New Challenges for NGOs in Abkhazia: Concerns and Defiance
Government of Abkhazia has enacted stringent regulations on the activities of foreign non-governmental and international organisations within its borders.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― In a significant policy shift, the Government of Abkhazia has enacted stringent regulations on the activities of foreign non-governmental and international organisations within its borders, with the decree having taken effect on 20 November 2023.
This legislative change comes after concerns raised by Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba regarding misinformation allegedly spread by UN agencies to the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about their project intentions in the republic. In response, President Aslan Bzhania has issued a decree revising the Temporary Regulations on the Implementation of Programs (Projects) of Foreign Non-Governmental and International Organisations in Abkhazia, building on the foundations set by the initial presidential decree of 4 May 2019.
The new decree requires foreign NGOs and international bodies to provide comprehensive information about their operations, including the details of local non-profit organisations involved, specifics of each event, its financial scope, and tax registration details. Additionally, these organisations must submit quarterly performance reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regardless of the start date of their projects.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia now appears more focused on duplicating the Justice Ministry's work rather than on its diplomatic duties.
In an interview today with 'Ekho Kavkaza,' Arda Inal-ipa, Director of the Center for Humanitarian Programs of Abkhazia, discussed her perspective on the new regulatory measures and provided an extensive insight into the situation.
Bureaucracy Crafting Its Own Constitution: Gezerdaa Slams New Presidential Decree
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Lawyer Said Gezerdaa has raised concerns over a new presidential decree issued by President Aslan Bzhania, which revises the Temporary Regulations on the Implementation of Programs (Projects) of Foreign Non-Governmental and International Organisations in Abkhazia.
This decree mandates foreign NGOs and international entities operating in Abkhazia to provide exhaustive information about their activities. This includes details of local non-profit organisations involved, specifics of each project or event, its financial magnitude, and tax registration particulars. Furthermore, these organisations are now required to submit quarterly performance reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, irrespective of their project initiation dates.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Said Gezerdaa expressed his concerns in light of the upcoming Constitution Day of Abkhazia:
"As we approach Constitution Day in Abkhazia, I feel compelled to address the recent amendments to the Presidential Decree. These initiatives exemplify a worrying trend in our domestic policy, which is becoming increasingly personalistic. The whims and desires of specific high-ranking officials are now heavily influencing our political processes, revealing a strong authoritarian bias that is in direct conflict with our constitutional principles. The bureaucracy is effectively creating its own set of rules, an unofficial 'constitution' that is understood only within its own circles. It is deeply concerning that my legal colleagues, responsible for drafting such unconstitutional documents, appear to have little impact in altering this course."
MFA Abkhazia Addresses Upcoming Geneva Discussions on Regional Security
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia has recently focused on the upcoming round of the Geneva Discussions concerning security and stability in the South Caucasus. These discussions have been a regular event since their inception in October 2008.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, Irakli Tuzhba, engaged in talks with the co-chair delegation of the international Geneva Discussions. This meeting, reported by the Ministry's Media Center, included Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Cihan Sultanoğlu of the UN, and OSCE Co-Chair Viorel Mosanu.
The key topic of discussion was the forthcoming round of the Geneva Discussions, scheduled for December 5-6, 2023, in Switzerland. The talks also encompassed vital issues regarding regional security and stability, including the reactivation of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM).
Initiated on October 15, 2008, following an agreement between Dmitry Medvedev and Nicolas Sarkozy, the Geneva Discussions serve as a vital international forum. They facilitate direct dialogue among Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Georgia, promoting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.
ASU Acquires Anatoly Kononov's Esteemed Library as Donation
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Abkhazian State University's Dmitry Gulia Scientific Library has been gifted the personal library of the late Anatoly Leonidovich Kononov, a distinguished Soviet and Russian legal scholar and former judge of the Russian Federation's Constitutional Court. The donation, made by his widow, Lyudmila Kabanova, was announced by AGU's Information and Media Communications Department.
The extensive collection, consisting of valuable legal, sociological, psychological, and art history publications, among others, was meticulously packed in 69 boxes. The donation reflects the Kononov family's enduring affection for Abkhazia and Lyudmila Kabanova's deep ties with the region.
Lyudmila Kabanova expressed her belief that her late husband would have been pleased to know his collection is contributing to the education of Abkhazia's youth. Beslan Agrba, head of the Moscow Abkhazian diaspora, facilitated the transportation of the collection from Moscow to Sukhum.
Roman Dbar, ASU's First Vice-Rector, expressed gratitude for this significant contribution, emphasising its importance in enhancing the university's educational endeavors and the development of young professionals.
Anatoly Kononov was born in 1947 in Moscow. He graduated from the Law Faculty of Moscow State University and began his career as a secretary in district courts in Moscow. Throughout the 1970s, he worked as an investigator in the prosecutor's office of the Kirov District; later, he served as a legal consultant for the USSR Ministry of Machinery for Light Industry and also taught. In 1990, he was elected as a People's Deputy of the RSFSR and joined the "Democratic Russia" deputy group. In 1991, Kononov became a judge in the newly formed Constitutional Court. As a member of the Constitutional Court, he wrote many dissenting opinions on a variety of cases. Notably, he disagreed with the 1994 deployment of troops in Chechnya, believing that President Yeltsin's corresponding decree violated the Constitution, and issues related to freedom of assembly and legal challenges from Mikhail Khodorkovsky, he left the court in 2009 following critical remarks about his peers and the Russian state. He left the court in 2009 after publicly criticising his colleagues and the Russian state.
Kononov passed away in his 76th year and is remembered as one of the first judges of Russia's Constitutional Court, noted for his unique perspectives on various resonant legal matters.
Dynamo Triumphs in the 2023 Abkhazia Football Cup
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― In a dramatic final played on November 24, Sukhum's Dynamo Stadium became the stage for Dynamo's victory in the 2023 Abkhazia Football Cup, as they overcame Afon with a thrilling 5:3 scoreline.
The game's momentum swung early with Dynamo creating a dangerous opportunity in the 17th minute, narrowly missing a goal. This close call spurred Afon into action, leading to a series of promising attacks.
Dynamo's persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Garri Lagvilava opened the scoring. Afon responded with vigor, but their attempts to breach Dynamo's defense were unsuccessful until the 32nd minute, yet a goal remained elusive.
The match's intensity escalated when Dynamo conceded a penalty, expertly converted by Levan Logua, bringing the score to a 1:1 deadlock at half-time
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⚽️ Goals - 'Afon': Levan Logua scored a double (Penalty-35’ 68’), Ndjee Makanda Georges (83’).
⚽️ Goals - 'Dynamo': Garri Lagvilava scored a double (23’ Penalty-55’). In the last minute of regular time, Aslan Bagatelia equalized the score, leading the game into overtime.
🕔 Levan Achba put his team ahead in overtime (105’), Ainar Dzhopua (108’).
👤 Man of the Match: Garri Lagvilava.
The second half saw Dynamo regain their lead, thanks to Garri Lagvilava's penalty following a VAR review for a foul in the penalty area. The 2:1 lead, however, was short-lived as Afon's Levan Logua equalized once again in the 69th minute.
Afon's persistence yielded a 3:2 lead with just six minutes remaining. However, Dynamo demonstrated remarkable resilience, drawing level in added time. The regular play ended in a draw, leading to two 15-minute extra halves.
In these decisive moments, Dynamo showcased their championship mettle, initially breaking the tie in the first extra half and then cementing their victory with a final goal in the second, concluding an exhilarating match with a 5:3 triumph.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Dynamo, crowning them as the 2023 champions of the Abkhazia Football Cup.