Quick facts for some Western journalists and commentators who might need a refresher on Abkhazia
The ignorance of some Western media outlets, journalists, and independent commentators on the subject of Abkhazia, as always, comes as no surprise. Many of them appear to be suffering from the Dunning-Kruger syndrome. Of course, it’s worth noting that when most Georgians still cling to the mistaken belief that we Abkhazians are merely a Georgian tribe (!), it is hardly surprising that foreigners often display such a staggering lack of knowledge, or worse, are absurdly misguided. Nevertheless, we would like to share some very basic truths about Abkhazia.
◾️Abkhazia is a partly recognised state, not just a footnote in someone else's narrative.
◾️No, Abkhazia was not invaded in 2008. Georgia did not lose Abkhazia in 2008 either. Georgia has had no control over Abkhazia since 1993, after losing the war it started in 1992.
◾️Even during the Soviet era, Abkhazia and Georgia were part of the administrative framework of the USSR. During this period (1931-1991), Abkhazia was not part of an independent Georgian entity.
By the way, Abkhazia only republic whose political status was downgraded rather than upgraded by Stalin (Dzhugashvili), which aimed to destroy Abkhazian state and identity.
+ The Stalin-Beria Terror in Abkhazia, 1936-1953, by Stephen D. Shenfield
◾️Post-war Abkhazia suffered under heavy embargo imposed by both Georgia and Russia. During that period, relations between Russia and Georgia were, of course, not like they are now. In 1994, they signed the Treaty of Russian-Georgian Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation. Until 2001, Russia had three military bases in Georgia.
◾️Embargo lifted only after Putin came to power.
◾️ In 2008, Russia recognised Abkhazia's independence. For those tossing around "occupation" claims, perhaps read our response to Bloomberg.
◾️Yes, Russia's influence is significant, but that's a result of international isolation pushed by Georgia, not occupation. Recognition or even cooperation from others might change that dynamic.
◾️For years, Freedom House rates both Georgia and Abkhazia as "partially free", unlike some neighbouring regions labeled "not free."
◾️ The current protests are only against the corrupt policies of Bzhania and his team.
◾️ And of course, we are aware that while Russia recognises our independence, it might not be thrilled about us gaining wider international ties, which don't always align with Moscow's strategic interests.
As historian Stanislav Lakoba said: As for our own position, we could note the following - today some people say that Abkhazia is Russia, others that it is Georgia, while the fact is that Abkhazia is Abkhazia. And at the end of the century we want to preserve our own identity, our own face for the simple reason that it is ours, even if somebody else may not find it appealing.
So, the journalists and so-called commentators, before crafting simplistic narratives, a bit of homework might be in order.
Further reading:
+ The Republic of the Union of Mountain Peoples, Abkhazia, and Soviet Policies: A Historical Analysis+ Origins and Evolutions of the Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict, by Stephen D. Shenfield
+ Demographic change in Abkhazia 1886–1989
+ The Hand of Moscow and the Sterility of Geneva, by Izida Chania