The de facto foreign minister of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region, Oleg Bartsits, has called on Tbilisi to repeal its Law on Occupied Territories and to sign a formal pledge on the non-use of force – steps he claimed were “essential for any improvement in relations”.
Speaking to Russian media, Bartsits said Tbilisi’s recent remarks about normalising ties with Abkhazia, and other occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions, and Russia “must be matched by concrete actions”.
“We are hearing statements from the Georgian leadership about their desire to improve relations with their main neighbours – Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and the Russian Federation. These statements do not escape our attention, but practical confirmation is needed,” he said.
Bartsits criticised Georgia’s Law on Occupied Territories, which restricts access and engagement with the regions, calling it outdated and unfit for the present context.
“In my opinion, several steps can be taken for this, including the repeal of the Law on Occupied Territories, which cannot withstand any criticism and the test of time. We must take into account the current reality,” he claimed.
He also urged the Georgian government to sign an agreement on the non-use of force, stressing that such a commitment was a “necessary foundation for further dialogue”.
“The second thing that is very important, and we will draw the attention of our colleagues to this in the Geneva format negotiations, is the signing of an agreement on the renunciation of the use of military force. After that, we can talk about other issues,” Bartsits added.
Tbilisi has consistently rejected calls to amend or repeal the law, citing its obligations under international law.
