Since January 2024, over 23,000 passengers have travelled from Sochi to Gagra on the “Lastochka” train. The peak occurred in June with 7,890 passengers. Launched in June 2023, “Lastochka” has transported 73,105 tourists to Abkhazia. A trial run to Sukhum took place this year, and efforts are ongoing to establish regular services to the capital.
On July 2, Abkhazia commemorated the 31st anniversary of the Tamysh naval landing, a crucial operation in the 1992-1993 Georgian-Abkhazian War. In June 1993, the Abkhazian Armed Forces planned to capture strategic locations to facilitate an offensive to liberate Sukhum.
On July 3, Armenian and Georgian Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Ilia Darchiashvili expressed respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. In response, the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the Republic of Abkhazia is an independent state, with its sovereign status enshrined in the 1994 Constitution and confirmed by the 1999 Act of Independence, following a nationwide referendum. The people of Abkhazia defended their homeland against Georgian aggression at great cost and remain committed to their chosen path of development and the strengthening of an independent, sovereign Abkhazian state. The Ministry urged the Armenian side to avoid using standard phrases about Georgia's so-called territorial integrity.
“We urge the Armenian side not to use stock phrases about the mythical territorial integrity of Georgia, which contradict objective reality.”
+ Exposing Hypocrisy: Pashinyan's Contradictions on Soviet Legacies
+ Abkhazian Deputies Critique Pashinyan’s Stance on Georgian Territorial Claims
The “Hibla Gerzmava Invites” music festival opens in Sukhum on July 15, featuring five concerts in Abkhazia. Highlights include performances by Hibla Gerzmava, the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Valery Gergiev.
Abkhaz State University has begun its admission campaign for the 2024-2025 academic year, running until July 14. The university offers 40 fields of study, including new programs in pharmacy and opera singing. Admission Secretary Adgur Kakoba expects 700-750 applicants this year.
The Ministry of Taxes and Duties of Abkhazia reports significant revenue increases for June 2024. The republic's budget received 363.6 million rubles ($4 million), exceeding the planned 310.4 million ($3.4 million) by 17%. For the first half of 2024, tax payments totaled 2,187.3 million rubles ($24.1 million), surpassing the target of 1,894.6 million ($20.8 million) by 15%.
The Abkhazian Parliament discussed a draft agreement with Russia on investment projects in Abkhazia, proposing tax incentives for Russian investors. Economist Akhra Aristava criticised this, stating existing tax breaks cost Abkhazia 6-8 billion rubles ($66-88 million) annually, totalling over 27 billion rubles ($297 million) in four years. MP Beslan Khalvash supported the initiative, emphasising the need to attract Russian investments for Abkhazia's development. The agreement, focusing on tax exemptions and infrastructure support, awaits further parliamentary review and ratification.
Acting Foreign Minister Odysseus Bigvava reported to Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab on the 61st round of Geneva International Discussions. Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Russia reiterated the need for a non-use of force agreement, but Georgia remains unwilling. They proposed relocating the discussions due to Switzerland's lost neutrality.
The newspaper “Nuzhnaya Gazeta” reports labour law violations at Gudauta's “Russia” sanatorium. Housekeepers claim they clean 25-30 rooms daily, up from 20, without increased pay or lunch breaks. They fear replacement by migrant workers willing to accept any conditions. Editor Izida Chania calls for government and rights organisations to investigate, warning of potential protests during peak season if the situation remains unaddressed. The issue likely extends beyond this sanatorium, highlighting broader concerns about worker exploitation in Abkhazia's tourism sector.
Levan Chamagua highlighted concerns over Abkhazia's leadership amid emerging Georgia-Russia-China relations. China is building a port in Anaklia on the Georgia-Abkhazia border, with shares split 49% China, 51% Georgia. Chamagua urges Abkhazian officials to note that Georgia’s pragmatic leadership acts in national interest, unlike Abkhazia’s. Russia’s role could grow if Georgia's EU and US ties weaken. He warns that Abkhazia’s economic decline is driven by poor governance and foreign dependence, stressing the need for self-reliant economic policies.
Parliamentarian Kan Kvarchia, in an interview with Aidgylara News, advised citizens to engage with their deputies regarding the upcoming session on the apartments issue before the parliamentary recess. He urged the public to unite and be prepared to defend their interests.
A preliminary hearing was held in the Arbitration Court of Republic of Abkhazia, presided over by Judge Kama Aristava, on the Centre for Humanitarian Programs (CHP)'s lawsuit. CHP challenges the Ministry of Taxes and Duties' decision to close its bank accounts on April 15, despite a prior audit finding no violations. The Ministry had not filed proper objections to CHP's claim. Judge Aristava granted time for written objections. CHP seeks to overturn the April 15 decision and requests the court to declare the Ministry's actions from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, illegal. The next hearing is on July 11 at 12 PM.
During archaeological practice at the Sukhum Fortress, Abkhaz State University (ASU) students discovered ancient clay amphorae from around the 5th-6th centuries AD.
Graduation celebrations lit up Abkhazia, with Sukhum's promenade transformed into a red carpet and recent graduates shining in bright outfits. This year, about 1,900 students graduated from Abkhazian schools, including nine gold medalists and three silver medalists.
Last week, Google included Abkhaz in its translation feature, a project was spearheaded by the Abkhaz Language Foundation and Nart Tlysh, a repatriate from Jordan who learned Abkhaz as an adult. Tlysh is now hailed as the Drmyt Gulia of the 21st century, referencing the founder of Abkhaz written literature. The process of “teaching” Google the Abkhaz language took over two years and is ongoing, marking a crucial step in preserving and promoting the language globally.
President Aslan Bzhania convened a meeting with Ministry of Education leadership, city and district education departments, and Institute of Pedagogy staff to discuss modern Abkhaz language teaching methods for nurseries. Deputy Minister Ada Kvarchelia reported on a new language programme developed with pedagogical experts, tested in Gudauta and Gulrypsh nurseries, and ready for implementation.
In an interview with the German radio station “BHeins,” Wolfgang Matzke, the representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abkhazia in Germany, discussed Abkhazia, its history, culture, and investment appeal. The radio station's audience includes residents of Berlin, Potsdam, and Brandenburg.
Sukhum celebrated its 2508th anniversary with various festive events, including concerts and exhibitions. On the Mukhajirs (Exiles) Embankment, the Abkhaz Homestead “Аҟәа ашҭа” showcased traditional dishes, dwellings, and household items, accompanied by performances from the ethnographic ensembles “Gunda” and “Apsny-Folk.”
Hans Zimmer 'Interstellar' | Main Theme | (Pitsunda Cathedral Organ)
by Luka Gadeliya
Hoping to share another issue with you next Sunday. Have a great day and a wonderful week!