Andrei Areshev: We have to be ready for diplomatic games around 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.