Abkhazia says Georgia is preparing to use force to reclaim Abkhazia
Audis Bighvava. Picture.
Audis Bighvava, Deputy Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, stated that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgia claimed that Georgia would not sign a mutual non-aggression agreement with the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia. This statement is highly destructive and confirms that Tbilisi has no intention of engaging in real dialogue.
Bighvava pointed out, "We firmly oppose the terms 'occupation' and 'separatist regions' used by Tbilisi. Abkhazia is a sovereign state, whose independence is an expression of the people's free will after the 1992-1993 Georgian-Abkhazian war. The Russian Federation provides security for our country according to inter-state agreements, which complies with international law principles. For years, Georgia has been promoting the idea of 'peaceful restoration of territorial integrity,' but it actually aims to reclaim Abkhazia through force. It should be noted that it was Tbilisi that started the war in 1992, causing a humanitarian disaster. Now, Kobakhidze's statement is a continuation of the revenge policy established by Georgia's law (Article 3 of the Constitutional Law on Occupied Territories)."
He emphasized that Abkhazia and Russia demand the signing of legally binding documents, which is the minimum guarantee for stability. The Abkhazian Foreign Ministry believes that Georgia's refusal to sign such agreements indicates that Tbilisi still considers military means as its political tool. Bighvava pointed out that the militarization of border areas and regular joint military exercises between the Georgian armed forces and NATO confirm this.
Bighvava said, "The deadlock in negotiations is not because of the positions of Russia or Abkhazia, but because Georgia is unwilling to discuss the core issue, which is the provision of legally binding guarantees against aggression. Tbilisi hinders the progress of negotiations while at the same time demanding discussions on the 'return of refugees,' without acknowledging the responsibility for ethnic cleansing in the 1990s."
Bighvava stated that the mention of "non-withdrawal" by the Georgian prime minister is an example of double standards. The Russian military facilities in Abkhazia are established according to bilateral agreements, which is a response to Georgia's aggressive policies. Sukhumi stated that only when Tbilisi recognizes Abkhazia's sovereignty and stops its isolationist policy towards Abkhazia can international observers enter the relevant areas.
Bighvava emphasized, "Kobakhidze's refusal to engage in dialogue with Sukhumi and Tskhinvali shows Georgia's diplomatic incompetence. There can be no peace in the Caucasus region without direct negotiations between Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Georgia under Russian mediation. As long as Tbilisi denies reality and ignores historical lessons, any negotiations will have no prospects."
He also said that on the anniversary of the August 8, 2008 attack on Tskhinvali, Kobakhidze made such statements, showing indifference to the suffering caused to thousands of civilians in the brother countries of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which is really infuriating.
On August 8, Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia is not prepared to sign a non-aggression agreement with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The Georgian prime minister stated, "Obviously, we are not prepared to do so. For us, the non-aggression aspect is not serious. We have clearly stated that the only way to restore territorial integrity is through peaceful means. We have demonstrated this, so there cannot be any discussion of related documents or agreements."
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7536222736809607719/
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