By Vestnik Kavkaza
The third Russian-Abkhazian humanitarian forum “Abkhazia and Russia: Traditions and Modernity. Cooperation in favor of future generations” took place in Sukhumi on April 10-11th. After it finished, President of Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab gave an interview to Russian information agencies registered in the republic.
- The Russian-Abkhazian Economic Forum takes place annually; and now the third humanitarian forum is over. What do you think about such forums? Do you consider them effective?
- Of course they are productive. There is cooperation not only between our official structures, but also between social institutes, experts, professionals, youth organizations, students, and creative organizations.
- After the dissolution of the Union, economic crises, military conflicts, traditional ties became weak, but they are very important for the preservation, recovery, and development of the united native cultural space. We made many mistakes, due to objective factors, while the world was changing. Transformation brings either positive or negative tendencies. When we are together, it is easier to move in the right direction, to seek and find answers to numerous questions of our modernity.
The older generation should pass its positive experience on to the younger generation. So I think such forums are a very useful, effective instrument of achieving common goals.
- Tell us about implementation of the investment program for 2013-2015. What are the results of the previous Complex Plan of Socio-Economic Development for 2010-2012?
- The program is closely connected with the previous Complex Plan of Socio-Economic Development of Abkhazia, which required investment into 163 arrangements. As a result, 13 kindergartens, 21 schools, 2 cultural facilities and 5 industrial facilities were completely or partially reconstructed. Reconstruction of roofs on 1034 residential buildings was provided. 142 elevators were modernized. 85 km of republican roads and 60 km of local roads were repaired. 188 buses for population and tourists were bought. 10 sports grounds were built.
As for the Investment Program for 2013-2015, five hospitals will be reconstructed by the end of the year within its framework. The rehabilitation centre for disabled children, 12 kindergartens, schools, 7 cultural facilities, including the Abkhaz State Theatre and the Russian State Drama Theatre, the capital stadium, 3 sports schools, 2 health and sports complexes, 14 sports grounds, 25 playing grounds will be constructed and reconstructed. There is a wide-scale work which we couldn’t provide without Russia’s support.
- What is your appraisal of the situation in Ukraine and the merger of Crimea into the RF? Some experts and politicians compare the situation in Crimea with the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
- The process is very sad. Ukraine as a state is collapsing in front of us; national radicalism reigns; people are suffering. This is a lesson for everybody.
As for Crimea, I have already expressed my opinion. We welcome the merger of the peninsula into Russia. It is fair from any point of view. Russia has had returned its integral part, a territory which was lost for a while. This is the difference between Crimea and Abkhazia. And there could be no comparisons.
- Recently, the 27th round of Geneva discussions on security in the South Caucasus has ended. What are the results of the last round? Is it reasonable for Abkhazia to take part in them?
- We believe that the Geneva process is not effective for reaching significant progress. However, it is the only international platform where we have an opportunity to talk to European diplomats directly and prove our correctness.
- Tbilisi stated that it would insist on access of representatives of the Mission of Observers of the EU in Georgia to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. What does the leadership of the republic think about that?
- Our position on this issue is well-known. It won’t change. There is no point in the presence of the EU observers. Moreover, the EU and its institutions are very dependent.
- Tourist operators predict that this year the tourist flow will reduce in Crimea and increase in the resorts of Krasnodar Territory and Abkhazia. Does Abkhazia have the capacities to welcome more tourists than usual?
- Today 83 resort facilities are able to welcome tourists in Abkhazia. Despite all the difficulties, the industry is developing, even though at a slower pace than we want. We are not competitors of the Crimean resorts, as we have different peculiarities.
Our tourists will come to us. There is demand for Abkhazia in the upcoming season. According to results of the Moscow international tourist exhibition, the demand is a bit higher than last year. We prepare and try to correct previous drawbacks.
We have a good pace of construction of private hotels, which have become popular. From July to September demand is higher than supply, and it is difficult for individual tourists to find a room in hotels. So we have a lot of work.
- At the moment a law granting the right to purchase property in Abkhazia to foreigners is being developed. The previous legislation was aimed at protecting the interests of the local population and providing migration security. Are there such defense mechanisms in the new draft? Do you consider the experiences of other countries?
- Of course we do. And there are defense mechanisms. We suggest purchasing of primary housing without getting citizenship. Thus, a Russian citizen could legally purchase an apartment, but he won’t have the rights or duties of an Abkhazian citizen.
We cannot ignore the obvious thing: more than two thousand illegal deals took place. Our goal is to eliminate the shadow housing market and benefit from this.
Don’t you think it is weird that a foreigner can legally buy a hotel or a resort in Abkhazia, but has no right to buy a flat? I am sure the rights of the local population won’t be discriminated against if a Russian citizen buys a flat.
The other question is the land issue. Our country has a small territory. So land is not for sale in Abkhazia. Not only do foreigners have no right to purchase it, but also citizens of Abkhazia. Only rent is possible.
- The mass media and bloggers express various views on relations between Moscow and Sukhumi. What can you say about Russian-Abkhaz relations at the moment?
- Our relations are based not only on intergovernmental legal acts which cover the whole variety of mutual interests. I am satisfied with the positive dynamic. Russia continues providing Abkhazia with invaluable socio-humanitarian and economic aid. It would be impossible without good relations.
Moreover, we have close contacts with the Russian leadership, we conduct regular consultations on all important issues directly or at the level of special envoys.
- Is reconstruction of an international railway service and flight connection planned, as well as development of port infrastructure?
- These problems are always discussed with our Russian partners. However, there are objective obstacles for their realization. For example, as for light connection with Russia, the ICAO creates certain obstacles.
As for a railway service, it is open. There is a train running between Sukhumi and Moscow regularly. At the same time, there is demand for a cargo railway service. It is reasonable to open railway routes between Abkhazia and major Russian cities, for example, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, and so on.
We will discuss this, as well as the problem of extension of the shipping service. Last year the sea link between Gagra and Sochi was very popular.
- Do you plan to reorganize or reduce the Military Forces of Abkhazia?
- We have already reorganized the army. We actively cooperate with the Russian Defense Ministry in this sphere. We are provided with aid in methodological and practical aspects. It is very useful. Thus, we plan no reduction of the army.
- Last year the Abkhazian government and the Russian Independent Oil and Gas Company signed a cooperation agreement in the sphere of exploration for and production of oil and gas in the republic. Why do you need one more oil company in Abkhazia?
- It will work on the sea shelf; another company will work on land.
- Do you plan to fulfil any radical economic reforms in the republic?
- No, we don’t. The population, the subjects of economic activity are not able to pass through radical reforms. You should realize the peculiarities of the situation in the country. I mean the infrastructure, restricted foreign economic ties due to not-full recognition of Abkhazia’s independence.
