Georgian PM calls Russia’s halt on occupied Abkhazia funding “interesting, sensitive’ development

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday characterized Russia’s recent decision to halt social funding for Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia region as both an “interesting” and “sensitive” development.

Sergey Shamba, the de facto Foreign Minister of Abkhazia, confirmed this week that Russia had ceased its social funding for the region effective September 1, “affecting doctors, teachers, security forces, and others”.

He attributed the move to the de facto authorities’ non fulfillment of specific obligations demanded by Moscow.

Russia’s demands included the ratification of an agreement on the recognition and enforcement of court and arbitration decisions concerning economic matters. Additionally, the de facto government was expected to implement agreements related to investment projects by Russian legal entities in Abkhazia and lift restrictions on Russian investors in the commercial real estate market, particularly in relation to apartments.