Spartak Zhidkov, Abkhazia. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
A session of the organization of veterans of the war for independence took place in Sukhumi on June 27th. It was decided to reorganize the socio-political movement into a party. The session of Amtsakhara was considered as a reaction to demonstrations of the opposition in February and March. In April, regional conferences started to be held. During this time the leadership of the party, United Abkhazia, turned into the opposition, and supporters of President and the government began to leave it. Many people thought that Amtsakhara was intended to become “the pro-government party.” But this would be too simple.
The movement of Amtsakhara was founded in March 1999 as a union of veterans of the war against Georgia. The leaders of the veterans didn’t exclude the possibility of taking part in politics. Initially Amtsakhara supported centrist positions and wasn’t actually involved in the struggle against the authorities, which was provided by the leadership of the opposition, including Alexander Ankvab. The opposition used to consider the veterans’ movement pro-government; moreover, its initiator Sergey Dbar took a position of an aide in the presidential administration. However, at the second session in April 2001 the veterans shifted to heavy criticism of numerous negative phenomena. They chose an original tactics: from the very beginning they distanced from other Abkhazian parties and movements and didn’t support radical demands. However, Amtsakhara said its firm word in a crucial moment.
The organization which united participants of the war was more popular among people than any civil party. Notwithstanding military ranks and awards, all members of the organization were considered defenders of the republic. That is why in the parliamentary elections in spring 2002 candidates from Amtsakhara, starting from Sergey Dbara, achieved victory. When an Abkhazian voter doubted whom to vote for (as election programs had few differences), he or she voted for a participant of the war. Thus, Amtsakhara unexpectedly got a half of mandates in the parliament.
Meanwhile, in the early 2000s the socio-political crisis in Abkhazia reached its climax, and the majority of the veterans naturally appeared in the opposition. By the moment of the presidential elections in October 2004 Amtsakhara, i.e. the majority of the parliament, became the opposition and supported Sergey Bagapsh against pro-governmental Raul Khadzhimba.
In the elections 2004 and later Amtsakhara has always supported Bagapsh and his successor – Ankvab. Some politicians tried to predict military overturn in Abkhazia before the victory of Bahapsh’s team. But the veterans of Amtsakhara gained popularity and trust of people because they had always follow the law, stood for order, and never committed offences. The leaders of the organization didn’t strive for top positions and power.
After the defeat of Khadzhimba’s team two more veterans’ organizations were established in the republic – Aruaa (Warriors) and Nartaa and Abaash. But they couldn’t compete with Amtsakhara.
To be continued
