President Aslan Bzhania Addresses Abkhazia's Press on Key Issues
President Aslan Bzhania Addresses Abkhazia's Press on Key Issues
A press conference with President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, was held on Thursday, 19 October.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― A press conference with President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, was held on Thursday, 19 October, where he addressed a range of concerns raised by the republic's media representatives.
While the President answered many questions, we highlight some of the crucial ones at https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2555-president-aslan-bzhania-addresses-abkhazia-s-press-on-key-issues
President Bzhania Responds to Zelensky's Call for Georgia to Engage in Conflict
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― President Aslan Bzhania expressed his conviction that it is not in Georgia's best interest to engage in conflict with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He emphasised Tbilisi's inclination towards restraint and pragmatism on this issue. This statement came in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent proposition for Georgia to enter into hostilities with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
During a press conference held in Sukhum, Bzhania said, "It is evident that Mr. Zelensky, along with certain forces supporting him, aim to ignite a military situation in Transcaucasia. Their intent is clear – to escalate a violent conflict in our region. The motives behind these provocations seem to be the Ukrainian leadership's desire to widen the conflict zone and form an 'instability belt' surrounding the Russian Federation. Disturbingly, the potential human cost, including potential harm to civilians, women, children, and the elderly, appears to be overlooked."
Bzhania further highlighted that this isn't the first time such remarks have come from Zelensky. He stated, "I urge you to notice the lukewarm or even absent response from the West, indicating their agreement with such views towards Abkhazia. Such nuances expose the true intent of several Western leaders. It's essential for our citizens to recognize who our genuine adversaries are and to remain vigilant against potential provocations."
Concluding his statement, President Bzhania expressed faith in Georgia's current leadership, advocating for a peaceful approach. He emphasised, "I don't see war as a beneficial choice for Georgia currently. Nevertheless, I would like to formally assure that the defence capability of our nation will be firmly backed by the armed forces of the Republic of Abkhazia, in conjunction with our allies."
Georgian Parliament Member Comments on Zelensky's Statement
Beka Odisharia, a prominent member of the ruling party in the Georgian parliament, has weighed in on the recent remarks made by the Ukrainian president. Emphasizing Georgia's commitment to peaceful resolutions, Odisharia underscored the nation's "peace plan, which prioritizes restoring connections with the Abkhazians and Ossetians, followed by addressing territorial disputes."
"Our aim is to find paths to mutual understanding and harmony. Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians are destined to coexist in peace," Odisharia expressed.
He concluded by extending a message to the people of Ukraine, hoping that "the Ukrainian authorities will address their own internal challenges related to territorial integrity before directing others."
Legal Disputes Threaten Preservation of Sukhum's Historic Core
In a recent press conference held in Sukhum, representatives from the Sukhum City Assembly, experts from the State Department for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage, and trial witnesses discussed the implications of the city administration's decisions against the City Assembly. They opined that nullifying the City Assembly's decisions, which aimed to regulate the unorganised development in the heart of the capital, might lead to significant social repercussions and the eventual disappearance of the historical centre.
Said Gezerdava, representing the Sukhum City Assembly in court, highlighted the cases currently lost by the Assembly. He remarked that the city administration's decision to file a lawsuit was driven by "public clamour." Gezerdava criticised the court for siding with the city administration, even when they failed to establish their authority to grant construction permissions:
"The Sukhum administration presented a peculiar set of arguments. They relied on archival historical documents, some dating back to 1940 and others to the 1980s. Shockingly, they couldn't provide any substantial evidence in court affirming their rights to authorise construction. It's apparent that the current legislation does not explicitly grant the Sukhum city administration this authority. Such permissions seem to be buried in secondary or tertiary documents. Considering we lack a town-planning code, building rules, or a master plan, one can only speculate on the future of our city's development."
Gezerdava also shed light on an unprecedented situation in Abkhazia's history where two government branches are at legal odds. He described the trial as a power play, with the executive branch trying to curtail the rights of local self-government and proving its dominance. The courts have surprisingly favoured the executive branch, neglecting the rights of local self-governing entities as enshrined in the Constitution.
Presentation of War Diaries by Veteran Shazina Dzhapua Held in Sukhum
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The diaries penned by Shazina Dzhapua, recipient of the Order of Leon, chronicle the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia (Georgian-Abkhazian War of 1992-93). She began recording her experiences from the war's onset.
The war diaries of the veteran and Commander of the Order of Leon, Shazina Dzhapua, were unveiled at the Abkhazian Institute of Humanitarian Studies in Sukhum on Thursday, 19 October.
Dzhapua started documenting her experiences from the early days of the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia, serving as a sanitary instructor during the conflict.
Rasul Gamzatov Commemorated in Special Forum at Abkhaz State University
A special forum was held at the Abkhaz State University, dedicated to the legacy and impact of the renowned Dagestani poet, Rasul Gamzatov. The event, part of the Gamzatov Readings, attracted notable figures from the literary world and beyond.
Arsen Makhmudov, head of the Dagestani delegation, opened with a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they received in Abkhazia. Makhmudov highlighted the universal love and respect for Gamzatov’s work, both in his homeland and globally. The poet's legacy, he noted, championed the noble mission of uniting people and promoting peace, love, and justice.
Gastronomic Festival "Taste of Abkhazia" Kicks Off in Sukhum
SUKHUM / AQW'A — The IV International Tourism Forum, "VISIT APSNY," is set to take place from 15 to 18 October at the cultural and business venue "Guma" and the conference hall of the Atrium Victoria Hotel.
The "Taste of Abkhazia" gastronomic festival began in Sukhum as part of the IV tourism forum "VISIT APSNY" on Sunday, 15 October.
The festival is being hosted at "Guma," located in the heart of Abkhazia's capital.