Alkhas Thagushev: "The Authorities are Ready to Implement an Alien Agenda in Abkhazia"
Alkhas Thagushev: "The Authorities are Ready to Implement an Alien Agenda in Abkhazia"
In an interview with "Ekho Kavkaza," Alkhas Thagushev, head of "Inva-Assistance," discussed key issues. "Inva-Assistance" is recognised for aiding people with disabilities.
Alkhas Thagushev, shared his views on various pressing issues. These included the ratification by the Abkhazian parliament of the agreement on a state dacha in Pitsunda, the draft law on foreign agents, freedom of speech, the establishment of the new Ministry of Energy and Transport, and the actions of the opposition.
Alkhas, on the morning of December 27, the Abkhazian parliament ratified the agreement on the state dacha in Pitsunda. What is your opinion on this decision? Could you please comment?
- How can one comment on what happened at 6 in the morning? One would expect such an early decision in cases of extreme circumstances, such as war, conflict, or natural disasters, but none of these were present. Yet, deputies voted at this early hour, each probably with their own rationale for the absurd timing. I am at a loss to explain the necessity of such timing. This unique decision, viewed by some as a disgrace and others differently, has already made its mark in Abkhazian history. The Speaker of the Parliament described it as an incredible compromise. Time will ultimately place everything in its proper context. I might be mistaken, but I am inclined to believe it was an incorrect decision.
Yearly Road Traffic Accident Statistics Announced for Abkhazia
In 2023, there were 186 road traffic accidents recorded on the roads of Abkhazia, according to Valentin Trapsh, the head of the Traffic Police at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, during a report meeting.
"For the reporting period of 2023 in the Republic of Abkhazia, 186 road traffic accidents were registered, resulting in 57 fatalities and 264 injuries. For the same period in 2022, there were 214 traffic accidents, resulting in 64 deaths and 296 injuries," he added.
Thus, Trapsh noted, compared to the year before last, in 2023 there were 28 fewer accidents, the number of victims decreased by seven, and the injured by 23.
The main causes of these accidents, as noted in a meeting, remain to be lane departures, speeding, violations of intersection and pedestrian crossing rules. Abkhazia faces one of the world's highest rates of traffic-related fatalities, with an annual toll of 60 to 80 lives lost on the roads.
However, the meeting highlighted that the statistics in the Gudauta District remain the most concerning, as it continues to be the "leader" in the number of car accidents for several years. From January to December 2023, there were 53 accidents in the district, resulting in 25 deaths and 56 injuries. This is nine more accidents than the previous year.
The Keeper of History: In Memory of Anzor Agumaa
Born on 6 January 1958, in Sukhum, Anzor Agumaa completed his education at the Sukhum Art School and the Historical Department of the Abkhazian State University. His career spanned roles at the Abkhazian State Museum, where he participated in several archaeological expeditions and worked as a scientific researcher at the Dmitry Gulia Abkhazian Institute of Humanitarian Studies.
On October 17, 2011, by presidential decree in Abkhazia, Agumaa was appointed head of the Department for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage, a position he held from 1989 to 2009. He passed away on 9 September 2012.
Batal Kobakhia, former Deputy Minister of Culture of Abkhazia, in his memoirs about the scholar, quoted Agumaa's own words about his research activities and their significance to him:
"Even if there is just one person who takes an interest in what I write, I am ready to work for the sake of that person today."
Caucasian Association of Kayseri Withdraws from KAFFED
The Kayseri Caucasian Association has voted to withdraw from the Federation of the Caucasian Associations (KAFFED), reflecting significant dissent within the Circassian community in Türkiye.
During the extraordinary general meeting, 300 members supported the exit, contrasting with 37 votes against and 3 invalid ballots. This move highlights growing tensions and differing perspectives within the association, which has been a part of KAFFED since 2003. The Kayseri Caucasian Association, with its rich history dating back to 1968, is a prominent figure in the Circassian diaspora, known for its advocacy in cultural and linguistic preservation.
See the previous report on AW": Kayseri Caucasian Association Begins Exiting KAFFED Over Concerns