beata Arshba, and Inal Gadelia each received 200,000 RUB, their coaches 100,000 RUB each.
Boxer German Ardzenia and his coach Elizbar Dzhologua discussed their BRICS Games experience on "Additional Time" on Sputnik radio. Ardzenia admitted he hasn't fully realized his gold medal achievement. He felt less nervous in the first fight but was anxious in the second, knowing he had to win to reach the final. Hearing the Abkhazian anthem after his final victory filled him with pride and joy. Coach Dzhologua attributed Ardzenia's success to his hard work and determination.
On June 28, 2024, the Sukhum Prosecutor's Office detained Lieutenant Mancha Kyakhba from the Mayak police station for allegedly exceeding official powers with violence against detainee Astamur Sabekia. Charged under part 3, article 288 of the Criminal Code of Abkhazia, Kyakhba is held in pre-trial detention. A request for his continued detention will be filed with the Sukhum City Court.
Dmitry Gvaramia, a member of the Higher Council of “AND,” criticised the Abkhazian government's stance on foreign guides, suggesting it prioritises foreign interests over Abkhazian citizens. He argued that the government's justification, based on the dual citizenship of some citizens, is weak. Gvaramia expressed concern that the government plans to sell off entire sectors of the economy and hinted at impending legislation allowing real estate sales to foreigners, claiming external pressure from the north.
At a meeting with Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab, the plan to reintroduce bison to Abkhazia was discussed. Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources developed a comprehensive plan upon request from Abkhazia's State Committee on Ecology. Abkhazia provided a roadmap six months ago. Deputy Rezo Zantaria shared that efforts to restore the bison population, extinct since 1926, have been ongoing for a year. Abkhaz specialists will visit the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, and a Russian-Abkhaz expert group will be formed. Bison will be bred in the Pskhu-Gumista Reserve.
“Lastochka” trains may soon reach Sukhum Airport. The project involves constructing 600 meters of new tracks and refurbishing 1200 meters of existing tracks from the Soviet era. The route will extend from Dranda station to the airport. Chief Engineer of Abkhazian Railways, Leonid Kurua, confirmed the feasibility study is complete, and construction decisions will follow.
The Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair, Asia's largest numismatic event, featured Abkhazia for the third time. Abkhazian banknotes, including new ones depicting a leopard (10 apsars), a hawk (25 apsars), and a Caucasian deer (100 apsars), were showcased. The designs were created by artist Batal Djapua. Liana Agrba, head of the National Bank's foreign relations, highlighted the importance of this participation for Abkhazia.
Meanwhile, the Georgian nationalists, as usual, continue to push their agenda...
See: https://abkhazworld.com/aw/conflict/1725-zviad-gamsakhurdia-abkhaz-nation-doesn-t-exist
Иааиуа аҳәахьа даҽа ҭыжьымҭак шәзеиҭаҳҳәап ҳәа агәыӷра сымоуп. Амш бзиеи амчыбжь бзиеи шәымазааит!
