New realities of Abkhazia

A round table discussion on the new realities of Russian-Abkhazian
relations has taken place in Moscow (http://www.vestikavkaza.ru/video/?ID=43400). The president of the World
Congress of the Abkhaz-Abaza People, co-chair of the Russian Congress of
Peoples of the Caucasus, Taras Shamba, a researcher of the Institute of
Political and Social Research of the Black Sea-Caspian region, Andrei
Areshev and coordinator of the working group of the Centre for the study of the
Caucasus, Central Asia, the Urals and the Volga region of the Institute for
Oriental Studies, Alexander Skakov, expressed their views on the prospects
of development of relations between Moscow and Sukumi. Vestnik Kavkaza has
decided to give the floor to all three experts. In the following article
Taras Shamba talks about the issues of independence, the Diaspora, borders and citizenship.

On Presidential Elections

The elections which took place were very democratic. All the observers,
more than 100 representatives from different countries, civil society and
democratic organizations have noted their transparency and civility. I
believe that these elections will once again demonstrate to the world that
Abkhazia is a democratic state.

On Russian-Abkhaz relations

Abkhazia and Russia have always had close demographic, political, economic
and religious relations. Abkhazia objectively gravitates to Russia in all
spheres - in politics, defense and culture. Abkhazia understands that its
prosperity, security and development largely depend on Russia.

On the necessity of recognizing Abkhazia

Double standards have always existed and always will exist in politics. Let
us say, the European Council has no objection to establishing trade-economic
and humanitarian ties between the European countries and Abkhazia. Abkhazia
has a blessed land, climate and geography, and is able to produce a number
of useful things. Thus, businessmen from Germany, France, Italy and
Switzerland come to Abkhazia. Israel has repeatedly sent delegations.
They want to cooperate with us, but without recognizing us.

I have recently learned (it was so ridiculous), that the US Senate calls on
Abkhazia to recognize Georgia's territorial integrity. To raise this
question means not to know the history, not to understand today's realities. Or it is mere arrogance, similar to the adage: "one has
strength and does not need a reason."

Anyway, the links and contacts already acquired by Abkhazia have great
prospects. The fact that Abkhazia has been recognized only by a few people is
widely speculated upon. Recognition is needed in order to ensure travel abroad with Abkhaz passports. However, more than eighty percent of the
population of Abkhazia, fortunately, have Russian passports, which they can
use around the world.

It is said that Russia has invaded Abkhazia. There are many people
speculating on this issue, including Georgia. But the same Americans have
138 military bases in the world, including Britain, Germany and Italy.
Nobody says that these states are occupied. And when three thousand Russians
protect the security and statehood of Abkhazia, people refer to them as
occupants. There is no logic there.

On the Abkhaz Diaspora

Abkhazians abroad are under pressure from western intelligence services
of their countries of residence, and this is why the Diaspora is splitting.
In Turkey, I had to separate the Abkhaz Diaspora from other Caucasian
Diasporas, because of the hard pressure. The Diaspora is used in order to
pressurise Russia, which has carried out a "genocide" against the peoples of
the Caucasus. Although the historical facts testify this is not true. The Adyg
Diaspora, as well as the Abkhaz and all the other Caucasian diasporas, are
being used in order to direct them against Russia and Russia's policy in the
Caucasus.

Recently, the State Duma held a meeting in order to establish a connection
with the representatives of the Caucasian Diaspora and members of parliaments
of their countries of residence such as Turkey, Syria, Jordan, the United States
and Europe. There is no systematic work with these Diasporas, although it is
much needed. Of course, this is not an easy job, not a simple matter,
considering the fact that Russia's authority is being undermined in all areas. But I think that common sense will finally prevail.

On citizenship

There is dual citizen. Those Russian citizens who are willing to take
Abkhaz citizenship have received it. During the elections we established a
polling station in Moscow, and a lot of people came to vote, not only of
Abkhaz nationality - there were Georgians, Russians, Armenians, and Greeks.
They had Abkhazian passports and they voted.

It is easy to become an Abkhaz citizen. You have to write a statement, it
will be considered and the problem will be solved. There is a commission under
the president of Abkhazia that reviews each application. I personally
reviewed the application of some Russian citizens who wanted to become Abkhaz
citizens, and ultimately the commission decided to give them
citizenship.

On tourism in Abkhazia

Back in Soviet times, Alexei Kosygin wanted to build a ski resort in
the Gagra mountains. He initiated the construction of cable cars. Only
thirty minutes separate the sea from the mountains. We have tremendous
opportunities.

And now? Why is there is no road connecting the North Caucasus and Abkhazia?
Because people are not interested in it. The Russian army has build 30
bridges in Lebanon in one month. But there has been no bridge across the river
Psou already for 10 years. Even the current bridge has been closed for
repairs. We need to work on all fronts in order to improve the economy of
Abkhazia, to make it transparent, to allow people to get to know it better
and then investments will be guaranteed.

On borders
I am the member of the Public Council of North Caucasus Federal District.
The situation in the Caucasus is terrible. There e are terrorist attacks
every day, many are unemployed, there are many problems, and it creates a
huge negative impact which we are all facing at the moment.