Abkhazia Weekly Brief | Issue 4
Shifting Tides: Political Changes and Cultural Events Shape Abkhazia's Week.
Welcome to this week's edition of the Abkhazia Weekly Brief, where we delve into the significant shifts and ongoing discussions shaping Abkhazia's political and societal landscape.
In a notable political development, President Aslan Bzhania has dismissed Inal Ardzinba from his role as Foreign Minister, amidst controversy over his outspoken views against Western entities and a halt to several international projects. Additionally, discussions around proposed legislation on "foreign agents" in Georgia have ignited debates about civil liberties and regional relationships. Amidst these political shifts, cultural and societal events continue to engage the community, from theatrical premieres abroad to significant historical commemorations at home. Join us as we explore these unfolding stories and their broader implications for Abkhazia and the region.
President Aslan Bzhania has dismissed Inal Ardzinba as Abkhazia's Foreign Minister, effective immediately, with Deputy Minister Irakliy Tuzhba stepping in on an interim basis. Ardzinba, who led the Ministry since November 2021, was critical of international groups like the U.S. State Department and the EU, branding them as "agents of aggressive isolation." His tenure saw a cessation of new UNDP projects and a denial of entry to several Western officials, increasing regional isolation. The presidential decree did not detail the reasons for Ardzinba’s dismissal amid rising scrutiny of Abkhazia's foreign policy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia released a statement from former head Inal Ardzinba, who announced his resignation due to a transition to a new job. It remains unclear if this refers to his recent role as a Russian TV presenter. "I resigned to take on new work. It was a planned decision. I am currently in Moscow and would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who helped achieve results. Much work has been done, and there are still many important tasks ahead for the benefit of Abkhazia and our people. We will step into the future, a step towards progress," said Ardzinba.
‘Abkhazia-Centre’ concludes, “The figure of Inal Ardzinba is being temporarily 'shelved' during the period preceding potential mass destabilisation in the South Caucasus.”
Journalist Inal Khashig has commented on Inal Ardzinba's ‘resignation’ and likely return to Russia, where he has previously served. Khashig expressed skepticism about Ardzinba's rehire due to past issues and highlighted concerns about the unclear priorities resulting from the frequent exchanges between Russian and Abkhaz administrations. Khashig also hopes the new Abkhazian civil service law will prevent those who renounced their citizenship for foreign jobs from re-entering Abkhaz civil service.
Akhra Bzhania, co-founder of the "Akhyatsa" public movement, voiced concerns on Facebook about the "foreign agents law" proposed in Georgia and Abkhazia. He argued that such laws would suppress civil society, limit constitutional freedoms, and negatively affect international relations. Bzhania highlighted the law’s broader implications, particularly its potential to facilitate closer Russia-Georgia ties at the expense of European integration, and possibly impacting Abkhazia’s geopolitical position. He also stressed that any hopes for Abkhazian-Georgian reconciliation would require mutual respect for fundamental freedoms, noting that ongoing protests in Sukhum have blocked similar restrictive legislations.
Toivo Klaar is asking, "Quo vadis, Georgia?" In fact, Georgia has consistently followed the same trajectory; it's just that he/they have either overlooked or chosen to ignore it. Not only the EU/the West, but Georgian citizens themselves also haven't recognised or wanted to confront the realities of their situation and have never taken responsibility for their past and ongoing mistakes. They are always placing the blame on others. Even today, they are accusing Russia - as always. Georgian citizens need to acknowledge that their country is not a 'Scandinavian' country and that Tbilisi is not the capital of Europe. Instead, they would do well to confront their past. Otherwise, some people's lives will be consumed by the endless search for painkillers for their unending pains.
The "Ekho Kavkaza" reported [English version can be read on AW] on the Abkhazian community's reaction to the turbulent events in Tbilisi, specifically focusing on a statement from the pro-government "Amtsakhara" party. This party responded to a Facebook post by opposition figure Lasha Zukhba, who expressed solidarity with Georgian protesters against the "foreign agents" law. The debate around Zukhba's post has sparked broader discussions on the internal affairs of Georgia and its implications for Abkhazia, reflecting deep-seated concerns about national sovereignty and regional stability.
To explore this topic further, 'Apsnyhabar' invited Lasha Zukhba for an in-depth discussion in their studio. You can watch the interview below.
"The Last of the Departed," a play based on Bagrat Shinkuba's novel, will premiere in Istanbul at the end of May 2024. This date marks the 160th anniversary of the end of the Russian-Caucasian War. Directed by Madina Argun from the Abkhazian Drama Theatre, the production features actors from the Istanbul-based "Abysta" theatre troupe and includes performances by two dance ensembles, "Radedа" and "Nart."
Customs officials have uncovered an illegal scheme for importing cars from Abkhazia. A businessman from Kislovodsk purchased used Mercedes, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Cadillac vehicles through a Japanese company. The cars were initially shipped to the Novorossiysk port and then to Abkhazia, where they were registered as vehicles belonging to a local organisation. In just two days, 10 cars valued at 5 million rubles were transported under false pretences, evading 17 million rubles in customs duties.
Abkhazian customs officials are gearing up to operate at the new Sukhum International Airport, set to open in 2025. They recently underwent training at the Sochi airport resort, where they learned about customs checkpoint operations, summer control specifics, and software capabilities.
Civil.ge on X: #OTD in 1920, Soviet #Russia signed the agreement recognizing independence of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, but #Moscow soon violated the treaty, invading in February 1921.
[In fact, they are no different from what they complain about (Russia) - what they do is the same, only the names are different (Georgia).]
AW on X: #FYI in 1918, the #Georgian National Council signed the agreement recognizing indivisible Abkhazia, but #Tbilisi soon violated the treaty, invading in June 1918.
The World Abkhaz-Abazin Congress conducted medical screenings for over 100 students and staff in the village of Akuaskya, Ochamchira district. Held over two days, the screenings involved initial blood tests for general health and glucose levels, followed by examinations by a visiting medical team. Those with detected health issues were referred for further evaluation. This health screening project in rural Abkhazian schools is supported by the Ministry of Health.
On the Victory Day of May 9th, Abkhazia hosted commemorative and ceremonial events, with the main activities taking place in Sukhum. Traditionally, a flower-laying ceremony was held at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Key participants included Aslan Bzhania, President of Abkhazia; Alexander Ankvab, Prime Minister; Badra Gunba, Vice President; Mikhail Shurgalin, Russian Ambassador to Abkhazia; as well as ministry heads, members of parliament, religious representatives, veterans of the Patriotic War, and local residents.
During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, over 55,000 residents of Abkhazia participated. Among them, 15,500 were of Abkhaz nationality. Out of these, 17,430 didn’t return home. Additionally, 22 natives of the republic were awarded the high rank of Hero of the Soviet Union, and three were decorated with the Order of Glory of all three classes.
The FSB has disclosed the number of trips made by Russians abroad since the beginning of 2024. In the first quarter of this year, the number of departures abroad by Russians amounted to 5.3 million. At the start of the year, the most common destinations for Russian travellers were Abkhazia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, as well as China, Turkey, the UAE, Thailand, and Egypt.
Demand for all-inclusive and full-board hotels in Abkhazia has doubled compared to last year, leading to booking suspensions for the summer season. Major tour operators like "Intourist," ALEAN, and "Multitur" note significant increases in bookings, with PEGAS Touristik reporting that all-inclusive tours are three times more popular than those with just breakfast.
Yuri Voronov, a distinguished scientist, historian, and former vice-premier of Abkhazia, was honoured on the 83rd anniversary of his birth. Voronov, who played a pivotal role in the development of modern Abkhazia during the politically volatile 1980s and 1990s, tragically lost his life to an assassination at his apartment's doorstep. On this anniversary, officials and public figures gathered to lay flowers at his grave. In a poignant tribute, his son, Nikolai Voronov, traveled from Poland to honour his father's legacy.
In Moscow, Eduard Butba, the Minister of Health of Abkhazia, met with Mikhail Murashko, the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, for a working meeting. The meeting focused on discussing the main directions of further bilateral cooperation. Both parties reaffirmed agreements previously reached during the Second Abkhazian Medical Forum.
On May 7th in Sukhum, Russia and Abkhazia signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income taxes. The document was signed by Alexey Sazanov, Deputy Minister of Finance for Russia, and Vladimir Delba, Vice Premier and Minister of Finance for Abkhazia. The agreement sets uniform tax rates at the source for income from dividends and royalties at 10%. The tax rate for interest income is set at 0%, which will exempt such earnings from taxation in the source state. Consequently, taxes on such interest will be paid to the budget of the state that provided the loan funds.
Tamila Mertskhulava, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Abkhazia, recently held a meeting with a German delegation led by Wolfgang Matzke, the CCI’s Representative in Germany. The group discussed the impact of the changing geopolitical landscape on Abkhazia’s economy and the operations of the CCI’s foreign offices, especially in Germany. They also explored ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the business communities of the two countries.