"How Desperately One Must Seek to Ingratiate Oneself", by Elana Kortua
Elana Kortua challenges the labelling of NGOs and activists as 'enemies' in Abkhazia, advocating for unity and emphasising the importance of social justice, transparency, and true patriotism.
Elana Kortua
Psychologist, Lecturer at Abkhazian State University
"Divide and conquer"... This age-old strategy leads to political fragmentation and societal destabilisation. To implement it successfully, it's crucial to fuel hostility and hatred, segregating people into "us" versus "them".
Manipulation of concepts, strategic information planting, and speculation on sensitive issues are rampant in our society, eroding trust. Ironically, in combating what’s labeled as a "grave state issue of Abkhazia" — non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — individuals from diverse backgrounds unite, ranging from certain officials to members of the intelligentsia, despite their previous mutual aversions.
Now, they present a united front to "vanquish the enemy." Yet, those branded as “the enemy” are actually individuals who genuinely believe in the independence of Abkhazia, advocating for its interests on various fronts, working towards breaking its isolation, and fostering values of law, education, and social justice in society. In contrast, those who prioritise power, wealth, and 'rock-n-roll' are ironically touted as the epitome of virtue and patriotism. But we are not a populous nation ignorant of each other's capabilities, the price of one's integrity, and the true intentions behind those claiming to champion Abkhazia and its people.
Currently, many, including myself, are labeled as "suspicious," accused of endorsing a "foreign" agenda.
How desperate must one be to resort to such extreme political tactics? This only serves to intensify societal tension. Then, employing these same tactics, the proponents of labelling twist the truth, cynically and baselessly accusing us (the civil society) of orchestrating "revolutions," harbouring "anti-Russian sentiments," engaging in conflict-inciting actions, and, bluntly, serving "foreign masters."
We have much to express and question those fabricating this defamatory narrative. Time will tell if the creators of the "list of Abkhazia's undesirables" will dare to stand accountable for their words in front of the civil activists and independent media.
I still hold onto the hope that justice will, in some way, triumph, and everyone will be held responsible for their actions and words. Our history reminds us that we must not divide ourselves into 'us' and 'them'.
In response to the invitation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia (RA), public representatives have proposed holding an open meeting with the participation of the Minister at a time convenient for the Minister and his staff.
(The original letter with signatures was submitted on 28 December 2023, to the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia).To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia,
On 26 December 2023, information was published on the Media Center Telegram channel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, from which we learned that representatives of civil organisations were invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia (RA). Despite the invitation being issued in an improper format, we are prepared to meet with the Minister and the staff of the Ministry at the earliest date and time you propose.
Furthermore, we would like to inform you that we will be conducting audio and video recording for the purpose of informing the public about the outcomes of our meeting.
28 December 2023
Kama Argun, Azamat Bagatelia, Laura Benia, Arda Inal-ipa, Diana Kerselyan, Elena Kobakhia, Elana Kortua, Asida Lomiya, Elianora Turava, and others.
Adgur Ardzinba Criticizes Parliament's Ratification of Pitsunda Dacha Agreement
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Adgur Ardzinba, the leader of the opposition Abkhazian People's Movement, has expressed strong opposition to the decision of the parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia, which ratified an agreement to transfer the state dacha in Pitsunda to Russia. This statement was made during an interview with the "Aiashara" news agency.
Ardzinba critiqued the timing of the parliamentary decision, stating, "One should only convene at 6 or 7 in the morning if there is a national emergency. In such grave circumstances, the time of day should be of no concern." He was referring to the decision made by the deputies in the early hours of December 27.
He confirmed that prior to the approval of the document, he had sought advice from lawyers within the presidential administration and the Minister of Justice. However, he insisted that he had proposed delaying the discussion of the matter.
Ardzinba remarked, "Had there been a consensus, as mentioned by the esteemed Speaker of Parliament, Lasha Ashuba, then our organisation’s parliamentary representative, Erik Rshtuni, wouldn’t have felt compelled to leave the parliament in protest and would have engaged in the review of these legislative measures."
The politician acknowledged that the law, which prioritises the Abkhazian Constitution and Constitutional Laws over internationally ratified agreements, is commendable. Nonetheless, he pointed out a legal inconsistency that, according to him, emerged following the deputies' decision.
"The agreement (concerning the state dacha) states that the jurisdiction does not belong to the Republic of Abkhazia, but our Constitution clearly declares that the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia is indivisible, with sovereignty extending throughout. Therefore, according to our Constitution, our laws apply across the entire republic. Consequently, based on this principle, it appears that the jurisdiction of the Republic of Abkhazia over this territory is still maintained," explained Ardzinba.
It was previously reported that two parliamentarians, Naur Narmania and Inar Gitsba, voted against the ratification of the agreement. Meanwhile, Adgur Khazaria, Demur Gogia, and Erik Rshtuni left the session in protest.
ABHAZFED Issues Statement on Controversial Pitsunda Datcha Transfer
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Federation of Abkhaz Associations in Türkiye (ABHAZFED) has released a statement regarding the transfer of the Pitsunda state datcha to Russia, to be conveyed to the Presidency and the Speaker of the Parliament of Abkhazia.
In the statement, which lists the problematic clauses of the agreement in terms of Abkhazia's sovereignty rights, ABHAZFED expressed the following concerns:
"The current state of the agreement, which disregards our sovereignty rights to such an extent, has caused deep disappointment and distress within the Federation of Abkhaz Associations' board and competent authorities. We believe our diaspora shares this disappointment and distress.
We hold the conviction that any agreement that questions the concept of a fully independent Abkhazia, along with all legal regulations concerning all Abkhaz people regardless of where they live, should be implemented through a broad consensus. Far from presenting this crucial agreement to the public within the framework of democratic criteria like transparency, participation, and pluralism for discussion, we have been unable to access either the original agreement text or its Turkish translation, despite all efforts, since it was last brought up a week ago.
The most painful aspect is that this significant agreement, determining our fate, was legalised in a midnight operation at 05:45 AM. The Abkhazians have always been a sensible and democratic people, and the enactment of laws at dawn is not a common practice in democratically governed countries.
As we have always proudly stated, honour comes before life for our people. No economic reason can justify bargaining our independence and sovereignty rights.
We convey our respects to our historical homeland with the hope of sharing explanations from the Presidency and the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia regarding the reasons for this agreement with the Turkish diaspora."
Levent Belin
On Behalf of the Board of Directors and Presidents' Council
President, Federation of Abkhaz Associations
ABHAZFED plays a vital role in Türkiye, encompassing 21 distinct associations. These associations are dedicated to uniting members of the Abkhaz-Abaza diaspora, fostering the preservation of their ethno-cultural identity, and maintaining ties with their historical homeland.
Türkiye, as Abkhazia's second largest trade partner, also hosts the world's largest Abkhaz diaspora, estimated at around 500,000 individuals.