Experts comment on Georgia’s seizure of Turkish ships

Spartak Zhidkov, a member of the Russian Union of Writers and member of the Aynar Media Club of Abkhazia, and Yana Amelina, head of the section for Caucasus studies of the Russian Institute of Strategic Research, have commented on Georgia’s seizure of Turkish ships heading to Abkhazia.

Zhidkov believes that Georgia is demonstrating its political power by capturing Turkish ships in the neutral waters of the Black Sea. The capture of the Pasha ship heading from Abkhazia to Turkey was only part of similar events. Such incidents have occurred regularly since the Georgian-Abkhaz war 20 years ago.
Georgia is not harsh with Turkish ships, traders and businessmen and lets them free without inspection. The expert noted that Tbilisi had managed to ban Abkhaz ships in Turkey and Greece in the 1990s. However, Ankara still sends ships to prevent Tbilisi from dictating conditions. The scientist points out that the latest incidents coincide with growth of power of Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili in his struggle with President Mikheil Saakashvili. The Georgian government would not want to quarrel with Moscow against such a background. Zhidkov predicts that such actions of Georgia against Turkish ships will continue to keep Abkhazia a topical issue.
Amelina reminded that Russia was the only Black Sea country to recognize the independence of Abkhazia. She praised the Georgian Foreign Ministry for its offensive policy. The process does not threaten Abkhazia, because its commerce with Turkey will continue anyway. The expert believes that Russia should assist Abkhazia by encouraging the international community to recognize Abkhazia.