The recent visit by President of Abkhazia Alexander Ankvaba to Moscow showed that in relations with the republics Moscow tries to maintain the status quo. Whether it is real or not depends on decisions by the Abkhazian President on several problems, which though were not discussed at his meeting with Dmitry Medvedev.
Alexander Ankvab, who came to office after Sergey Bagapsh, inherited not only presidential chair, but also problems: the conflict around the military health resort Sukhum, which belongs to the Defense Ministry of Russia; intention of the Abkhaz Orthodox Church to be independent from the Georgian Orthodox Church (the Russian Orthodox Church is against it), problems of border cooperation and property rights of the Russians, and the territorial dispute on Aibga village. The last issue almost caused contradiction between Moscow and Sukhumi, as they still cannot agree on belonging of the village and delimitate land frontier.
Along with these problems Ankvab is have to deal with deisolation of Abkhazia and promotion of international recognition. Despite statements of Abkhazian officials that intensive work is being done in this direction, the fact is only Russia, two Latin American countries and two tiny states have recognized it. Moreover, Russian support of Abkhazia slightly fades away.
In olden times Abkhazian elites perceived positively the deep policy and tactics by Sergey Bagapsh, aimed at presentation of Abkhazia as a pro-Russian and simultaneously independent state. Such situation provided official Sukhumi with unique financial and political opportunities. Probably Ankvab will continue this political course.
Problems, which are suppressed by the heads of the states, are actively discussed in Abkhazia. Even now many Abkhazian politicians state on continuation of intensive assertion of Abkhazia’s interests and its multinational people. Of course, today the Abkhaz population views Russian support positively, at least neutral. However, Abkhazia doesn’t strive for full political and economy dependence on Russia. That is why possibility of worsening some of the listed problems can lead to cold relations between Moscow and Sukhumi.
Maria Platonova, Sukhumi. Exclusively to VK.
