Georgia’s currently Russian-occupied Abkhazia region “faces no risk of losing its sovereignty”, its new de facto leader, Badra Gunba, has insisted, citing “close relations with Russia as a guarantee of its independence”.
Speaking to the Russian news agency TASS this week, Gunba claimed the people of Abkhazia had “already determined their future as an independent state and that Moscow had supported this decision”.
His comments come amid controversy surrounding an investment agreement between the breakaway Abkhazia and Russia, which had sparked public outcry. Gunba confirmed that the agreement would no longer be implemented in its original form following widespread discontent within Abkhazia.
“If society says that we do not need such an agreement, then as a responsible person, it is necessary for me to listen to the opinion of our people,” he said. “I have on my own initiative appealed to my Russian colleagues not to make such decisions in this form. Our Russian colleagues should be understanding about this issue, and the investment agreement will no longer be in this form.”
Gunba revealed that while serving in his current capacity, he had reached out to Russian authorities in an effort to address concerns over the agreement, which had provoked strong reactions among Abkhazian citizens.
“[This agreement] caused mass emotions and indignation among citizens in our country. I believe that this issue was partly politicized, and partly it was influenced by the fact that the executive authorities were unable to fully convey to the public the positive aspects that were included in the agreement,” he added.
Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia, has remained heavily reliant on Russia since Moscow declared its independence following the 2008 war with Georgia. Moscow is one of the few international backers of its self-proclaimed sovereignty, though most of the world continues to recognise Abkhazia as part of Georgia.
